Whirlwind of Surprises: October 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy #Halloween from #WreckItRalph -Games & more...

Happy Halloween! Wreck it Ralph arrives in theaters this Friday, November 2nd! Have you got plans ready to go and watch it? To help celebrate, we have a few fun #WreckItRalph activities for you including games, masks and a pumpkin stencil. Just click the image under the clip below to download it all.

During our Wreck-It Ralph Press Day a while back, we learnt how to draw animated characters with Renato dos Anjos (Head of Animation on Wreck-It Ralph) and Kira Lehtomaki (Animator). Last week, I showed you how to draw the "I'm Gonna Wreck It" fist pose. This week we'll learn how to draw Wreck-It Ralph's Punch.

#DisneyFairies, Secret of the Wings review

I had such a fabulous time during #DisneyMoviesEvent and loved Secret of Wings so much that I needed a copy sent to me when it was released on DVD October 23rd. We were even lucky enough to have an interview with Peggy Holmes, the director of Secret of the Wings. Anyways, this is the first #DisneyFairies' movie in over 2 years! Did you notice? Normally, they have one every year.

Healthy #Halloween Alternatives & Snacking with Chia bars

Always on the lookout for a healthy snack or treat, I am always trying out new things. Health Warrior did great in the naming department. With a name like that, it’s hard to turn away from it. Right? It says Health Warrior! The Chia Bar, in its new packaging above, really does a thing or too to help you stay fit this Halloween season and beyond. Instead of handing out sugar-filled treats, which I admit, I am guilty of loving…you could hand out healthy goodies that not only taste great but also keeps the trick-o-treaters healthy.

Paperman is a black and white love story short featuring "George and Meg" that will be appearing in front of Wreck-It Ralph 11/02. This was the second time I had seen the short and let me tell you, it was still able to draw feelings out of me like it was the first time. We were lucky enough to be able to interview the producer, Kristina Reed. Kristina not only showed us a bit of how the short was created but also answered many of our curious questions...

Getting ready for Hurricane Sandy with Del Monte #SmartSnack #CBias

Hurricane Sandy is coming! Alright, part of me is excited but the sane part of me wants to make sure I'm prepared. I just got in from last night from a conference and had already made plans to go for a quick trip to Walmart to pick up some essentials that I needed. I already have lots of food and water but I wanted to grab some snacks, just in case. Why? I eat multiple small meals and snacks throughout the day. Despite my love for all things cheesy, healthy snacks are a big priority.

So, have you noticed? #WreckItRalph mania is upon us! So, before it hits the big screens on November 2nd, you wanted to read a review without spoilers, right? You're at the right place! If you’ve been following along any of our adventures, you’ll have noticed that we had an exciting adventure where we watched Wreck-It Ralph before it was fully animated during our Press Day. The SO was a little upset that I was got to watch it without him so when the local screenings started, we were the first ones there!

I've got Cue Cards for you! US/CAN 11/11

Cue Cards for Life, Gentle reminders for better relationships review

Ever wished you could interact better with people? Need some Cue Cards for Life? I've got some for you right here...

No matter who you are in life, there’s always people you’ll have to deal with…unless you never leave your house. It is your choice, however, how that relationship develops. I interact with a variety of people on a daily basis. How do you think I do? I’ll be honest, I’m actually quite shy around people. Once I get to know you though, that’s a different story. It takes time and effort and a lot of trial and error. I am a blunt, I don’t beat around the bush. What you see is what you get…Ha! So, sometimes I get misunderstood. It’s too bad I didn’t have Christina’s book earlier. I could’ve avoided the awkwardness that came after I asked a little old lady if she was coming home after visiting family. Her response…

#Cesar #Sharethejoy with Savory Delights & Meaty Selects for your #dogs

JR & BabyPom: Have you heard? Our friends over at Cesar has come up with a couple new wet food products: Savory Delight and Meaty Selects. They know how much we like mixing in Cesar’s wet food with our dry food so they sent us some to try!

#Ironman3 has a trailer! #Marvel

You know you've been waiting for it!! The trailer for Iron Man 3 is finally out. Have you seen it yet? I have the trailer right here...

Looking to get a new dog? Pet-Friendly Tips for Apartment Residents Part 2 US 11/09 #petchat

Welcome to part 2 of Pet-Friendly Tips for Apartment Residents, a part of Apartment Guide's “Pet-Friendly Tricks: Keeping Your Pet-Friendly Space Stylish” blogger program this month. Last week, we discussed things to consider prior to bringing a new pet home. When you're ready to bring them home, Apartment Guide offers tips for bringing a new pet into your apartment and helping them adjust to your home. Apartment Guide also has helpful suggestions for moving to and exploring a new neighborhood with your pet. Whether you’re living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction. This week, we'll be discussing what to do in the time period when you bring them home.

