Time apart.

For the first time in my daughter's entire life she has spent many many consecutive days away from us.

So many days that there have actually been days where I did not hear her voice.

And ALL the days that I have not seen her face.

It's really really strange.

Bizarre.

Panic-inducing.

The first day that I realized I had not spoken to her was really weird.

It was almost midnight and my heart exploded.

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Sing into Spring with Disney Records!

* As an influencer of The Entertainment New Media Network I received these CDs to facilitate my review of them and was not compensated for this post in any way. Walt Disney Records will be providing both, a gift set of the four CDs I received along with a 4-pack of preschool CDs to two winners picked by me randomly. All expressed opinions are strictly my own (and that of my 7yo daughter!). There are affiliate links throughout this post. *

It's time to SING INTO SPRING with Walt Disney Records!!!

Join me today as I invite you to learn about the four CDs I received to review for you all. Take a look!

My daughter and I have been bopping around my kitchen to the soundtrack of Teen Beach Movie all morning. It helps that she has seen the movie a good handful of times and we have it on our DVR as I write this. I'm pretty sure we'll be watching it again tonight now that she's motivated into the mood with the music in the background of our day.

Our second CD in this gift-pack is Disney's Play It Loud. With music by Zendaya (of Shake It Up), Debby Ryan (Jessie) and China Anne McClain (ANT Farm), your kids are going to love this. Seriously. It might be on repeat wayyyy too many times - but hey, at least it's kid-friendly lyrics, right?

We've also got a copy of Austin and Ally: Turn it Up for you. With thirteen songs the cast kicks it up a notch and I have to admit, the music is pretty catchy. It's the kind you find yourself singing along with after a while and forget it's a "kids' CD" ... for a little while, at least.

And then of course, let's talk FROZEN.

I mean, what is there to say? If you haven't seen the movie yet - well - you really must. But if you haven't heard any of the songs yet, I must ask you - where have you been hiding?

This CD is one of the top selling CDs right now. The music won an Academy Award for goodness' sake. Or maybe two. Who knows? But really - if you and your kids don't know pretty much every song by heart you need to enter this giveaway. STAT.

I'm also lucky enough to give away the Preschool Sing into Spring 4-pack to one lucky reader. This bundle consists of the Doc McStuffins Soundtrack, Jake and the Neverland Pirates - Yo Ho Matey CD, DJ Shuffle (which I kind of want for myself because it's got a mix of Sofia the First, Jake, Doc, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and more) and last, but never least, FROZEN.

YES. This means that BOTH winners will be receiving a copy of the FROZEN soundtrack. What more could you want?

Click through my Rafflecopter below and find yourself a way to enter. I promise to make it as easy as possible for you.

And if you want to purchase any of these CDs on your own, I've got the links throughout the post for you to go shopping. Happy listening!

a Rafflecopter giveaway * As an influencer of The Entertainment New Media Network I received these CDs to facilitate my review of them and was not compensated for this post in any way. Walt Disney Records will be providing both, a gift set of the four CDs I received along with a 4-pack of preschool CDs to two winners picked by me randomly. All expressed opinions are strictly my own (and that of my 7yo daughter!). There are affiliate links throughout this post. *

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Help make Newlywed and Broke a reality! #spon

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Entertainment New Media Network, and we help promote, sometimes for a promotional fee, entertainment industry projects we find meaningful. As always all opinions are my own. For a full disclaimer, visit www.ENMNetwork.com/disclaimer

How many of us have found ourselves counting our pennies before we could order food for dinner? Saving our quarters for the laundromat? Scraping by on Ramen Noodles and Spaghetti-Os? Heading home to mom's to do laundry so you could save money to hit the bar after class or work?

Oh, so you're telling me that I'M the only one who has done that?

Yeah. I don't buy it. You've been there, too, haven't you?

/If you haven't? WHO ARE YOU?/

And if you have? I've got a show for you. Hopefully by the time you get married, if you're not already, you'll be past this point. But in today's economy? Who knows?

My husband and I were married 11 years ago in New York. He worked full time, I worked part time, went to school AND had an internship. Somehow I managed to do all of that in a week of five days. I worked 21 hours, went to school two lonnnggg nights each week AND interned three days a week. Stay with me, I know the math doesn't add up. Somehow we made it work. We budgeted while I balanced all three responsibilities. He traveled every other week for work and I stayed home, making meals of pasta and sauce and some cheese. I love that, don't get me wrong, but when you have to have it? To save your pennies? Yeah - it loses its *essence* - shall we say?

Now, imagine a series of episodes where you can completely relate to a couple struggling to make ends meet, but who still stay connected and strong enough to find the joy and laughter in their day-to-day.

Newlywed and Broke that new single-camera comedy series that is working hard at raising funds to get itself made. Well, the comedy isn't working - YET -  but the creators are!

Primary creators and "characters" Reko and Kat have high hopes that their web series will get underway and they'll find themselves able to pitch to the big stations, like ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX. Then Newlywed and Broke will find themselves on your television sets, and not just your laptops and tablets.

