Saturday, February 28, 2015

Review - The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag



It's hard to believe that The Berenstain Bears franchise started in 1962 and now has over 300 titles with 260 million copies sold in 23 languages! Sadly, the creators, Stan and Jan Berenstain, have both passed away, but their son Mike Berenstain has continued to write and illustrate more books, which now have Christian themes.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Book Blogger Hop: February 27th - March 5th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Do you like blog headers that are bookish or blog headers that are simply attractive?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

I don't care for the generic headers that appear on every other blog. I think a header should should stand out and give the reader an idea of what the blog is about.

Linky List:

DVD Review - Doctor Who: Last Christmas


Doctor Who: Last Christmas
Director: Paul Wilmshurst
Starring: Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Nick Frost
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 17, 2015
Retail: $14.98
ASIN: B00QHND1BO
Running Time: 60 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: DVD, Blu-ray

Review:

Now available to own on DVD & Blu-ray from BBC Home Entertainment is Doctor Who: Last Christmas. Paul Wilmshurst directed this 60-minute 2014 Christmas Special that stars Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth, Jenna Coleman as his companion Clara Oswald and Nick Frost as Santa Claus. Bonus Features include Behind The Scenes featurette and a commentary.

Set on Christmas Eve, schoolteacher and frequent companion to Doctor, Clara, is woken up by a loud sound coming from the rooftop. She rushes up to roof to find a sleigh, magical reindeer, elves and Santa Claus. Then the TARDIS appears and once again the Doctor needs her help. And, of course, Clara, hops in the TARDIS to go on another adventure.

The Doctor and Clara arrive at the North Pole, where they encounter a troubled group of scientists as their fellow colleagues have been attacked by a Facehugger-like creature. The aliens puts the victims in a coma, While the victims are dreaming, the aliens slow devours their brains!


Thursday, February 26, 2015

Death Wish Coffee Review



I believe all my blog followers already know that I love a good cup of coffee (or several), so it is probably no surprise that I'm once again reviewing another coffee brand.

This brand is called Death Wish Coffee! The company was founded by Mike Brown, a coffee shop owner, Saratoga Coffee Traders, in Saratoga Springs, NY. His customers kept wanting the strongest coffee and after doing some research he realized there isn't one. Therefore, he set out to make the "world's strongest coffee" -  DEATH WISH COFFEE!

Death Wish Coffee has twice the amount of caffeine than what is found in store bought brands. It has a dark roast blend from high grade coffee beans, which are Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic! It is available in 1 pound whole bean and ground bags as well as single-serve cups.


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Review - Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Enter the HEART OF ADVENTURE Sweepstakes from Author Dani Pettrey


Sabotaged
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 5
by Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House
Pub. Date: February 3, 2015
ISBN: 978-0764211966
Pages: 336
Buy Link: Amazon, B&N, Indiebound, Books-a-Million, Christianbook


Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.

Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.

Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

Review:

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Review - New You - Personality Change



I can hardly believe that it is nearly two months into 2015 already. It seems like I was just starting my New Year's Resolutions a few days ago. I guess time flies by when you are always busy.

DVD Review - Wolfcop


Wolfcop
Director: Lowell Dean
Starring: Led Fafard, Amy Matysio, Sarah Lind, Corinne Conley, Jesse Moss, Jonathan Cherry, Aidan Devine
Studio: Image Entertainment
Release Date: March 10, 2015
Retail: $27097
ASIN: B00O3UBFMA
Running Time: 79 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon
Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Video this Tuesday March 10, 2015 is the horror-comedy Wolfcop. Directed by Lowell Dean (13 Eerie), the film stars Leo Fafard (Corner Gas: The Movie), Amy Matysio (Lawrence & Holloman), Jonathan Cherry (Final Destination 2), Aidan Devine (Outlander) and Sarah Lind (Severed). Special Features include Film Commentary with Writer/Director Lowell Dean & Special Effects Artist Emersen Ziffle, The Birth of Wolfcop, Wolfcop Music Video, Film Outakes and Trailers.

Set in the small town of Woodhaven, Wolfcop centers on an alcoholic cop Lou Garou (played by Leo Fafard), who ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time late one night. He awakens to find a pentagram carved on his chest. He gets dressed and heads off to work, but quickly realizes that something is definitely not normal especially when his senses become heightened and his body hair begins to grow at an alarming rate.

While his pal, Willie Higgins (played by Jonathan Cherry), tried to convince him that he is now a werewolf, Lou doens't want to believe it, well, that is until Willie shows him video proof of the transformation. Now fully aware of what he is, Lou uses his new-found powers and a souped-up car to take a bite out of crime as Wolfcop!

DVD Review - MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC: ADVENTURES OF THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS



My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: Adventures Of The Cuite Mark Crusaders
Voice Cast: Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain, Cathy Weseluck, Nicole Oliver, Michelle Creber, Madeleine Peter, Claire Corlett
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Retail: $14.97
ASIN: B00P9UVCEO
Running Time: 110 minutes
Rating: TV-Y
Buy Link: Amazon, Shout! Factory

Review:

Arriving on DVD today from Shout! Factory is My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: Adventures Of The Cutie Mark Crusaders, featuring five exciting episodes - The Cutie Mark Chronicles, The Cutie Pox, Flight To The Finish, Pinkie Pride and Twilight Time. Bonus Features include a Sing-Along and Downloadable Wallpapers.

Hasbro's My Little Pony toy line has became a worldwide phenomenon in the 1980s, resulting in a feature film, television specials and an animated series. The newest animated series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic debuted on The Hub (now known as Discovery Family) in 2010 and has become a critical and commercial hit.

