Blissfully Domestic » Entertainment

What to Expect When You’re Expecting – The Movie

Jace Shoemaker-Galloway — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:15:08 +0000

If you or someone you know is expecting a baby in the near future, chances are pretty good you’ve wondered what pregnancy, giving birth and parenthood is really like. But despite how much you prepare, how many classes you take and how many informative books you read, you probably won’t know what to expect unless you’ve gone through it before. And even if you’ve had one or more children, each pregnancy and birth is different.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting

The highly anticipated film, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” follows the interconnected lives of five fictional couples and their challenging journey through pregnancy and parenthood. The all-star cast features Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Brooklyn Decker and Elizabeth Banks along with fictional baby daddies’ Chace Crawford, Matthew Morrison and Chris Rock.

The romantic comedy showcases the hilarious trials and tribulations and ups-and-downs of pregnancy. Expect the unexpected when it comes to raging hormones, mood swings, cravings, body changes and more. Holly (played by real life mama, J-Lo) even shares her feelings about the adoption process in an online blog. Be sure to check out the films’ Dude Group and the movie’s soundtrack.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting 4^th Edition Book

Based on the New York Times Best Seller pregnancy guide written by Sharon Mazel and Heidi Murkoff, the book was named #19 on the USA Today’s 25 Most Influential Books of the past 25 years! And with sales over 32 million worldwide, it is estimated that more than 90 percent of pregnant women have read it!

Rated PG-13, the film is “due” to hit theaters on May 18, 2012.

Image courtesy of Marcos Santos

Springtime Movies

fourformom — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:13:41 +0000

Spring is in the air, love is in the air… I have packed away the Christmas movies (after prying them from the kids’ hands). Not quite ready for the hot lazy heat of Summer, I have compiled a list with some great Springtime scenes, that capture the hope and optimism associated with Spring. Here is a list of movies filled with scenes outdoors in the shimmering sun amidst fields of flowers and green grass.

Springtime Movies

A League of Their Own

Nothing says Springtime quite like baseball does and A League of Their Own is not just any old baseball movie. Tom Hanks, Madonna, Geena Davis and Rosie O’Donnell flourish under the skilled directing of Penny Marshall in this film that gives a heartwarming history of the first female professional baseball league.

Barefoot in the Park

This movie will always make my personal Top 100 list. Robert Redford and Jane Fonda play a newly married couple in the film written by Neil Simon. The shots of Greenwich Village and the rest of New York City are an excellent backdrop to the love and hope they feel at the beginning of their marriage (despite the often amusing struggles that come their way).

Last Minute Gift Ideas For Any Mom

Kat — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:56:27 +0000

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, you could still be at a loss as to what to get your Mother. Whether it is a new Mom, a seasoned Mom or a new Mom-To-Be, this list will give you great ideas for any Mom in your life!

Moms-To-Be: Kindle offers educational books and apps as well as ideal entertainment to get all Moms-to-be through pregnancy.

Apps—BabyBump Pregnancy, Pandora

Books: “Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth” by Jenny McCarthy , “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff or “15,000 Baby Names” by Bruce Lansky

Accessories—Verso Clip-On Reading light for Kindle

New Moms: Make sure Mom never misses a milestone with the Kodak Gallery app, help ease her mind with the best parenting books, and make meals in a flash with Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals.

Apps—Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals, Kodak Gallery

Books: “The Big Books of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries” by Michele Borba or “The Curious George Complete Adventures: 70^th Anniversary Edition” by H.A. Rey

Accessories—Decalgirl Kindle Fire Skin – Above the Clouds

The Heroes Project

Kat — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:06:23 +0000

In 2009, Tim Wayne Medvetz started The Heroes Project, a foundation dedicated to raising funds to help wounded warriors climb the world’s highest peaks and find a renewed purpose in their lives. The foundation is predicated on the idea that we can make a difference and change the lives of our wounded veterans, soldiers, and their families – one soldier, one veteran, one family at a time (http://www.theheroesproject.org).