Currently the team is encouraging friends like you to look into contributing "broke tips" via the Newlywed and Broke facebook page, or over at Indiegogo, where you can bid to have one of your tips turned into an episode. Watch the video below for more info on that, and what the goals are for this project!

What do you think? Does it make you laugh? Interest you at all? Then head on over to check out the available perks. Some of them seem a bit quirkily described, but dig in. You'll surely find that you have a single dollar to donate to receive a video from the Newlywed and Broke team via email and feel that you've been a part of something big!

Find the rest of the information about this project and make a donation today over at Indiegogo's Newlywed and Broke campaign page. 

Oh! A huge positive about this campaign you'll want to know?

The project is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non­-profit arts service organization. And contributions are tax­ deductible to the extent permitted by law.

So, to sum it up, make an easy donation, support a fun series, AND get a tax deduction? How could you possibly lose? Check it out today! Newlywed and Broke. The series you won't want to miss.

** Disclaimer: As previously stated, I am a member of the Entertainment New Media Network. I am participating in a campaign to help promote Newlywed and Broke and I am receiving compensation for this post. All opinions and experiences discussed here are strictly my own. Information on Newlywed and Broke has been provided to me by the Entertainment New Media Network to help facilitate this post. 

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Shemar Moore is working hard. #TheBounceBack

Disclaimer: I was asked to participate in this campaign by the Bounce Back Film Campaign as part of a first-of-its-kind blogger initiative. I will cover the making of the movie from fundraising to premiere throughout the next year. I am being provided promotional material, giveaways and exclusive interviews but this is not a paid post. As always, my opinions are my own. 

If y'all don't know who Shemar Moore is, give me a minute. You'll know. Or you'll want to.

Shemar currently plays Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds. Whew. Have you SEEN him? Yeah. You should. Go on, look here ...

He's a beautiful man. For serious.

And he's apparently quite passionate. *Get your minds back on track, people, this is a big project he's got underway here!*

Shemar Moore is trying to fund a film he truly believes in. He's trying to do it without being taken into the fold and forced to lose control over the decisions he truly wants to make. So, yes, he's using his star power, but he's using it to work towards something he believes in. More power to him, I say.

And in order to get things underway, he needs your support. He is working to raise money to get The Bounce Back underway. He's connected with Indiegogo and has created a wonderful list of perks for those interested in investing. If you think that could be you, check out the how to invest in The Bounce Back page at Indiegogo today!

Also, there's a video clip of him talking about his dreams for this project. When I tried to embed it it looked pretty huge, and as much as I adore his face, I would prefer that you click on over to reach it.

You'll want to - there's a totally gratuitous shirt-changing moment. Yeah, I mean it. Check out The Bounce Back campaign video directly and you'll see.

I'll remind my readers that I am participating in a sponsored campaign for this production. I am NOT being financially compensated in any way, but I will be provided with promotional material, products, etc. for giveaways and more as I participate. I hope you'll continue to come on by and check out what I have to share.

There may even be a chance for YOU to come up with some questions for me to ask Shemar. So start thinking of them now and I'll keep you posted on what happens next!

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Moments of Motherhood: Firsts

So many thoughts. 

So many things we did this weekend. 

The Overdue Recap gets you through Saturday. I was soooo exhausted. Whew. 

Sunday was different. 

The husband and I did something incredibly enjoyable. 

And for the very first time. 

EVER.

You know you're a mom when going to the movies with your husband while your child is at a drop-in childcare place is a monumental event. 

I mean it. 

The child turned six but a week ago. 

We had NEVER EVER done that before. 

We went to the movies. 

DURING THE DAY.

On a SUNDAY afternoon, people. 

WITHOUT OUR DAUGHTER. 

This is HUGE. 

I CAN'T STOP USING CAPS. 

THAT HUGE.

We dropped her off. She cried. She cries at nothing like this ever. I think she was over-tired. Exhausted. Read that recap again. See how much this kid did on Saturday? You'd be tired, too. And you'd have a sugar crash like nobody's business. 

So we dropped her off and she teared up some, but it was still awesome. She enjoyed herself and after the movie we hit the bookstore for a short bit and went our separate ways and neither of us had to go to the children's section or the train or Lego area or anywhere we didn't want to go. AT ALL! 

When we went to pick her up my husband was feeling guilty. 

Me? I was thinking ahead and trying to figure out when we can do it again. 

Oops. 

It helped that she really didn't want to leave. To the point that she held onto the pole outside of the location for a few minutes, pulling an over-exaggerated 6-yo routine. 

She was whiny and cranky at dinner, which we did early and out, and I enjoyed A LOT, even with her crankiness. It's amazing what a few hours of Die Hard #900 can do for you when you're watching sh*t blow up and stuff and not fighting for the popcorn. 

So I went to the movies with my husband. Without my kid. 

And we had a good time. 

Consider linking up with me today to share some of your own moments of motherhood. Good, bad, in-between ... we all have those you know you're a mom when moments. What are yours?

** Note, I've been having some trouble with linkytools, so today I'm trying the thumbnail linky approach. If you don't see your link after submitting feel free to message me via email/FB/Twitter so I can check it out! **

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I'm too lazy ...