The Cutie Mark Chronicles (Season 1 - Episode 23) centers on Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo trying to earn their cutie marks. After failing to earn their marks through ziplining, they decide to ask the other ponies how they got their cutie marks.

The Cutie Pox (Season 2 - Episode 6) Apple Bloom finds a "Heart's Desire" flower that will release her special talent, but it backfires as it gives her the Cutie Pox.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Monday Morning Madness #52: Dumb & Dumber Sequel is Dumb!


I'm sick and tired of this cold winter weather. No joking, I'm literally sick with a head cold! I can't wait for spring to finally show up, though I dread having allergies. With me being under the weather, the weekend was an absolute bore. However, I did get caught up on a few DVDs that I needed to watch. I have two of the reviews written and posted already. Hopefully, I can get the third review published later today.

Has anybody seen Dumb and Dumber To? I purchased the DVD (it was cheaper than the Blu-ray) and watched it last Thursday. I watched the original 1994 film repeatedly during my teenage years and I'm one of the few that actually liked the 2003 prequel Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd. Despite reading many bad reviews, I was eagerly looking forward to the sequel. Let me just say that the Farrelly brothers tried a bit too hard, resulting in a half-way funny & uneven comedy. Don't get me wrong, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels did a good job reprising their roles and I thought Rachel Melvin was adorable as Penny, but the plot and the jokes could have been better written.

Another Jim Carrey film that I did enjoy was 2004's Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events, which is based on the same children book series by Daniel Handler. The movie was based on the first three books of the series and I thought it was a pretty good movie. Too bad the rest of the books were never adapted. It was announced back in November that Netflix is going to produce a series based on the books. This is great news, but I don't have a subscription to Netflix and I don't plan on ever getting

DVD Review - Sofia the First: The Curse of Princess Ivy


Sofia the First: The Curse of Princess Ivy
Voice Cast: Ariel Winter, Wayne Brady, Sara Ramirez, Travis Willingham, Darcy Rose Byrnes, Tim Gunn
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Retail: $19.99
ASIN: B00QXA0TNE
Running Time: 114 minutes
Rating: TV-Y
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD tomorrow from Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the full-length adventure Sofia the First: The Curse of Princess Ivy. As an added bonus there are three additional episodes - The Amulet of Avalor, Princess Butterfly and The Emerald Key. Plus, it comes with a Free Color-Changing Necklace.

Sofia the First has been a big hit on Disney Junior ever since it debuted in 2013 (the pilot aired in the latter half of 2012). The series follows an eight-year-old named Sofia (voiced by Ariel Winter), whom becomes a princess when her mother marries King Roland II. She also becomes the step-sister to Princess Amber (voiced by Darcy Rose Byrnes) and Prince James (voiced by Zach Callison). The King gives her the mystical Amulet of Avalor, which gives her the ability to communicate with animals and lets her summon other Disney Princesses when needed.

The Curse of Princess Ivy marks the third television- movie (about 45 minutes) and centers on Princess Amber learning about Sofia's amulet. When Prince Amber steals the amulet, it unleashes a curse that summons the evil Princess Ivy (voiced by Anna Camp), who plans on taking the crown and turning the entire kingdom black-and-white! Princess Sofia and Princess Amber must team up with Tangled's Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) to retrieve the amulet and stop Princess Ivy.

The Amulet of Avalor (episode 14) finds the thief Cedric stealing the amulet and Princess Sofia is on the hunt to retrieve it. Princess Butterfly (episode 19) centers on Princess Amber asking Cedric to magically make her a butterfly costume for the All Hallows Eve costume ball, but the costume will not come off and it is up to Princess Sofia to save the day. An Emerald key from the kingdom of Hakalo washes up near the castle in The Emerald Key (episode 38) and it is up to Sofia to find the key's true owner.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

DVD Review - Horse Camp


 
Horse Camp
Director: Joel Paul Reisig
Starring: Jordan Trovillion, Dean Cain
Studio: ARC Entertainment
Release Date: February 24, 2015
ASIN: B00QAE26MU
Running Time: 107 minutes
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD this Tuesday February 24, 2014 from ARC Entertainment is the teen/family drama Horse Camp. The film is co-written, directed & produced by Joel Paul Reisig and stars Jordan Trovillion (Jack Reacher) and Dean Cain (ABC's "Lois & Cark: The New Adventures of Superman"). There are no extras or special features on the disc.

Horse Camp centers on a shy teenager named Kathy (played by Jordan Trovillion), who has low self-esteem. Her father (played by Dean Cain) offers to send her to France for the summer. However, Kathy has other plans as she wants to attend the Black River Horse Camp for girls, but she is afraid to ask her parents' permission to go as her father was injured badly when he use to be in the rodeo. Eventually, she does get approval from her partents.

Upon arriving at the camp, she is instantly bullied by the camp's "mean girl" Stacy (played by Kristen Ryda, whom is also an associate producer of the film), which doesn't help her social problems at all. Luckily, she meets the kindhearted Lisa (played by Rahcel Sowers) and they begin a friendship that is until the popular girls take notice of Kathy's horse riding skills. Soon Kathy's attitude starts to change for the bad as she is determined to take the Camp Princess throne from Stacy.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Book Blogger Hop: February 20th - 26th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Is there anything that makes you not return to a blog or not want to look at it even for the first time?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

If a blogger hasn't written a new post in several weeks or months, then there's a good chance I might not return to that blog very often.

Linky List:

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Ultra-speed Cable Jump Rope Review


I haven't used a jump rope since my early elementary days, but I wasn't very good at it as I had two left feet. Despite the fact that I still have two left feet, I thought I would still try out the Ultra-speed Cable Jump Rope from Naturalico.