The Heroes Project works with the veterans, solider and military families community on all levels. Its mission is to improve the care and protection of heroes through individual support, community empowerment and systemic change. The core work of the Heroes Project includes three initiatives:

Climbs for Heroes - Under the leadership of Tim Medvetz, the Heroes Project supports climbing programs for wounded soldiers and veterans. After a serious accident left Tim injured and in long term physical therapy, he vowed he would climb to the summit of Mt. Everest, which he ultimately did in 2007. The comeback Tim experienced in conquering that challenge transformed his life. It also inspired him to share the challenge and triumph with those who need it the most – wounded warriors – which he has done in a volunteer capacity. On August 16, Tim reached the peak of Elbrus in Europe with a wounded veteran. Tim is now planning climbs to the seven summits of the world, each with soldiers and veterans, as part of the Heroes Project. Video footage of the climbs will be used as part of advocacy and empowerment programs.

Hope for Heroes - The Heroes Project aims to encourage and expand community service programs that support our nation’s heroes. The Heroes Project promotes and augments the good work of organizations working with this community across the country.

Voices for Heroes - Finally, The Heroes Project plans to conduct media campaigns to highlight success stories in veterans care as well as conduct education activities to decision makers and the general public about the needs and successes in caring for veterans and military families.

You can check out their latest video highlighting some of their wounded warriors and giving them purpose.

Flicka and Get The Gringo – Two Must See New Releases

Kat — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:17:02 +0000

From the pages of Mary O’Hara’s popular novel My Friend Flicka, the year’s most inspiring coming of age story arrives just in time for Mother’s Day when Flicka: Country Pride gallops on to Blu-ray and DVD May 1 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Directed by Michael Damian (Flicka 2, Marley & Me: The Puppy Years), Flicka: Country Pride stars country music superstar Clint Black (Flicka 2), Lisa Hartman Black (“Knots Landing”) and Kacey Rohl (“The Killing”) in a heartwarming adventure for the entire family.

When Toby (Black) takes on a job at a stable with Flicka in tow, the owner’s teenage daughter Kelly (Rohl), quickly bonds with the wild horse. A budding equestrian rider, she hopes to break Flicka for an upcoming competition, despite her mother’s (Hartman Black) disapproval. With the competition approaching, a rival trainer stealing business, and a growing fear they may be forced to sell the stable, Toby steps in to turn things around for Kelly and her mother.

Grammy Award® Winner Clint Black is one of country music’s superstars with over 20 million albums sold worldwide. Having written over 100+ songs including 23 #1 songs Clint is an active philanthropist overseeing numerous charities.

The Flicka: Country Pride Blu-ray and DVD has two behind-the-scenes featurettes on the making of the film and a never-before-seen music video. Available at 4,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide and in Canada, both the Blu-ray and DVD are now available for pre-order exclusively at Walmart.com.

43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards: April 24, 2012

Vicky Nicks — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:33:36 +0000

This year’s GMA Dove Awards will be held on April 24, 2012, in Atlanta Georgia. Are you ready for the glamour?

GMA Dove Awards: Past and Present

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove award ceremony was founded in 1969 – want a blast from the past? Here are some of the winners that year:

Song of the Year, 1969: ”Jesus is Coming Soon” by R. E. Winsett
Songwriter of the Year, 1969: Bill Gaither
Album of the Year, 1969: It’s Happening by Oak Ridge Boys

This year, the event will be held at the Fox Theatre on one of the many Peachtree Streets in Atlanta, Georgia. (It’s Peachtree Street NE – if you need help finding it, try the theatre’s directions.)

GMA Dove Award Nominees in 2012

There are so many amazing performers and artists nominated for GMA awards this year – we’ll just highlight the Vocalist Nominees for 2012. Check the GMA Dove website for a complete list.

Male Vocalist Nominees:

Chris August – Won 6 GMA awards in 2011, including New Artist of the Year.
Chris Tomlin – Has won 20 GMAs since 2005.
Jason Crabb – Has won 11 GMAs since 2004.
Kirk Franklin – Has won 14 GMAs since 1994.
Steven Curtis Chapman – Has won over 50 GMA awards since 1989!

What’s Next for Bones?

Meg Massey — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:40:34 +0000

Fox’s hit show Bones returned after a hiatus on April 2nd. In the episode, Brennan and Booth investigated the death of a man whose bones were found in a toilet, and in a sewer pipe. After further investigation, the Jeffersonian team learns that the remains belong to that of a man who was in a local prison.

Meanwhile, Booth and Brennan are fighting over where to have their baby. Booth wants to have their daughter in a Catholic hospital, but Brennan insists on a home birth. At the same time, Booth is upset that Brennan is insistent on staying in the field, even when their investigation takes them to a dangerous prison. As they close their investigation, after a confrontation between Brennan and the suspect, she announces that she’s gone into labor.

