Whirlwind of Surprises: 2012

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Trees are growing out of my wall! #decor

Oh no! Trees have started growing out of my walls. What do I do? There are branches and everything too. LOL, yes, there are, believe it but they're so pretty and only took a little under an hour to put up.

Getting my puppy dose with #SantaPaws2: The Santa Pups #Review US/CAN 01/06

JR & BabyPom: We were a bit hesitant about letting Mommy get this. You know her love for pups, who knows if she'd bring another one home.

Start your year with the Power of Positive #ChickenSoup

The new year is approaching! Let's start off the new year with a positive attitude. Need a hand? Chicken Soup's newest book, The Power of Positive, is here to help.

#Disney's 2013 Line Up #WordlessWednesday

What an amazing year it has been for Disney in 2012. Are you curious what's in store for 2013? I have the line up right here. It's going to be another great year. Since it's Wordless Wednesday, we'll do it with pictures and I do have pictures of almost all of them! Starting it all off on March 8 is OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL.

A warm #Christmas surprise! @NaturalBalance #pets #dogs

A little over a week ago, I set out on a mission. Touting the $500 cheque I had won from my friends at Natural Balance for the shelter of my choice, I set out to surprise Emelinda, the warm heart behind Earth Angels Canine Rescue. The very same place where my SO and I met the little angel that would forever change our lives over two years ago...JR.

Sofia the First to debut at #Disney Parks

Disney Junior fans! Did you know Sofia The First will be making her Disney Parks debut in the 29th Annual "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade?" You can watch it on TV nationwide Christmas Day, from 10AM to 12PM EST. It'll be on the ABC Television Network.

#PetSmart dresses us up! #Dogs #holidaygiftguide

JR & BabyPom: Did you see our new PetSmart sweaters? Well, while those had us warm and cozy...wait til you see us all dressed up. Formal occasions, we're ready. BOL!

The joys of living in #NewYorkCity #LoveThisCity #CBias #NYC #Travel

It hasn't even been 3 years since I started living in New York City. I have yet to experience all the famed sights, restaurants, and activities...but I already #LoveThisCity! Let me share with you some of my favorite places to check out when you're in NYC. I still have so many more places to see and could go on forever so let's keep it to my top ones for now. First up, since Christmas is around the corner, let's check out Rockefeller and the infamous Christmas tree!

Someone really ticked me off the other day...

So, I was really worked up the other day. The dogs were nervous in the crowds and someone decides to get into an argument right beside us. Seriously!? Was that the time? This tiny woman couldn't have been more than 5'2" yet she decided to get into an argument with someone twice her size by accusing him of "lying" about having nothing after Sandy. Really? After such a tragedy, I know there may be people trying to take advantage of others' kind hearts, but isn't it better to give them the benefit of the doubt? What if he actually had lost everything? What was the point in arguing? Anyways, it was just silly and they were intensifying and in effect, scaring my babies. I couldn't move, of course, because I was waiting for someone and the crowds had swarmed in on the action. I couldn't risk my babies getting hurt. At that point, the SO decided to take a picture of me. Um, ya, I was pissed. This is going to get ugly.

#Affinia Shelburne -a retreat in the middle of bustling #NYC #DeliveryManMovie #travel

Remember, I was telling you about my stay in a NYC hotel despite being from here. Who lives in New York and stays at a hotel in New York, right? It was for work, kay? Since the #DeliveryManMovie press event was early the next morning, we stayed at Affinia Shelburne, nestled in Murray Hill.

Winners List 2012

I've decided to keep it simple and just make one post for all the winners so that you can just come back here and check the winners from now until the end of 2012. While you're here, don't forget to check out our current and upcoming reviews and giveaways.

JR & BabyPom: Have you gotten your furry friends their Christmas present yet? PetSmart has sent us some Top Paw goodies to keep us warm and cozy!

It's winter, although in New York, I can't say it's been feeling like it at all. It was raining just the other day and we still have decently warm temperatures. So, I suppose I'll have to settle with snow from the magical place of Winter Woods, where Periwinkle resides. If I can't have snow, I'll make it myself! You can too by clicking the image below.

Monsters Inc., 3D Activity Sheets! #MonstersInc #WordlessWednesday

The comedic duo of Mike and Sully are back in theaters Dec 19th! Rewatch Monsters Inc., 3D with the family today! Before that though, have some fun with these adorable activity sheets. Click the image to download.