Jumping rope is a great cardio exercise that can workout your entire body (arms, core, legs). It can also increase your muscle strength and correct your balance.

This jump rope is a lot different than the ones I remember from my childhood. While the handles are still made out of plastic, the rope is made out of wire. It is an adjustable rope, so you'll need a pair of wire cutters to cut the wire the correct length based on your height. I'm 5'9" so I had to cut the wire quite a bit to get the correct length for my size.


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Blu-ray Review - The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya



The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya
Director: Isao Takahata
Voice Cast: Chole Grace Mortez, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Darren Criss, Lucy Liu,
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 17, 2015
Retail: $34.98
ASIN: B00PHSDS0E
Running Time: 2hrs 18mins
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:
 
Arriving on Blu-ray today, Tuesday February 17, 2015, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment is the critically acclaimed Japanese anime The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya. The film is produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Isao Takahata. The American dubbed version features the voices of Chole Grace Mortez, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Darren Criss, Lucy Liu, Hynden Walch, James Marsden, Beau Bridges, Dean Cain, Oliver Platt, Daniel Da Kim, George Segal, John Cho, Emily Bridges and Liam O'Brien. Bonus Features include: "Isao Takahata and His Tale of The Princess Kaguya" - 86-minute documentary on the making of The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya, Announcement of the Completion of the Film, Japanese Trailers & TV Spots and US Trailers.

The film has received a 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and has won several awards, including Best Animated Feature awards at the Toronto Film Critics Association, 40th Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, 35th Boston Society of Critics Awards, 36th Mill Valley Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, 8th Asia Pacific Screen Award and the 68th Mainichi Film Awards. It has been nominated for Best Animated Feature Film for the 87th Academy Awards.

Based on the Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya tells the story about a bamboo cutter Sanuki no Miyatsuko (voiced by James Caan), who discovers a miniature girl inside of a glowing bamboo. He brings the girl home to his wife, Ona (voiced by Mary Steenburgen), and names her "Princess." They are shocked when the miniature girl magically turns into an infant.

As the days pass by, Princess (voiced by  Chole Grace Mortez) grows extremely fast and before long she starts hanging out with the children in the village, whom gives her the name "Takenoko" (Little Bamboo)! She develops a close relationship with her friend Sutemaru.

DVD Review - The Homesman



The Homesman
Director: Tommy Lee Jones
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank
Studio: LionsGate
Release Date: February 17, 2015
Retail: $19.98
ASIN: B00PPGZMFM
Running Time: 123 minutes
Rating: R
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD and Blu-ray today is the critically-acclaimed western-drama The Homesman. The film stars Tommy Lee Jones (whom also co-wrote and directs the film), Hilary Swank, Grace Gummer, Miranda Otto, Sonja Richter and Meryl Streep. Special Features include 3 in-depth behind-the-scenes featurettes - Origins, Shooting The Film and Beyond The Western.

Based on the novel of the same name by Glendon Swarthout. The Homesman centers on a 31-year-old spinster, Mary Bee Cuddy (played by Hilary Swank), whom traveled from New York to Loup City, Nebraska Territory. She successfully runs a small ranch, but she has had trouble finding a husband as men rejected her because she is too "plain".

Hilary Swank ("Mary Bee Cuddy") stars in Lionsgate Home Entertainment's THE HOMESMAN. 

The land has been very harsh to the residents, and three women, Arabella Sours (played by Grace Gummer), Theoline Belknapp (played by Miranda Otto), and Gro Svendsen (played by Sonja Richter), have had an extremely hard life and all them have gone insane. One was raped by her husband, one lost her child to diphtheria and one even killed her own child. Reverend Dowd (played by John Lithgow) decides that the women should be sent to a church in Hebron, Iowa that takes in women with mental illnesses. At first he asks for one of the husbands to escort the women, but Mary Bee volunteers to take on the dreadful task.

Monday, February 16, 2015

DVD Review - Zombieworld


Zombieworld
Directors: Jesse Baget, Adrian Cardona, Rafa Dengra, Luke Asa Guidici, Phil Haine, Peter Horn, Jared Marshall, Cameron McCulloch, David Munoz, Adam O'Brien, Zach Ramelan, Paul Shrimpton, Vedran Marjanovic Wekster, Tommy Woodard
Starring: Bill Oberst Jr., José María Angorilla, Marc Velasco, Noé Blancafort, Salvador Llós
Studio: Image Entertainment
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Retail: $27.97
ASIN: B00P8LS666
Running Time: 101 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD on Tuesday February 24, 2015 from Image Entertainment is the zombie-bloodfest anthology Zombieworld. The film features short films directed by Jesse Baget, Adrian Cardona, Rafa Dengra, Luke Asa Guidici, Phil Haine, Peter Horn, Jared Marshall, Cameron McCulloch, David Munoz, Adam O'Brien, Zach Ramelan, Paul Shrimpton, Vedran Marjanovic Wekster & Tommy Woodard and stars Bill Oberst Jr., José María Angorilla, Marc Velasco, Noé Blancafort and Salvador Llós. There are no special features or extras besides the Short Film - "Marathon Apocalypse."

"There is nowhere to hide...nowhere to run.... the Zombie Apocoalypse has come, and our world now belongs to the dead! From Irleand, Canada, Australia, Europe and all over the U.S., the bone-chilling news reports tell the same gruesome tale - waking corpses terrorize and devour the living. Only a few desperate humans find the courage to stand and fight for their last chance at survival. But the hordes of undead keep coming, and there's only one thing on the menu - us."