Soon Brennan finds herself giving birth in a stable, similar to the biblical story that, earlier in the episode, she referred to as a myth. But the moment that the two welcome their daughter into their world is one of the most beautiful between them on the show to date. And in the final scene, they bring their daughter home, where they are surrounded by their Jeffersonian friends. They also reveal their daughter’s name, Christine Angela Booth, a name honoring two of the most important women in Brennan’s life: her mother and her best friend.

Make Your Own Musical Instruments

Jace Shoemaker-Galloway — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:29:43 +0000

Whether you have an up-and-coming classical pianist or wannabe rock-and-roll star in the family, exposing children to a variety of musical instruments is a no-brainer. But like most things these days, the cost of purchasing musical instruments can be down-right costly.

Instead of watching television or playing a video game, why not get those creative juices flowing and make a few do-it-yourself musical instruments instead? Perfect for rainy days or slumber parties, these affordable craft projects are not only fun to make, but will encourage the family to recycle and reuse products you probably have around the house. The kids will be tooting their own horns and making music in no time flat with the projects listed below.

Note – Depending on the age of the children, parental supervision may be required.

Homemade Musical Instruments

Homemade Guitar – You’ll be the guitar hero in your house with this fun project from Busy Bee Kids Crafts. You’ll need a tissue box, paper towel roll, straw, paint and brush, scissors and rubber bands.
Drum – This banging project calls for an aluminum coffee can with plastic lid, yarn, felt, yellow construction paper, wooden dowels and foam balls. Drumsticks are included. Rock on!
Rhythm Blocks – The beat will definitely go on and on with this fun DIY project. You’ll need a couple of small wooden blocks, sandpaper of various grades, wood glue and paint.

Spring Movie Preview 2012

fourformom — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:25:15 +0000

I am undeniably a movie fanatic, so I can’t wait for all the movies scheduled to release this Spring. You will have a lot to choose from when you hit the theaters over the next few months and here’s a selection of titles sure to be hits on the big screen.

Spring Movie Releases

Wrath of the Titans

I love Liam Neeson. LOVE. In this sequel to 2010’s Clash of the Titans, the battle between the Gods and Titans rages on and Zeus (Neeson) starts to look even more like Rob Zombie.

Opens: March 30th

Mirror, Mirror

I cannot wait for this movie, as well as the darker version, Snow White and the Huntsman, due out June 1st. In this version of the classic tale Snow White, Julia Roberts plays the Queen and Nathan Lane her faithful servant – brilliant pairing. You’ll get Roberts in all her glory plus some fantastic costumes and watch out for Snow White’s eyebrows (think Brooke Shields in The Blue Lagoon).

Opens: March 30th

Titanic in 3D

Ahhh, I remember my very good friend in school wanting to see this over and over and I was not a fan BUT a whole lot of people are, so set sail (bring a life jacket) with Leo and Kate again – this time in 3D.

Opens: April 4th

American Reunion

The whole American Pie gang is back for one more slice of pie! (I’m sorry). They reunite for their high school reunion and take stock of their lives. Yes, this sounds like a lot of movies centered around 30 somethings, but if you are looking for some raunchy jokes and a good laugh – this will satisfy your craving.

Opens: April 6th

The Lucky One

Zac Efron … we meet again. I wrote a review of the High School Musical franchise last summer after I foolishly let my daughters watch and then learn the words to every song. I loathed you Efron, but when I saw the trailer for this movie, I reconsidered. Efron does smoldering, love-sick young man very well. Is this love story sure to induce crying like The Notebook (this movie was also originally a Nicholas Sparks book – his super power appears to be making everyone cry A LOT), yes but, it’s a love story and that means we will watch it. Bet on it.

Opens: April 20th

Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns

Kat — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:26:09 +0000

Peter Pan is back – but his shadow is missing! When Peter loses his shadow while playing a game of Catch-Me-If-You-Can, he returns to Never Land to seek help from his kid pirate friend Jake. Embarking on one of his most daring and exciting adventures ever, Jake and his kid pirate pals, Izzy and Cubby, along with lookout parrot Skully, must use teamwork to find Peter’s shadow and return it to its rightful owner. However, their mission is nearly thwarted by the fiendish Captain Hook, and his bumbling first mate Mr. Smee. But bravery and justice win the day and Jake and his Never Land pirate crew once again reveal what it takes to become heroes, in Disney’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns.”

Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns came to stores on April 3 and is packed with more value than ever before. The movie comes with over two hours of content on DVD, Jake’s first digital copy and a FREE in-pack Never Land Sword. It also includes bonus materials such as: “Yo Ho, You Ready to Find Jake’s Shadow?” – Taking a cue from Peter’s shadow, now Jake’s shadow has run off and disappeared. Help Izzy and Cubby find Jake’s shadow by discovering clues to where the shadow is hiding. Use Jake’s sword to help in your adventure. Learn about pirate lore along the way (just where did the name “doubloon” come from anyway?).

And just in time for Easter you can enjoy these free Easter printables! These printable activities include a Treasure Hunt, Pirate Crafts, Coloring Sheets, Easter Egg Crafts, and more!

Here’s wishing you and your favorite pirates a very Happy Easter!

We Bought A Zoo Available April 3

Kat — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:28:13 +0000

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) and starring Matt Damon (Contagion, True Grit), Scarlett Johansson (Iron Man 2, Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and Thomas Haden Church (Easy A, Sideways), WE BOUGHT A ZOO is “a sweet-natured tale…that you’ll want to see with your kids” (Liz Braun, Jam! Movies).

Benjamin Mee (Damon) is a Los Angeles newspaper columnist and adventure writer who, as a single father, faces the challenges of raising his two young children. Hoping that a fresh start and a new life will restore their family spirit, Mee quits his job and buys an old rural house outside the city with a unique bonus feature: a zoo named the Rosemoor Animal Park, where dozens of animals reside under the care of head zookeeper Kelly Foster (Johansson) and her dedicated team. With no experience, limited time and a shoestring budget, Mee sets out with the support of his family and the local community to reopen the zoo. Now, Benjamin is no longer reporting an adventure story; he’s living it in his own backyard.

Featuring an incredible musical score composed by Jónsi of the band Sigur Rós, the WE BOUGHT A ZOO Blu-ray is loaded with over 2½ hours of special features including 20 deleted and extended scenes, a gag reel, four behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentary with Director Cameron Crowe, star J.B. Smoove (The Sitter, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and Editor Mark Livolsi, and more. The film also features an English Family Friendly Audio Track that earned the Dove Seal of Approval. This movie is available for purchase and download on April 3, 2012.

Celebrate Easter With Little Angels

Kat — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:46:36 +0000

Discover the joy of learning and friendship with this season’s most heavenly new collection! From executive producer Roma Downey, “Touched by an Angel”, comes the first three volumes of a fresh, fun and inspiring educational series that children and their parents can enjoy together. Little Angels ABC’s, Little Angels Animals, and Little Angels 1,2,3’s are now available on DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Roma Downey stated, “For many years I had the privilege of playing an angel on television, bringing a message of God’s love to millions of Americans. As a mother, I have longed to be part of a project that would help to bring that same message to children by not only teaching them the foundations of education – but also providing strong examples of good behavior. Little Angels does just that. It offers critical learning skills through the lens of timeless and age appropriate Bible stories. I only wish this series had been available when my kids were younger!”

Little Angels is an animated DVD series that has been created for pre-school aged children to teach practical learning skills like ABCs and numbers. The series is presented in a captivating and entertaining format that will help parents teach their little angels a big love of learning while also providing hours of fun to enjoy together with exciting DVD extras.

40 Traditional, Classic & Contemporary Songs for Your Easter Playlist

Jace Shoemaker-Galloway — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:20:29 +0000

It’s hard to believe Easter is right around the corner! Seems like yesterday we were huddled by the cozy fireplace, sippin’ on a hot beverage and enjoying the relatively mild winter. But spring has sprung and it won’t be long before the Easter bunny will be hopping to your neck of the woods!

You’ll need some Easter music to go along with your fancy Sunday duds, colorful Easter eggs and that famous rabbit. Whether you prefer traditional, gospel or contemporary tunes, here are a few must-have songs for your family-friendly Easter playlist. Just click on the link to get a sneak-peak.

Easter Songs for Children

Peter Cottontail – Look out, here he comes!
The Bunny Hop – It’s time to do the hop!
Eggbert the Easter Egg – This song is from the Funny Bunny Easter Gang.
My Chocolate Easter Rabbit – Here’s another tune from the Funny Bunny Easter Gang.
Easter Parade – If you are of a “certain” age, this song may bring back memories.
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands – You’ll be tappin’ your toes and clappin’ your hands with this version from Mary Duff.