So, while we were doing our Wreck-It Ralph Press Day a while back, I told you we learnt how to draw animated characters with Renato dos Anjos (Head of Animation on Wreck-It Ralph) and Kira Lehtomaki (Animator). Renato broke it down real easy for us to draw them so I figured I'd pass on the knowledge for some Wordless Wednesday fun. How would you like to learn how draw Wreck-It Wralph's fists? You know the "I'm Gonna Wreck It" pose? We'll do that this week and then next week, we'll do how to draw Wreck-It Ralph's Punch.

See the "I'm Gonna Wreck It" pose in the top Lt & bottom Rt?

I'll be the first to admit it. My memory's going and I'm not even that old yet. Half the time I say I'll do something and ten minutes later, I'll be asking myself what I was supposed to do. LOL, so it was refreshing to see Chicken Soup's Boost Your Brain Power book show up at my door. Lord knows I could use a little help!

Digging into the minds of the people behind #WreckItRalph #DisneyMoviesEvent

I knew Wreck-It Ralph was going to be a great film the first time I saw the trailer. After our interview with director, Rich Moore, and producer, Clark Spencer, I came to have a greater appreciation of the work that goes into each animated film. The question on the top of my mind, of course, was how they came up for the idea for the film. Disney always seems to come up with these amazing ideas that get turned into film and they make it look easy.

Let's have some fun! Give me your best Pet #Halloween #costume Picture! US 11/01

Since Halloween is around the corner, how about we do something fun? How about a pet Halloween costume contest? You have until November 1st to submit to me a picture of your pet in costume. It must be your picture to qualify! All you have to do is email me (whirlwindofsurprises@yahoo.ca) your picture with the Subject: Halloween Pet Costume Contest OR if you're a blogger, post a post with the picture, then come back and leave me the link to your post. Good luck! Here are JR & Baby Pom's Halloween costumes.

JR & BabyPom's Halloween costumes, pet costumes

I'm so excited for what I'm about to tell you!!! Are you ready for this? Well, I'm so in love with #WreckItRalph that I've already watched it twice and you can bet I'll be watching it again! I have a few pieces of awesomeness to share with you today. Adventures by Disney is giving you the chance to win a trip for four just by entering the world of WRECK-IT RALPH and going on a hero's journey. There's even weekly bonus missions to win additional Disney prizes! Okay, I know you're excited but don't leave me just yet because I have more sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth in this post. If you saw my facebook post this past weekend, you'll know what it's for.

CSI Miami Brings the Heat on Facebook #CleverCSI #spon

So, I'm a big CSI fan...I've watched them all, CSI NY, CSI Las Vegas, and CSI Miami. Suspense and mystery are always so interesting and fun that I couldn't stop myself from watching these shows. When Ubisoft and Clever Girls approached me with this opportunity to review CSI Maimi Heat Wave on facebook, I became a #CleverCSI. Woot! Don't tell anyone, the whole #CleverCSI title makes my inner gamer geek squeal with joy.

It's time for spooky stories now that Halloween's around the corner. Call me biased but if Shrek and friends are part of the Spooky stories, I think it'll be funner than ever! Haha...

#ChickenSoup for the Soul: Hope & Healing for your Breast Cancer Journey

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which means it's timely to check out Chicken Soup's Hope & Healing for your Breast Cancer Journey book. Breast cancer affects an overwhelming amount of women and dealing with any type of cancer can be difficult, especially breast cancer. Hope and healing for your breast cancer journey

Hope and healing for your breast cancer journey

Smooth beautiful skin with #Cellnique #skincare #beauty

It's no joke when a woman talks about her skincare. Trust me, I've learnt at a young age the importance of taking care of my skin and it pays off. Many of the PR companies or blogger friends meet me and think I'm much younger than I really am. It has its pros and cons because I do risk not being taken seriously due to my young experience. LOL! Curious what I use? I'm here to share my newest discovery...Cellnique!

Well, ever since I stepped foot in my first conference, I've been bitten by a bug. A conference bug. I have a ball meeting new and old friends and getting to know PR reps. I learn, I have fun, and it's just a great experience overall. I'm about to be off to my second pet conference this year, Barkworld! It'll be my first time there and it kicks off next Thursday. I don't know if you remember but we met Norman the Scooter Dog for the first time at BlogPaws earlier this year and he loved #BabyPom!

I've now completed month 2 of treatments. Are you curious how it's working so far? Oh, and hell yes, I have more pit pictures so consider yourself warned! Don't know what I'm talking about? Tria Hair Removal Laser is my latest beauty product. The goals are silky smooth skin and freedom from ever having to shave ever again!