Zombieworld centers on a worldwide zombie apocalypse and one of the last newscasters, Marvin Gloat (played by Bill Oberst Jr.), is determined to stay on the air and inform the world of the zombie invasion, despite the fact that he has been infected.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

DVD Review - Super Sentai Zyuranger: The Complete Series


Super Sentai Zyuranger: The Complete Series
Starring: Yūta Mochizuki, Aohisa Takayasu, Hideki Fujiwara, Takumi Hashimoto, Reiko Chiba, Shiro Izumi, Machiko Soga
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: February 17, 2015
Retail: $54.99
ASIN: B00P9UVC0I
Running Time: 1020 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon, Shout! Factory

Review:

One of the longest-running American children series is the Saban's Power Rangers, but not everyone knows that the franchise is an adaptation of the Japanese Super Sentai series; using the same costumes and weapons, as well as using stock footage. The Japanese version has never been officially released in United States, well, that is until this Tuesday, when Shout! Factory will release Super Sendai Zyuranger: The Complete Series, featuring all 50 episodes from the Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger series. There is also a bonus feature - "Power Progenitors: Super Sentai Zyuranger" Power Morphicon 2014 Panel.

Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger is the 16th installment of the Super Sentai series (1992-1993). It was later adapted as the first season of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which explains why the Yellow Ranger never wore a skirt. Despite some name changes, the villains are the same, though the American version dubbed the voices.

170 million years ago, five ancient human tribes coexisted with the dinosaurs, thanks to the protection that was provided by the Guardian Beasts, that is until the witch known as Bandora (MMPR's Rita Repulsa) starts a war with the dinosaurs to avenge the death of her son. She summons the Great Satan to help her kill off the dinosaurs and all the tribes. The Guardian Beasts was able to seal Bandora and her minions on the planet Nemesis.


Jump to the year 1992, when Japanese astronauts accidentally releases Bandora and her minions from their prison. Bandora invades Earth with her minions (Grifforzer (MMPR's Goldar), Tottpatt (MMPR's Baboo), Bookback (MMPR's Squatt) and Pleprechuan (MMPR's Finster)) and the Golem Soliders (MMPR's Putty Patrollers).


Upon the invasion, Mysterious Wizard Barza goes below ground and awakens the five Holy Warriors of Justice (Geki - TyrannoRanger, Goushi - MammothRanger, Dan - TriceraRanger, Boi - TigerRanger and Mei - PteraRanger) whom have been in suspended animation for over 170 million years. With the help from the Guardian Beasts (MMPR's Megazord), these five warriors become the Zyurangers and they will do anything to help save the world from Bandora.

Just as they start to adjust to life in the year 1992, Geki's long-lost brother, Burai - the DragonRanger, returns and is bent on destroying the Zyurangers!

Disc 1
The Birth
The Revival
Fight In The Land Of Despair
Reawaken, Legendary Weapons
Scary Riddles
Disc 2
Arise, Daizyuzin!
I Can See! I Can See!
Terror! Eaten In An Instant
Run! Prince Of The Eggs
Monkeys No More!

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Blu-ray Review - Big Hero 6


Big Hero 6
Director: Don Hall & Chris Williams
Voice Cast: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, T. J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans, Jr., Génesis Rodríguez, Maya Rudolph, Alan Tudyk, James Cromwell
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Retail: $39.99
ASIN: B00O4ZC57I
Running Time: 102 minutes
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday February 24, 2015 is Disney's action-packed adventure Big Hero 6. The film is directed by Don & Chris Wiliams and features the voice cast of Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, T. J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans, Jr., Génesis Rodríguez, Maya Rudolph, Alan Tudyk and James Cromwell. Bonus Extras include Fast! Theatrical Short, The Origin of Big Hero 6: Hiro's Journey, Big Hero Secrets, Big Animator 6: The Characters Behind The Characters and Deleted Scenes.

Inspired by Marvel Comics, Big Hero 6 centers on a 14-year-old boy, Hiro Hamada (voiced by Ryan Potter), who happens to be a robotics genius living in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo. Ever since his parents' died, Hiro, along with his older brother Tadashi (voiced by Daniel Henney), have been living with Aunt Cass (voiced by Maya Rudolph). Ever since graduating high school at an early age, Hiro spends his days participating in back-alley robot fights that is until his brother takes him to a cool robotics lab at the university and introduces him to several students, GoGo (voiced by Jamie Chung), Wasabi (voiced by Damon Wayans, Jr.), Honey Lemon (voiced by Génesis Rodríguez), and Fred (played by T.J. Miller). Tadashi shows Hiro his latest project - Baymax, a personal healthcare robot.

Hiro is determined to go to the same university and be a member of the robotics program, but first he must impress Professor Callaghan (voiced by James Cromwell) at the annual exhibition. He comes up with the greatest project - microbots, tiny robots that can linkup and it is a complete success. Suddenly, a fire erupts at the exhibition, forever changing the course of Hiro's life.


While still mourning the lost of a loved one, Hiro accidentally activates Baymax (voiced by Scott Adsit). The robot tries to cure Hiro's broken heart, but it can't figure out how to do that, so instead it follows the last remaining microrobot that leads across the city. Of course Hiro follows Baymax, where he discovers that someone had stolen his microrobots.

Warm Your Heart with These Valentine’s Day Reads

With Valentine’s Day nearly here, many of us are in the mood for love and romance. Of course you can always rent a movie, but films often gloss over the subtleties of relationships. With the written word you can not only explore the dynamic of relationships more effectively, but you are also able to fill in the remaining blanks with your own imagination. Plus, there’s something romantic about curling up with a good book.

So in honor of Valentine’s Day, grab yourself a box of chocolates and crack open some of these great YA romance novels.