Hop Into Easter Books for Kids: Cute Pictures and Pop-Ups!

Vicky Nicks — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:50:36 +0000

Easter isn’t just about pastel-colored dresses, fluffy bunnies, and chocolate eggs – but those parts can be fun too! There are meaningful Easter picture books for your little ones that detail the true meaning behind the holiday, as well as adorable bunny-themed texts: choose the books that are right for your family.

The Resurrection: Christianity-Based Easter Books

Want to keep Easter by remembering the Resurrection? Try these board books for your little ones.

An Easter Gift For Me: This sweet book by Crystal Bowman gives a kid-friendly version of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, saying that, “He taught everyone to be loving and kind.”

What is Easter?: For slightly older kids, this book explains the meaning of Easter, but doesn’t talk down the more frivolous side of the holiday (fluffy bunnies, anyone?) for kids who just like to have fun.

Best Easter Basket Toys to Keep Kids Entertained

Meg Massey — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:04:44 +0000

Easter baskets are a tradition in most families, but sometimes it’s difficult to come up with fresh ideas that your kids will love. Have no fear! We’ve listed some items to add to your Easter baskets this year.

For preschoolers and toddlers:

Hello Kitty Easter Beanie Baby

Perfect for young girls(and even teenagers!) who love Hello Kitty. This adorable Beanie Baby features green bunny ears, making this item the perfect addition to an Easter basket.

Easter Weebles

Always a favorite for toddlers, this weebles 2-pack features a yellow chick and blue bunny.

Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked Cruises Into Stores

Kat — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:24:12 +0000

Everyone’s favorite chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, and their female companions, The Chipettes, have the time of their lives during a family vacation they’ll never forget in ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED, debuting on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download on March 27 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The hilarious live-action comedy will also be available as an exciting “Island Adventure” edition on Blu-ray and 2-Disc DVD, filled with tons of fun for the whole family to enjoy just in time for Easter.

The Chipmunks, Chipettes and their caretaker Dave Seville (Jason Lee; “My Name is Earl”) embark on a trip of a lifetime aboard the Carnival Dream cruise ship. Seeking fun and excitement, the Chipmunks turn the luxury cruise liner into their own personal playground. But the ultimate vacation quickly becomes a disaster when the Chipmunks, Dave and Carnival cruise pelican mascot, who turns out to be the chipmunks’ old manager, Ian Hawke (David Cross; Megamind), accidentally fall overboard and find themselves ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. Stuck in an unfamiliar territory, the six furry castaways are separated from Dave and must figure out a way to survive on their own for the first time in their lives.

The Voice: Season 2

fourformom — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:24:28 +0000

My favorite talent-centered reality show, The Voice, is back on NBC! Season 2 of The Voice has not disappointed. Thank goodness the premier aired after the Super Bowl because it lifted me out of my slump from watching boring commercials. I have really enjoyed the social media integration and getting to follow Adam Levine (and those other judges) on Twitter. Getting to hear their thoughts on the performances adds a layer of intimacy that the viewers never really get with American Idol.

The Voice has it’s flaws, it’s reality television after all. Is Christina Aguilera a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen? Sure. Does she seem eager to remind the viewers she can carry a high note? Sure, but she can sing, and when it’s time to get down to coaching her team members, she takes it seriously with honest feedback. All of the coaches on The Voice seem genuinely invested in the spirit of what they are doing, which makes it all the more appealing to watch.

Blind Auditions

The auditions this season were exciting and reminded me of listening to the radio growing up, when I was just learning to love music, and each song excited me more than the last and… “oh wait, I want to hear more of that!” My favorite audition was 64-year-old, Preston Shannon from Memphis, TN, and while he didn’t get picked, it highlighted why I love The Voice more than American Idol. Here is a 64-year-old man, who embodies everything Blues music is and does an energetic rendition of Wilson Pickett’s “Wait ‘til the Midnight Hour.” Did the judges not choose him because they could *hear* his age and they are all so competitive when picking team members that they were worried he wouldn’t help them win? Maybe, but I like that he even got a shot on the stage. Even Levine agreed, saying to Shannon, “man, you’re cooler than we are.”