Looking to get a new #dog? Pet-Friendly #Tips for Apartment Residents Part 1 #petchat

It isn't easy taking care of a dog, much less two, which is what I have! So this month, I am participating in the Apartment Guide's “Pet-Friendly Tricks: Keeping Your Pet-Friendly Space Stylish” blogger program to bring you a few tips about living with pets. When I first moved to New York several years back now, I didn't have either of my two fur babies. It was hard enough to find an apartment back then, now even much more so. I definitely could have used a few tips from a post or two so I really hope this helps you out. If you're already in a place and are planning to move, check out Apartment Guide's helpful suggestions for moving to and exploring a new neighborhood with your pet. Whether you’re living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to have a bit of fun in the recording booth at Walt Disney's Animation Studios. It's always been something I wanted to try ever since I was little, watching those Saturday morning cartoons. You might say it was a small dream of mine, to have my voice recorded as a character. I never really thought it'd come true. Although when the moment came, I was shaking in nervousness!

Does the #TummyTuck belt really trim inches off your waist? US 11/4

If there's a way to keep my waist thin, I'm on it. After making a 26" waist while I was on Nutrisystem, I wanted to keep it that way. Unfortunately when I ended Nutrisystem, I was around 27" which isn't bad for many people. I'm a bit stubborn though so since I knew I could attain it, I wanted it. It wasn't just that, I have muffin tops that refuse to go away. I turned to the Tummy Tuck belt, which offered 3 ways to slim your midsection.

Peggy Holmes Interview, Secret of the WIngs

Okay, I have never really been a girly girl. I have the girly things I like but I have always loved a strong woman who could take care of herself. When I was getting ready to watch Secret of the Wings, the newest addition to the #DisneyFairies collection, I wasn't quite sure what I was in for. At that point, I was also in total shock that John Lasseter actually came to see us prior to the movie screening. How awesome is that? If only I hadn't already handed over my phone...I would've loved a picture. Then Peggy Holmes (Director) came in and said her opening speech and I found myself looking forward to watching Secret of the Wings.

#Petco tricks and treats for #Halloween

JR & BabyPom: Well, it's been awhile since we got to post but with Halloween coming up, our friends at Petco sent us some Halloween goodies. Stuff to make us look cute, keep us safe when we go trick or treating, and protect our teeth after the treats. Want to see?

Weekend #Frankenweenie-themed #Halloween craft activities with pumpkins

Halloween's coming up! What have you got planned this year? I know, normally I have Halloween costumes reviews long before it's here but it's been crazy! I have been seeing lots of Halloween decorations and pumpkins out in our neighborhood though. What about you? In honor of #Frankenweenie, which is now in theaters (and you should go see it if you haven't yet), and the spirit of Halloween, here are some Frankenweenie themed pumpkin carving templates. Get your own Sparky! All you have to do is click the image to download it.

Who doesn't know the story of Cinderella? The classic fairytale that we all watched when we were little, dreaming of Prince Charming and our one and only love...right? Disney has opened it's vault October 2nd to release Cinderella in a Blu-Ray Diamond edition. This magical story is now available for your in home viewing pleasure with a few whimsical bonuses!

#DarkShadows Weekend #Flashgiveaway US/CAN 10/14

Well, we seem to be talking about Johnny Depp and Tim Burton a lot lately so how about a weekend flash giveaway for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena bonham Carter, and more? Enter to win a Blu-Ray combo pack that was released October 2nd! We're going to make this giveaway easy. Just 1 mandatory follow and the rest are optional. This is going to be a bit different though. Make sure you read the instructions.

LOL, when the SO and I first saw that the cast members of The Lone Ranger included Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, we thought, "Another Tim Burton film?" However, it wasn't, it just so happens we always seem to see Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's wife in Tim Burton movies together. The producer for The Lone Ranger is Jerry Bruckheimer, another well known producer...the mastermind behind the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise along with his tag team director, Gore Verbinski.

Although I love my fashion and dress clothes are a must for my life and therefore my closet, I've always hated sacrificing my comfort. I have several dress shirts that look amazing but unfortunately, they aren't the most comfortable top in my closet. They also wrinkle and let's just say ironing is not my best friend. Sometimes, it comes out worse after the ironing. So begins my search for great looking dress clothes that are easy to care for and hopefully, wrinkle-resistant.

#Orangutan diaries -Saving them 600 at a time! #Documentaries #Review

Do you like monkeys? I've always thought they were quite cute. What about Orangutans, a closely related species? As man goes into the natural environment to obtain resources, the natural habitat of this species is threatened and they are now endangered. Orangutan Diaries is a PBS documentary, just released October 2nd, that shows what we can do to help them.

The day I raided #Disney's #WreckItRalph Headquarters...#DisneyMoviesEvent

Mwahahahaha, yes, I used my secret #WreckItRalph destructive powers to raid Walt Disney Animation Studios on a fine day not too long ago. Once I snuck in, I infiltrated myself seamlessly into the studio and had a blast! Alright, I fess up...my powers were bestowed on my courtesy of the #DisneyMoviesEvent. Oh, but I had so much fun raiding their headquarters. It was very hush hush because there were areas we weren't allowed to take pictures in and my brain was going all over the place trying to take in all the fun sights and sounds!