The Here And Now by Ann Brashares 


From the author of the famed Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series comes a new novel – this time a departure from her usual fare. In The Here and Now,  Ann Brashares explores both romance and the current booming dystopian trend. It’s not what you’d expect from the genre, since it’s set in present day New York, a city which toes the line between utopia and dystopia. At the center of the story is Prenna James, an immigrant from the future seeking refuge from plagues. The immigrants are instructed to create no relationships with outsiders in order to avoid being outed as time travelers. However, Prenna meets Ethan Jarves and those rules fall to the wayside. With him, she questions her role both in this society and the future, and sets out to save a scientist whose life might improve the future.

Paper Towns by John Green 


Currently the writing sensation of the YA writing world thanks to his bestseller The Fault in Our Stars, John Green has yet another novel growing in popularity: Paper Towns. The novel follows two estranged childhood friends, Quentin and Margo, as they exact revenge on the people who have wronged them. Over the course of one night, the duo targets Margo’s cheating boyfriend, her ex-friend, and Quentin’s bully in a reunion that makes Quentin realize he missed having Margot in his life. The next day, though, Margo disappears. Her parents and the authorities aren’t concerned, claiming she’s run away before, but as time goes by Quentin becomes increasingly worried and starts to pick up hints Margot left behind. As he searches for her, he begins to develop feelings for the girl he’s afraid might not even still be alive.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks 


This now classic romance novel by Nicholas Sparks gained a huge surge in fame when it was brought to life on the big screen. Of course if you’re in the mood to cry you can easily watch the film on any

Friday, February 13, 2015

Book Blogger Hop: February 13th - 19th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Is there anything that makes you keep returning to certain blogs?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

I don't have too much time to visit very many blogs anymore, but there are few that I do read a few times a week. Typically, it is the types of books that the blogger reviews that brings me back. Plus, giveaways can intrigue me to return to a blog.

Linky List:

LEGO: DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League Blu-ray Giveaway!



Available to own on Blu-ray+DVD+Digital HD UltraViolet Combo Pack+Batzarro LEGO minifigure, is the action-packed LEGO: DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League!

Batman has joined the newly formed Justice League in order to keep tabs on Superman, a mistrust that is complicated by Superman’s clumsy – but well-meaning – clone, Bizarro. Bizarro’s creation of the Bizarro League has caused confusion amongst the world’s greatest Super Heroes, but an even greater and mysterious threat may force the Justice League and Bizarro League to band together to defeat evil.


Jen-Crush-Zarro-Mecca! Type in your name to reveal your Bizarro alter-ego - If you don’t like your name, press the refresh button or try again!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Tenantify Is a Lifesaver For Landlords!


While we are all waiting for the economy to get better, we're all trying to figure out how to make some extra cash. One of the quickest ways to bring in an extra income is to become a landlord. While you don't necessarily have to own an apartment complex like the Ropers did in the television series "Three's Company," you can easily remodel your basement or guest house into an apartment. However, some realtor property can be purchased at a low price in some areas, so you could just buy some houses and rent them out.


Once you do have some sort of apartment to rent, then you need to find the perfect tenant. You can just place an ad and accept the first person who responds to it as, sadly, some people do lie on their applications. While there are plenty of websites that let you do a simple background & credit check on a person, none of these sites will inform you of a tenant's current employment & income information. Therefore, you won't know if your tenant is telling the truth where they work or how much income they make. You'll never want to rent to somebody who can't pay their rent. 

The good thing is that there is a website called Tenantify that has the specific purpose to help landlords confirm their tenants' employment information. And I have even more good news - the site is free for landlords! Yep, you heard me right - it is free for landlords, though the tenants will pay $10-$15 after the verification process has been completed.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Cut! Review


It wouldn't feel like Friday the 13th without a horror flick, which coincidentally the horror-thriller Cut! will arrive in theaters for a one-week engagement (Feb. 13th-19th) at the Arena Cinema Hollywood this Friday. It will be available on DVD and VOD on Tuesday February 24. The film stars David Branes, David Rountree (whom also co-wrote and directed the film), Sam Scarbier, Suzie Lanier-Bramlett (Hills Have Eyes 1 and 2), William McNamara, Dahlia Salem, Gabrielle Stone, Chris Moir and Allen Maldonado. Produced by Psycho Rock Productions and Dog House Post, Cut! won BEST FILM, BEST DIRECTOR, BEST LEADING ACTOR, and the AWARD of MERIT for AUDIO at the 2014 Independent Film and Television Festival. It was called one of the one of the TOP 5 HORROR MOVIES of 2014 by Movie Rankings.


Cut! follows a wannabe director, Travis Simon (played by David Rountree), and his ex-con buddy Lane Hayes (played by David Banks) trying to make their own low-budget horror flick. They want to make the death scenes realistic, so they come up with a plan to have the homeless man (Sam Scarber) they hired as the film's killer to scare a prostitute (played by Dahlia Salem). Unfortunately for duo, the prostitute is murdered and they have to quickly dispose of her body.


While Travis has second thoughts about their film, Lane wants to continue filming, but he wants the death scenes to be more realistic, even if it means killing off co-workers, movie stars and anyone else that gets in his way.

Bloominous - The DIY Wedding Flowers

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.


Spring is just around the corner, meaning the birds will be chipping, flowers will be blooming and many of you will be planning your upcoming nuptials. Planning such a big event can be stressful with all the preparations that need to be made. If you don't live close to a big city, then your options for flowers are mostly likely limited. Luckily for those couples who do need flowers, there is a great site called Bloominous where you can order 100% Fresh Quality flowers and have them shipped directly to your doorsteps.