Up Close And Personal with Under A Banner

Kat — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:04:26 +0000

The acoustic music of Under A Banner with its strumming, picking, drumming, percussion laced, minor key poetry set to huge quirky melodies is written and performed by Adam Broadhurst (guitars, vocals, keyboards, harmonica) and Jonathan Millington (drums, percussion) and the Bass Ghost. The two have been making music together on and off for the last 14 years. They met while Jonny was playing his Rogers drum kit in a rock 3 piece while Adam was strumming and picking an acoustic guitar upstairs at a local pub as a favor for a friend. It soon transpired that not only were their tastes and influences very similar but Jonny’s late father and Adam’s father were friends before they were born! They began a completely different musical incarnation, Under A Banner.

Their musical influences and inspirations are many and varied. Jonny has always been a fan of bands like Pink Floyd and Rush alongside more ‘rootsy’ acoustic material like Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell. Adam adores progressive acoustic material and was lucky enough to see the late Eric Roche play live once entirely by accident, an event which sparked a love affair with alternative tunings and big open acoustic sounds. Adam also listens to alternative music greats such as such as New Model Army, The Cure, Tool and Tori Amos. He states, “These people all have something in common – the ability to express a simple human idea or feeling in an a very original way. We both also like some more obscure international folk music. One group in particular – a Flemish group called Ambrozijn – are very powerful and original exponents in the art of acoustic composition.”

They hope the name ‘Under A Banner’ has a resonance and intimation with which people can identify. The notion being that music (or any art/statement) should say something, should speak to people and is central to what we do. They want audiences to be as emotionally invested in their music as they are invested in the music which has influenced them . Nature and its inherent ruggedness and beauty is also a theme which runs through their songs.

Favorite Irish Celebrities

fourformom — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:33:57 +0000

Well it wouldn’t be March if we didn’t all discuss our favorite Irish Celebrities! (If that wasn’t a thing before, it is now). I am a sucker for an Irish accent (and a British or Australian accent). These Irish Celebrities are more than just a pretty face and a super intriguing accent – maybe you didn’t realize, but Ireland is the birthplace of some very accomplished actors and musicians.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Bono

Bono (born Paul David Hewson), is arguably the most famous musician to come out of Ireland (Dublin to be specific), he’s also an activist, championing crusades to raise money and awareness to help end the spread of AIDS, world hunger and poverty … and he’s friends with Oprah. Bono has been the frontman for U2 for over 3 decades and they remain one of the bestselling bands of all time. He has four children with his wife of 30 years, Ali Hewson and lives in Dublin, when he’s not out crusading human rights.

Colin Farrel

Ahhh, look at that picture… what were we talking about? Oh right… Farrel hails from Dublin, and is famous for his roles in numerous blockbuster films (Minority Report, Phone Booth, The Recruit and Horrible Bosses to name a few) and perhaps infamous for his reputation as a Hollywood bad boy. Farrel has been divorced once (2001) and fathered a son in 2003, with then girlfriend … He currently has two films in post-production, according to IMDB.com, Seven Psychopaths (also starring Woody Harrelson and Christopher Walken) and Total Recall (also starring Bryan Cranston).

Four Must Have Family Classic Movies

Kat — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:54:52 +0000

Twentieth Century Fox recently released four unforgettable family films, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Aquamarine, Thumbelina and The Man From Snowy River on Blu-ray. These must have family classics feature talented casts and moving stories and would make great Easter gifts for the whole family to enjoy.

FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST

Starring a talented voice cast including Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, Samantha Mathis, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST is an enchanting story about taking care of the environment and the power of friendship, celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. There’s magic in the rainforest and it’s called FernGully! Deep in the heart of the forest awaits a paradise filled with tiny sprites, winged fairies and tree spirits who all live in joyful harmony. But when their home is threatened by humans, one courageous sprite gives her all to save it! FernGully is a fantastical adventure into a world you’ll want to visit again and again!

AQUAMARINE

Just in time for Easter, this fun feature starring Emma Roberts (Scream 4 and Valentine’s Day), Sara Paxton (The Last House on the Left and Malcolm in the Middle), and Joanna “Jojo” Levesque (Hawaii Five-O) is the perfect movie for any family to enjoy. It’s the end of summer and Claire (Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) have a major problem. In just five days, Hailey’s family is moving halfway around the world! These girls need a major miracle, and they get one in the form of Aquamarine, a beautiful mermaid who washes ashore in a late summer storm. Sweet but clueless to the ways of romance, she offers to grant the girls one wish if they help her find the boy of her dreams. But when they attempt to reel in the cute local lifeguard, the result is something none of them expect and they discover that sometimes what you wish for isn’t what you really want after all!