To come up with anything creative today. I actually started a post yesterday, but never submitted it as I was distracted or something like that.

It's a nice day, we went out to lunch, then Target (always fun!) and then hubby went for a haircut and dropped me and the child off at Barnes and Noble. My total mecca, of course. I actually made it out of there without getting an iced chai latte. Amazing, I know. I think I had enough with a 1/2 vanilla bean cupcake that we got for free and the kiddo and I split because I bought two Dora DVDs. Yeah, I'm a sucker for a free treat. ;) Kidding. I bought 'em and will hide them away for future gift purposes. I'm trying to do that - since last year I got a ton of holiday books at 50% off and since we do Chanukah AND Christmas, well, I'd better stock up, right?

Anyway, I thought I'd skip posting today and just toss up some links to other more interesting people, but looks like I did get a post out after all!

Oh, and what I didn't post yesterday, in the midst of a cranky mommy and happy kid, was that I had plans to go out last night with my local mommy peeps, and I was not sure I was in the mood to go out, not sure if it'd stay a clear night (we were seeing a movie outside) and totally not in the mood for bugs. But you know what? I pulled an anti-bug bracelet around my ankle, bought some water and popcorn when I got there and brought a chair and a blanket, and I sat back and enjoyed a movie from start to finish. Ready for what movie it was? You're gonna be jealous, I know it.

THE BREAKFAST CLUB!!!!

Best movie of the '80s, no? I can't recall the last time I watched the entire thing, and it was so different watching it now, as an "adult," ya know? Anyway, it was a lot of fun. 

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Julie and Julia

Have you read the book? If you haven't, it's actually OK. For once, for me, anyway, the movie was actually better. More fun, maybe? Or just didn't ruin the entire book looking back at it. Or all of the above.

While I enjoyed the book, I probably could have lived without reading it. I mean, don't get me wrong Julie Powell is a sweet woman, and her story is really cool. I mean REALLY cool. To write a blog while completing every recipe in the infamous cookbook of the one and only Julia Child, I mean, wow. Seriously. WOW.

But I could have lived without the play-by-play. I have heard from someone who read her blog as she was writing it that it was really hilarious. The book, not so much. Again, totally my opinion. A reminder that I would love to meet Julie Powell. I think I'd want to be friends with Julie Powell. And I really would love to read her blog (I think it's out there somewhere, but I'm not 100% sure, with all of the copyright issues and whatnot now that she's a celeb.) So please don't think I'm a hater!

I truly thought the movie was adorable, and not in the kiss of death kind of way. Meryl Streep redeemed herself tremendously from her crazy Mamma Mia character! Her portrayal of Julia Child was amazing. Seriously. The two older women next to me kept talking about how she sounded JUST LIKE HER! I mean it. They were asking, throughout the movie, HOW IS IT THAT SHE SOUNDS JUST LIKE HER? (Man, talk about talkers!)

And Amy Adams was adorable. 100% adorable. There was no confusing her with Elissa Fisher. Or is it Ilissa? I never seem to remember, but either way, this was absolutely a refreshing character to watch Amy in. And the actor who played her husband. Talk about a cutie. I need to go and find out what else he has been in and rent it, DVR it, whatever it, ASAP!

And Stanley Tucci, I loved him! Even though every now and then I'd flashback and remember him having sex with Abby on ER. I mean, I tried not to, but I just couldn't help thinking of the character. Although I can't, for the life of me, remember that character's name! I keep wanting to say Martucci, but that was a character in a book I just read, and that name kept making me think of Malucci (?) who was on ER way back when ... but I digress ...

Anyway, I definitely recommend going to see this movie. I even recommend the book if you're a foodie, or if you're not repulsed by horrifying recaps of recipes that include various animals, and animal parts. Me, that was a no-go and I had to skim a lot of it to ensure that I didn't become violently ill. Fortunately the movie doesn't hit you with as much of that as the book, so I didn't have to hide my eyes that often. Thank goodness!

And so, there you have it. My movie/book review! Bon Appetit!

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Mamma Mia!

Here I go again!

I'm such a dork. I'm actually really excited that the mommies' group I belong to is doing a group-wide event to see Mamma Mia!

Yes, I've seen it already. Yes, it's like the cheesiest movie ever created. Yes, the songs stick in your head for months after hearing them. And yes, I probably laughed at the ridiculous scenes more than I was overwhelmed with any other emotions.

And yes, I want to go and see it again. It's a feel good flick, the music is so fun that you'll start dancing in your seat, and singing along with the actors. Meryl Streep, of all people, plays the main character, and it's just too amazing how entertaining she really is!

Anyway, if you get the chance to see it, or see it again (I think it might be on HBO or SHO tonight, actually, I have a vague recollection of my husband mentioning that he set it to record for me) I say go for it! You'll enjoy it, as long as you don't have the highest of expectations for an amazing blockbuster. And have fun while watching!

'Cause ... Mamma Mia, here I go again! My my! I cannot forget you!

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