Bloominous was founded by Richard and his company makes affordable, beautiful wedding flowers for brides and grooms. He came up with the idea for Bloominous just a few months before his own wedding in November 2011, where he and his wife were trying to stay on a reasonable budget. At the time, Richard was working as a general manager at one of the largest companies in the floral industry, so he was well aware of how much flowers costs. He was expecting a budget for the flowers to be between $500-$1,000, but to his surprise, all of the florists that he and his wife visited gave a $2,000-$4,000 estimate for the flower arrangements.


His wife heard about the growing DIY trend, therefore they considered that the best way to save money was to make the flower arrangements themselves, but they thought that without the help of a florist, it was too daunting for them to take on by themselves. In the end, they ended up going with a florist, but wondered why there isn't an IKEA for wedding flowers out there.

Eventually, Richard pitched the idea of a IKEA florist to the DIY wedding online community and received positive feedback. Half a year after his wedding, he quit his job and started up his own business - Bloominous.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Subtle Earth Organic Coffee Review


It's no secret to my blog readers that I'm sort of a coffee nut. I can't function properly without at least two cups of coffee every morning. That being said, I'm always up for trying a new coffee brand.

I received a 2 lb bag of Subtle Earth Organic Coffee Medium-Dark Roast Whole Beans a few of days ago. This is the biggest bag of coffee beans that I have ever seen.

The Subtle Earth Organic Coffee is part of the Burke Brands LLC, which was founded by Darron J. Burke. The company grows, picks and process their coffee beans in Columbia. Through the Sharing Certified Program, they also have over 1,000,000 coffee trees in South America. They never use Robusta, past crop, or defective beans, but instead they use organic coffee beans. The company is also has been AIB Food Safety Certified and Certified by CCOF for Organic Production.

The Subtle Earth Organic Coffee is an Honduran coffee from the Marcala region. Cherries are composted and used as fertilizer. No harmful chemicals or insecticides are ever used. If there is a bug problem, the farmers will plant peppers as a repellent. All the coffee beans are roasted at the company's Miami facility.

DVD Review - Power Rangers Super Megaforce: The Silver Warrior


Power Rangers Super Megaforce: The Silver Warrior
Starring: Andrew M. Gray, John Mark Loudermilk, Azim Rizk
Studio: LionsGate / Saban Brands
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Retail: $14.98
ASIN: B00QFUG13E
Running Time: 92 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

The Power Rangers might be turning 22-years-old this year, but the franchise is just as popular as ever. The newest series Power Rangers Dino Charge just debuted on Nickelodeon over the weekend and the Mighty Morphin reboot feature film will start filming later this year., so fans have plenty of things to be excited about, including tomorrow's DVD release, titled Power Rangers Super Megaforce: The Silver Warrior, featuring four exciting episodes.

Power Rangers Super Megaforce follows five teenage Power Rangers - Troy (played by Andrew Gray), Noah (played by John Mark Loudermilk), Emma (played by Christina Masterson), Gia (played by Ciara Hanna) and Jake (played by Azim Rizk) who are mentored by the supernatural guardian Gosei (voiced by Geoffrey Dolan). An alien armada led by Prince Vekar invades Earth and the Rangers are the planet's only line of defense, but they'll have to upgrade their powers in order to stop Prince Vekar. The new powers give them the ability to transform into any past Ranger.

The episodes on this single-disc are:

Samurai Surprise - A new powerful monster, Matacore, is unleashed upon the city and the Rangers must rely on Jayden (the Red Samurai Ranger) and his Mentor Ji to help them defeat it.

Spirit of the Tiger - In order to defeat the monster Pacha Chamak, Emma and Jake must learn how to fight without their weapons. They seek training from the zookeeper Casey Rhodes (the Jungle Fury Red Ranger).

Silver Lining, Part 1 - The Rangers have their hands full when the Armada begins dropping off dozens of X Borg platoons, not to mention the new monster Gorgax. Out of nowhere, a mysterious Silver Ranger appears and helps them out.

Monday Morning Madness #51: Hector, the Walking Dead, Saul and Pocrastination

It looks like February is going to be a cold one, though the snow is almost completely melted away here. The weekend for me was utterly boring, though I did watch a couple of movies. Despite reading several bad reviews I went head and bought the DVD of Hector and the Search for Happiness starring Simon Pegg. I actually liked the film for the most part. Saturday night I watched Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise on HBO. It was really weird movie; not the greatest in the world, but watchable. Then of course I watched the return of The Walking Dead and the debut of Better Call Saul, which the latter was a lot better than I expected and I'm looking forward to watching episode two tonight.

My shoulder and back has been killing me for the past week, so I took a few days off from exercising. Now, I'm back at it as I restarted the TapouT XT workout program last night and I'm really sore this morning. I'll exercise later tonight in between Castle and the second airing of Better Call Saul. It seems that I have more energy at night anyway and I sleep better right after a workout.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

DVD Reviw - Steven Universe: Glem Glow


Steven Universe: Gem Glow
Voice Cast: Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno Hall, Matthew Moy, Kate Micucci, Tom Scharpling, Grace Rolek
Studio: Cartoon Network
Releae Date: January 13, 2015
Retail: $14.97
ASIN: B00OQRUACQ
Running Time: 132 minutes
Rating: TV-PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Available to own on DVD is Cartoon Network's Steven Universe: Gem Glow, featuring 12 exciting episodes. The original Pilot episode is included on the single-disc as an extra.

Created by Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe debuted on the Cartoon Network in November 2013 and it has received mostly positive reviews from critics. The series centers on four Crystal Gems (Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl and Steven), whom all draw their powers from gemstones. Steven inherited his gemstone from his mother. While Steven isn't helping the Crystal Gems, he spends his days in Beach City training to use his new-found power. 