Saint Patrick’s Day Books for Kids

Vicky Nicks — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:53:23 +0000

Saint Patrick's Day is fun for kids! Image by Jasmaine Mathews

St. Patrick’s Day – sandwiched in between the frilly pink hearts of Valentine’s Day, and the pastel chocolate eggs of Easter, this shamrock-colored holiday is often reduced to a cascade of giggles and pinches for anyone who forgot to wear something green. There’s a lot more to Saint Patrick than leprechauns and pots-of-gold. So take some time this March 17th to read these Saint Patrick’s Day books with your kids.

St. Patrick’s Day Board Books

Babies are a lot more interested in bright colors and different textures than they are in leprechauns and pots of gold. These cute board books offer everything your little one could want for St. Patrick’s Day fun.

St. Patrick’s Day Bright Baby Touch and Feel: Roger Priddy’s board book has exactly what the title suggests – textures and images associated with the holiday. This one is typical of board books: short on plot, long on pretty.
The Story of Saint Patrick’s Day: Patricia A. Pingry’s take on this subject is great for reading out loud, and includes a tot-sized biography of St. Patrick in addition to showing common symbols associated with the holiday.

“Be Immortal” – Immortals National Campus Blood Drive

Kat — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:55:56 +0000

To celebrate the Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD release of the epic film IMMORTALS on March 6^th, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and America’s Blood Centers are organizing blood drives at 30 select universities across the country starting this week and continuing through March 9^th. Students and participants will experience Director Tarsem Singh’s visually stunning film, pick up exclusive IMMORTALS premium items, while donating blood at their local college campus.

Inspired by the sacrifice that Theseus made of himself to save mankind, the IMMORTALS blood drive event will help support the work of America’s Blood Centers to fulfill their mission to help those who are in need as well as encourage others to give.

Written by Charles Parlapanides and Vlas Parlapanides and Directed by visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall), the IMMORTALS Blu-ray is packed with must-see bonus features including an alternate beginning, two alternate endings, deleted scenes and an amazing graphic novel, creating the ultimate fan viewing experience.

Dates / Participating University & Colleges

· Feb. 21 – University of Delaware
· Feb. 21 – Feb. 22 – Mesa Community College
· Feb. 21 – Feb. 22 – University of San Diego
· Feb. 21 – Feb. 23 – Cal Poly SLO – Poly Canyon Village
· Feb. 21 – Feb. 24 – University of Central Florida
· Feb. 21, Mar. 2, Mar. 5 – University of Washington
· Feb. 21, Feb. 27, Mar. 7 – University at Buffalo
· Feb. 22 – Salisbury University
· Feb. 22 – Feb. 23 – University of Oregon
· Feb. 22 – Feb. 24 – Arizona State University
· Feb. 23 – Beloit College
· Feb. 27 – Feb. 28 – Billings & Rocky Mountain College
· Feb. 27 – Feb. 29 – Del Mar College
· Feb. 27 – Mar. 1 – University of Miami
· Feb. 28 – San Diego State University
· Feb. 28 – Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
· Feb. 28 – Feb. 29 – Louisiana State University
· Feb. 28 – Feb. 29 – University of Wyoming in Laramie
· Feb. 29 – Century College
· Mar. 1 – Case Western Reserve University
· Mar. 1 – University of Minnesota Bailey Hall
· Mar. 1 – University of the Pacific
· Mar. 5 – Montana State University
· Mar. 5 – Mar. 8 – Miami Dade College-Kendall Campus
· Mar. 6 – University of Florida
· Mar. 6 – Mar. 8 – Northwestern State University
· Mar. 7 – University of Minnesota Middlebrook Hall

For full details regarding these blood drives and participating center information, including images and campus drive updates, please visit the Fox Connect Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FoxConnect.

Additional drive photos, videos and other drive updates will be available on the Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Twitter page: https://twitter.comfoxhomeent, and the hashtag #immortalsblood throughout the duration of the program.

Top Three Ideas for Family Fun Night With Kids of All Ages

Vicky Nicks — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:42:06 +0000

So you’re trying to plan some more ‘quality’ time with your family, but there are only so many times you can play ‘Life’ without your teenager rebelling, your toddler wrecking the game board, and your spouse nodding off at the table. (Like, once, maybe.) Why not try something a little different, with these ideas for a family night that’s fun for kids of all ages. That means you too, Mom!