Look out! @BrooklynNets & @CookiesKids on a mission to save Christmas for Kids affected by Sandy #CookiesKids #CBias

Well, Hurricane Sandy's come and gone but what about the people left behind? Those who lost so much... Those that may not be having such a happy holiday season...

#Flashgiveaway -2 custom photobooks US/CAN 12/19

More love for the fans this week since I'm feeling generous and it's the week before Christmas!! We're doing a flash giveaway for 2 winners! Family is so important to me and what better than to preserve those memories in a custom photobook?

#MonstersInc., 3D premieres at El Capitan Theater!

Mike and Sully jumps at you in 3D tomorrow in Monsters Inc., 3D! They just did the red carpet premiere at El Capitan Theater in California. Look at all the Disney stars attending!

Doug and Chris Brochu at Monsters Inc 3D premiere

One of the problems of ordering online is that you never quite know if what you're getting online is going to fit. Sometimes, it fits great...sometimes not so much. The clothes and accessories I ordered this time kind of fell in that second category.

#ChickenSoup for the Soul makes easy gifting options #holidaygiftguide

Regardless of the time of year, Chicken Soup books are always so giftable. For this entry into the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, I present to you 4 different Chicken Soup books, 2 for the animal lovers and 2 for everyone else. I can't believe my cat did that

Amazing prizes and possibly an online job? 01/05 US/CAN #BlueRooDeals #MadameDealsEvents

Just in time for Christmas, we bring you a massive giveaway with over $3000 in prizes. We're talking about multiple prizes including Gift Cards, KitchenAid Mixer, Keurig Mini, a Dyson, and a believe it or not...a 3 month paid internship over a span of 3 weeks! There'll be all sorts of prizes so make sure you keep coming back to not only do daily entries but to check the winners list!

50 4x6 prints #FlashGiveaway US/CAN 12/15

As a thank you for everything this year and to give you a gorgeous way to preserve great memories, we're doing a flash giveaway!

Beautician for a day #holidaygiftguide

Beauty Chic™ sent me a Rechargeable Palm-Pedi foot Smoother ($29.99). Everyone’s skin dries out during winter and no matter the amount of creams and lotions we put on, the heel has always been a trouble spot. It’s more of a problem for some than others. Equipped with 3 circular miro files and a system that collects the shavings, the system softens rough heels and removes calluses. It’s decently small, which makes it portable and the fact that it’s rechargeable is really appealing. The first charge needs to be 8 hours long and a full charged machine should work for 40 minutes.

Despite being a fashionista, it's always nerve wracking trying to decide what to wear, especially when it's to a press event. Um, ya, how about a press event where you meet Vince Vaughn and Cobie Smulders? Imagine that. So hell ya, I was worried about what to wear. It's pretty normal, right?

The 2012 Holiday Gift Guide is here! #Holidaygiftguide

It's that time of year again! Have you started shopping for the holidays? The 2012 Holiday Gift Guide has kicked off with our very first review and giveaway already. Make sure to come check back for what else is new and for gift ideas sorted by category. Just click to find out more and if there's a giveaway going on.

There were a couple especially notable toys though from the Toy Fair...ones I really couldn't take my eyes off of. I think you'll love them! It's a slightly longer post but you won't be sorry for reading it! Make sure you read to the end to find out about AppGear as well. First up is the line of toys from The Bridge Direct. This company has a gigantic selection of toys that you know and love including shoulder buddies, Power Rangers, Looney Tunes and more. The item that caught my eye as soon as I walked into the room was the Glo-Glo Inkoos. Super adorable, super cute and cuddly right?

Po, everyone's favorite panda, is back! In time for the holidays, he's hosting the year’s biggest event, the Winter Feast. It's the best time of the year to celebrate family, tradition and Kung Fu! Is Po and the Furious Five up for the challenge? Together, they have throw a perfect party and find the true meaning of the Winter Feast.

My thoughts on #Loews #Hollywood Hotel #Travel #DisneyMoviesEvent

Remember when I went to the #DisneyMoviesEvent back in September? I had the opportunity to stay at Loews Hollywood Hotel, a gorgeous hotel in a prime location. You may actually have stayed here before when it was known as the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. Equipped with over 600 rooms, it offers a luxurious retreat for families, couples, and business travellers.