The episodes on the disc are:

Laser Light Cannon - A red eye threatens the city and the only way to stop it is to locate the Laser Light Cannon.

Gem Glow - Steven's favorite brand of ice cream sandwiches, Cookie Cat, have been taken off of the market.

Cat Fingers - While trying out his shape-shifting abilities, Steven turns his fingers into cats.

Bubble Buddies - After protecting Connie from a falling rock, Steven magically creates a magic crystal bubble, but now he can't get rid of it.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

DVD Review - Clarence: Mystery Pinata



Clarence: Mystery Pinata
Voice Cast: Skyler Page, Katie Crown, Sean Giambrone, Tom Kenny, Roger Craig Smith
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Retail: $14.97
ASIN: B00OQRUAJ4
Running Time: 132 minutes
Rating: TV-PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:
 
Arriving on DVD this Tuesday February 10, 2015 is Cartoon Network's Clarence: Mystery Pinata, featuring 12 exciting 11-minute episodes. As an added special feature, the single disc set also includes the original pilot episode!

Clarence was created by Skyler Page and premiered last February after the Hall of Game Awards. The pilot was nominated for a Creative Arts Emmy Award. It has received high reviews from critics and animation fans.

The series follows a wholehearted boy named Clarence (voiced by Skyler Page during season one and will be voiced by Spencer Rothbell for the second season), who sees the good in everyone and everything. He spends his days going to school and hanging out his with pals, Jeff Randell and Ryan "Sumo" Sumozski. Most of the episodes focuses on Clarence and his pals setting off on an adventure or getting into some sort of trouble.

The episodes include:

Fun Dungeon Face Off - Clarence and Sumo try to help Jeff overcome his fear of germs by stealing his french fries.

Pretty Great Day with a Girl - After Clarence starts hanging out with Amy Gillis, the guys get jealous and start a pinecone war.

Lost in the Supermarket - Clarence goes grocery shopping with his mother.

Clarence's Millions - Clarence starts making his own money and distributes it to his classmates.

Jeff's New Toy - Jeff and Clarence argue about whether or not they should keep Jeff's new toy in the box.

Zoo - Clarence and Belson get paired up together during a field trip.

DVD Review - Remake Rewind: D.O.A. Double Feature



Remake Rewind: D.O.A. Double Feature
Directors: Rudolph Maté, Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Edmond O'Brien, Meg Ryan
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: February 3, 2015
Retail: $9.98
ASIN: B00QMWEHWW
Running Time: 181 minutes
Rating: NR/R
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Mill Creek Entertaining is releasing Remake Rewind DVDs this month, featuring the original and redone of several movies. One of the DVDs features the 1950 classic film noir D.O.A. and the 1988 remake of the same name. There are no special features or extras on the disc.

1950 film follows an accountant, Frank Bigelow (played by Edmond O'Brien), taking a vacation a much needed vacation. One night he stops by the nightclub "The Fisherman," and unnoticed to him, a stranger swaps drinks with him. He wakes up the next morning feeling a bit ill, so he visits a local doctor who informs him that he has been poisoned. The doctor gives him even more grim news - he has about 48 hours to live. With time running out, he is determined to find out who poisoned him and why.


The 1988 remake follows a similar storyline with a few twists, the film now follows Professor Dexter Cornell (played Dennis Quaid) finding himself being poisoned at a nightclub. With less than 36 hours to live, he goes to visit his soon-to-be-divorced ex-wife, Gail (played by Jane Kaczmarek), but he arrives just as she is being murdered. The killer knocks him out from behind. When he wakes up, he is surrounded by the police, whom all are convinced that he killed his wife.

Blu-ray Review - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day


Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Director: Miguel Arteta
Starring: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Retail: $36.99
ASIN: B00O4ZC4TW
Running Time: 81 minutes
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the family-comedy Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The film is directed by iguel Arteta and stars Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner and Ed Oxenbould. Special Features on the Blu-ray includes Alexander ...In Real Life; Snappy Crocs And Punch Roos: The Australian Outback Yard Party; Walkabout: A Video Diary; And The Delightful, Magnificent, Very Good Bloopers and the music video "Hurricane" by the Vamps.

Based on the children's book of the same name by Judith Viorst, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day centers on 11-year-old Alexander Cooper (played by Ed Oxenbould), whom always has a terrible, horrible, no good, bad day, every single day. He wakes up at midnight on his birthday and wishes that his family could have just one bad day, so they would know what he goes through every day. To his surprise, his wish comes true.

His father's, Ben (played by Steve Carell), job interview doesn't go exactly as planned. His mother, Kelly (played by Jennifer Garner), works for a publishing company and she had arranged for a book reading with actor Dick Van Dyke, but it goes horribly wrong. Alexander's older brother, Anthony (played by Dylan Minnette), has even a more worse day when he gets expelled from school and he fails his driving test. His older sister Emily (played by  Kerris Dorsey), an aspiring actress, gets a terrible cold on the day she is to debut as Peter Pan in her school's play. And for some reason his baby brother Trevor (Elise and Zoey Vargas) has a green marker all over his face.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Book Blogger Hop: February 6th - 12th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Is there anything that turns you off when you are reading a blog post? For example: two posts in one post such as answers to two memes.

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

Yeah, having two meme answers in one post can be a bit annoying as I feel like I have to comment on all the answers, even on the memes that I'm not participting in. Then again, I do understand that the blogger has limited time and putting two or more meme answers in one post can be a timesaver!