Get Active!

From Duck, Duck, Goose to Hide and Seek, run-around games are even more fun than you remember, and will have everyone from your three-year-old to your high schooler giggling in no time. Can’t remember how to play? I’ve broken down the basic rules for a few common games below:

Red Light, Green Light: At least three players – one person calls out ‘red light’ or ‘green light’ as the others race toward the finish line. When ’red light’ is called, everyone stops. When ‘green light’ is called, everyone runs. Whoever reaches the finish line first, wins.

Duck, Duck, Goose: Everyone sits in a circle on the floor. The person designated as the ‘goose’ walks around the circle, tapping every person on the head in turn, and saying ‘duck’ on the head of each person until he reaches the person he wants to designate as the next goose. When he reaches that person, he says ‘goose’ and runs, and the newly goose-tapped person runs after him. If the original goose is able to make it around the circle to the empty space in the circle before he’s tagged, he gets to sit and the other person is the new goose. If he gets tagged before he sits down, he remains the goose, and has to try again.

Hide and Seek: One person covers his eyes and counts while everyone else hides.

Simon Says: Simon calls the shots – any command that doesn’t include ‘Simon Says’ isn’t followed – and anyone who follows those commands is ‘out.’

Tooth Fairy 2 On Blu-ray and DVD March 6

Kat — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:55:07 +0000

The comedy with bite is back and funnier than ever, TOOTH FAIRY 2 arrives on Blu-ray and DVD March 6 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The one man comedy phenomenon Blue Collar Comedy Tour’s Larry the Cable Guy (Cars, Cars 2, and History Channel’s Only in America) sinks his teeth into this outrageous follow-up to the 2010 theatrical hit Tooth Fairy.

Larry Guthrie (Larry the Cable Guy) is a fun-loving dreamer with a serious mission: win back the love of his life before she makes a terrible mistake and marries the wrong man! In his attempt to get back on his long lost love’s good side, Larry visits the school where she works and make’s a horrible mistake… He accidentally tells a child that the Tooth Fairy is just a myth. Crushing the child’s dreams sets off a chain of events that are far more than Larry bargained for including being “sentenced” to become a Tooth Fairy or face having his memories erased for good…PLUS losing any chance of getting back the girl of his dreams! Larry is brought before a 500-year-old Tooth Fairy stuck in a 10-year-old girl’s body (played by newcomer Brady Reiter) for sentencing. The Tooth Fairy demands that Larry make retribution by temporarily serving as a Tooth Fairy and proving that Tooth Fairies really do exist. His mission? Larry must collect 20 teeth in 20 days. With his orders in hand, Larry embarks on a journey to prove the existence of Tooth Fairies and to win back the love of his life.

It’s tutu times the laughs watching Larry strut his stuff in pink tights and ballet shoes as he tries to prove he can git-r-done!

Filed with tons of heartwarming laughs for the entire family, the TOOTH FAIRY 2 Blu-ray and DVD includes five fun featurettes you and your family will not want to miss including the following:

TOOTH FAIRY 2 Special Features:

· Why Do I Lose My Baby Teeth?

· Return to Fairyland – Making Tooth Fairy 2

· Larry the Hairy Fairy

· Tooth Fairy 2 introduces – Crusher the Pig

· A Memory to Remember

DIY Entertainment Centers – Build Your Own Budget-Friendly Entertainment Center

Jace Shoemaker-Galloway — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:47:52 +0000

What could be more fun than gathering around the big screen television and hunkering down with a boatload of movies, favorite snacks and drinks? While those ginormous television consoles that took up half the room are thankfully a thing of the past, thin, lightweight and brilliant big screen televisions continue to be more affordable and mainstream.

Whether you are in the market for a newer and bigger TV or are perfectly content with your current model, finding that perfect entertainment center to house that big screen TV, Blu ray and DVD player, electronic components and large collection of movies has never been easier or more affordable. Why spend your hard-earned money on a ho-hum entertainment center when you can create the perfect custom-made, home theater experience that fits your family’s needs?

10 DIY Entertainment Center Projects & Tips

First things first. Before you start building your entertainment center, there are some very important basics to consider like your budget, available space and components.
Dennis Hartman walks you through the planning, designing and construction process of a DIY entertainment center project, from start to finish.
This simple, open-shelf entertainment center project is quite affordable – between $100 and $250.