Your insider look at the #coolest #toys this season & a sneak peak at next year's releases #TBTBHoliday #holidaygiftguide

Blogger ate up my first post so we're starting from scratch again. It's been a crazy busy week starting last Saturday when I attended The Big Toy Book Biggest Day of Holiday Play #TBTBHoliday Event in NYC.

#TBTBHoliday, The Big Toy Book Biggest Day of Holiday Play

There were so many toys including some of the hottest toys this season and some that'll be coming out early next year. Here's your sneak peek and insider scoop! I've got a huge list with nice short points so let's get cracking.

Since I've started my journey with the Tria Laser treatments, I've already made it past 4 months. In this time, I've been pitched randomly by various companies, one of which, took a particularly tasteless tact. Want to know?

Inside the #LionKingExhibit #DeliveryManMovie #WordlessWednesday

It's Wednesday! How would you like a sneak peak into Disney's Inside the Lion King Exhibit, that's currently free of admission and open to the public until Dec 16th. I had the pleasure of checking it out this past Sunday night with an awesome group of people before Monday's #DeliveryManMovie set visit.

Disney Free Inside the Lion King Exhibit

Personalized Calendar #Flashgiveaway US/CAN 12/12

It's Christmas and we have so many great giveaways going on but let's make it extra special this week and do a flash giveaway! Need that last minute gift for family? How about a personalize 12 month wall or desk calendar, valued at $21.99!?

Love these booties! I need a pair with a smaller heel!

Want to look your best this holiday season? Here are some tips you'll want to read to keep it all together! With fashion, there are always some sort of mishap or the other. Take this one time, I was in this nice LBD that had a V-neck both in the front and the back. I, however, failed to realize how low it actually went in the back. I thought it'd be above my bra closure. Unfortunately...NOT!

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please visit Amazon.com to get your own copy of Assassin's Creed 3, today's Gold Box Deal of the Day! I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

Assassin's Creed is a hot game these days, not only just for kids but even for those still young at heart. I'm talking about my brother. He loves this series of games and has told me they had great graphics and awesome game. In his words are a simplified description, "you get to go around in the world and well, kill things" on your mission.

I know, I know, you want to give your kids a gift that'll not only be loved but is educational of sorts. I've got just the thing for you. 3 fun, interactive books that'll have them screaming for more. They're pretty neat, if I may say so myself. Ready?

Alien Anarchy, Robot Rumble, Big nate makes the grade

Ghirardelli Gift Baskets!! US12/14 #PayItForward #MissionGiveaway

Alright, who loves chocolate? We have a second Mission Giveaway this week and it's for that dark, gooey, substance that we all love! Are you ready?

Remember, we recently chatted about awkward situations we wish we could have avoided? Well, here's your second chance at getting the book that solves the problem and a bonus gift!

The first time I watched Monsters, Inc was with my friends at the theater back in 2001. It was really the good old days. Life was good and it brings a smile to my face, remembering good times with great friends! Now, it’s coming back in 3D December 19th! This may sound silly to you but to me, Monsters, Inc is a classic Disney movie.

Tropically inspired Salad and Salmon #Recipes US 12/21 #holidaygiftguide

We've all had salsa at one point or the other but have you tried the flavored salsas before? Wholly Salsas recently came out with some new flavors including a Pineapple Salsa. Let me tell you, I tried a Peach flavored salsa before and had no clue what to do with it. It's still sitting in my fridge. Determined to try flavored salsas again despite them being outside my comfort zone, I've come up with another two super simple and healthy recipes that are ready in less than 15 minutes!

Tropically inspired salad and salmon recipes, Pan seared Salmon, Rose Garden Salad

Oh, the fun with #Hasbro #games! #holidaygiftguide

Hasbro is one of my favorite toy brands and they have some pretty fun things that would top the wish list of kids of all ages, including those still young at heart! Here's a prelude to all the goodies they have out!

Get the coolest new portable #game with #Sifteo US/CAN 12/22 #holidaygiftguide

I've recently discovered a neat, portable game that I'll be bringing with me during my travels with family this Christmas. It's called Sifteo and comes in the form of adorable little cubes that fit into the palm of my hand. Although for now, it seems to only be equipped with one player games, I hope to see the day when multiplayers can play interactively with these cubes.