Linky List:

Blu-ray Review - 101 Dalmatians: Diamond Edition


101 Dalmatians: Diamond Editon
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wolfgang Reitherman
Voice Cast: Rod Taylor, Cate Bauer, Betty Lou Gerson
Ben Wright, Lisa Davis, Martha Wentworth
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Retail: $36.99
ASIN: B00OZLF4AG
Running Time: 79 minutes
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Getting the Diamond Edition Blu-ray treatment on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 is the classic Disney animation film 101 Dalmatians!

The film is based on the 1957 book by Dodie Smith, which was adapted to the screen by Bill Peet.  Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske and Wolfgang Reitherman co-directed the film, which was original titled One Hundred and One Dalmatians. It arrived in theaters in 1961 to critical acclaim and was re-released several times to theaters over the years. A live-action version was released in 1996, followed by a sequel in 2000. A short-lived animated series aired in 1997 and in 2003 the direct-to-video sequel, 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure, was released.

101 Dalmatians centers on a male dalmatian, Pongo, and his bachelor owner, Roger, whom run into a single woman, Anita, and her female dalmatian, Perdita, while out for a walk on the streets of London. Roger and Anita fall in love and get married and so do their dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita. The dalmatians eventually have their own pups, fifteen to be exact - Patch, Lucky, Rolly, Penny, Freckles and Pepper. (The names for the other pups are never mentioned in the film.)

Anita's old schoolmate, Cruella De Vil, is wanting to purchase all fifteen puppies, but Roger and Anita decide to keep all the dalmatians. Everything seems to be perfect for the family until the puppies are kidnapped...

Bonus Features include:

Thursday, February 5, 2015

DVD Review - Poker Night


Poker Night
Director: Greg Francis
Starring: Beau Mirchoff, Titus Welliver, Michael Eklund, Ron Eldard, Corey Large, Halston Stage, Giancarlo Esposito, Ron Perlman
Studio: XLrator Media
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Retail: $14.99
ASIN: B00PV09C6M
Running Time: 105 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD from XLrator Media on Tuesday February 10, 2015 is the crime thriller Poker Night. The film is written & directed by Greg Francis and it stars Beau Mirchoff, Titus Welliver, Michael Eklund, Ron Eldard, Corey Large, Halston Stage, Giancarlo Esposito and Ron Perlman. There are no special features on the disc.

Poker Night is set in Warsaw, Indiana and centers on a rookie detective Stan Jeter (played by Beau Mirchoff) and his nearly underage girlfriend, Amy (played by Halston Sage), whom are kidnapped and tortured by a sadistic masked serial killer (played by (Michael Eklund). Stan must use the knowledge handed down to him by his veteran officers, Calabrese (played by Ron Perlman), Bernard (played by Giancarlo Esposito), Davis (played by Corey Large), Maxwell (played by Titus Welliver) and Cunningham (played by Ron Eldard), so he can outsmart the killer.

The film was released on VOD on December 5, 2014 and received a limited  theatrical release on December 20. It received mostly negative reviews from critics and holds a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

3 Simple Tips to Eliminate Distractions while Writing


As writers, it is our job to think. But in the age of distraction, finding the ability to focus is becoming a lost art.

I have worked as a writer for home for seven years. During that time, I’ve found a few tips and tricks that help me focus, eliminate distractions, and become a better writer.

Make Time to Think

As a writer, a lot of my job is in my head. I have to have periods of quiet reflection to plot out my words. My writing is 1,000 times better when I have had time to reflect and think about what I want to say.

I do a lot of thinking at night after the children go to bed. This planning time enables me to clarify what I need to do for the next day.

Disconnect

The Internet is amazing, but it is also the Queen of distractions. I don’t use these, but I’ve seen some pretty cool apps that you can download that will actually prevent you from accessing the Internet during certain periods.

I have to have online access for research, but I try to avoid time suckers like social media and e-mail during my writing time.

Don’t Skip Meals

You know what causes distractions from writing? Hunger.

Not only does your brain not function as well without food, but if you are hungry, you’ll be thinking about how you want a sandwich, not about your work.

I often have trouble with this one, because when I get into the zone, I want to keep going until I finish. However, if I equip myself with food in advance (and sometimes snacks while I’m working), then I won’t lose focus due to hunger.


Want more tips on how to stay focused while writing? Comecheck out my companion post at Daily Mayo!

Brenda is a fellow book-lover and coffee-addict. She is a freelance writer, punctuation nerd, and grammar enthusiast. Her favorite book genres are Science Fiction, Fantasy with a Twist, and Dystopian. Brenda blogs about books, writing and more at Daily Mayo. Find her here on CaW for Writing Tips Wednesdays the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow Brenda on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to updates from Daily Mayo to keep up with all the exciting things in her life; ranging from drinking coffee to get through the day to drinking coffee just for fun.

Petoyo™ Birds Flying Feather Cat Teaser Toy Review


I have been a cat lover all my life. I was given a male cat, Snuggles, when I was in the first grade and he lived for 14 years. I never thought I would own a cat until I took in a female calico cat, Gaby, on December 26, 2007 and in 2009 I took in a stray Tabby cat, Fred. Sadly, Fred passed away last summer.

Now, I just have Gaby, who is an older cat (I don't know her exact age). She's not a very playful kitty, but she does love any toys with catnip and she likes to the chase the laser lights.

This afternoon I received the Petoyo™ Birds Flying Feather Cat Teaser Toy in an oversize box from Amazon.com. I picked the "natural" toy that has feathers and a small bell that are attached to a fishing swivel. The swivel is attached to a black cord and the cord is attached to a 20-inch rod (flexible plastic). You are suppose to wave the cord back and forth in the attempt to recreate the movement of a bird. Though domestic cats are pretty tame, they are still felines, so deep down they still have hunter instincts in them, so this toy should get their attention.

"What Is This?"
Gabby inspecting her new toy!