Have you checked out #Frankenweenie yet? It just came out this past weekend!! I just can't seem to stop talking about because it is just so fun! Disney's also been keeping me busy with all the awesome Frankenweenie activities they have. For this week's Wordless Wednesday, I present to you...Frankenweenie-fy your pet! I put BabyPom and JR through the Frankenweenie process and well, they still look pretty adorable after the process. Ready? When babies attack...

A simple wardrobe change with #Cleava US/CAN 10/17 #fashionistaevents

Shall we reveal who our sponsor for this year's Fall Fashionista Event is? Do I hear a yes? I'm excited to have found such a functional additional to my wardrobe. I introduce to you the Cleava, a snap on to bra mock camisole. Yes, it's a mouthful...but it's rather cute! I was sent the Lady Lace Corso in Black on Aqua Blue for review. A big thanks to my friend The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years, Katy from ModlyChic, and Kristyn of K Squared Glamour for helping to organize and host this event with over 115 bloggers, each with a prize pack valued at $125 or more. Are you ready for $25,000+ worth of prizes?

Lincoln is this year's highly anticipated historical and political film directed by Steven Spielberg. From what we've seen so far, it's bound to be an emotionally gripping film. It almost seems suitably promoted during election time in the US as political trials and tests plague Lincoln as seen in the trailer below. Even in this 2 minute clip, I was moved to my very core at the trials President Lincoln faced and the triumphs that resulted. The making of history itself...

2 pairs of TOMS glasses! 10/12 Autism #MissionGiveaway #PayItForward

Nothing makes me happier than to do a Mission Giveaway for such a worthy cause. Autism affects so many and it makes me happy to help promote awareness and understanding for such a cause. For those affected by autism to have such a resource to go to for information helps their journey and eases their path.

All star cast in Saving Mr. Banks #DisneyMoviesEvent

Disney has began production on “Saving Mr. Banks”! Can you believe it took Walt Disney’s twenty years to gain the film rights to P.L. Travers’ popular novel, Mary Poppins? Not only that but this movie will also be depicting the partnership the upbeat filmmaker develops with the uptight author during the project’s pre-production in 1961. This already brews exciting but even more exciting is the all star cast in this movie. Two-time Academy Award®-winner Tom Hanks plays the legendary Disney with Emma Thompson as the novelist, Travers. This is the very first time that Disney will have been depicted in a dramatic film.

#Energizer Flameless Wax Candles lights the way! US 10/20

Ever since I was little, I loved the beauty of the candle flicker. The warm glow and comfort it seemed to convey made peace inside. My father would never let us light candles though, which is understandable. He was afraid a reckless child playing with fire and candles would result in our house being burnt down. LOL... It does make sense, doesn't it? Today, when Energizer approached me with this idea, I thought to myself, "This would've been perfect back in the day!"

It's almost that time of year again! Calling all fashionistas...October 11-17th is our annual Fall Fashionista event hosted by my friend The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years, Katy from ModlyChic, and Kristyn of K Squared Glamor with over 115 bloggers, each with a prize pack valued at $125 or more. That equates to more than $25,000 worth of prizes to win and I've heard many have giveaways are over $300, one with $4000 in prizes! The grand prize is a $1200 Louis Vuitton Bag from Bella Bags. Curious what there is? Check out this 2012 Fall Fashionista Events Lookbook and while you're here, enter for a chance to win a $500 Mountain Khakis Gift Certificate Giveaway. Louis Vuitton grand prize

#Yoplait is #WeightWatchers approved! US 10/07 #MyBlogSpark

Mmmm...I love my yogurt! Did you know there's now a Weight Watchers approved yogurt? Yoplait Light and Yoplait Greek 100 now have 20 flavors for only 2 Weight Watchers® PointsPlus®value each. Love it! It's yogurt specific for those on Weight Watchers but for those of us not on Weight Watchers, it's an added bonus because it just seems that much better with the lower 100 calorie count. To make it even sweeter for you, we're doing a weekend flash giveaway!

Tim Burton's Frankenweenie is a story about Victor Frankenstein and his dog, Sparky, in the town of New Holland. Like many of us, the bond between our dogs and us is full of love and loyalty. However, Sparky, like many of our dogs, can be reckless and ends in a mishap that leaves Victor behind on his own. Inspired by the new science teacher's teachings and staying true to the name of "Frankenstein", Victor partakes in an electrifying science experiment that brings Sparky back to life. What happens when the secret gets out? Well, you'll have to watch in theaters 10/05 to find out. ;)

Wordless Wednesday: #MadameTussauds meets #DisneyMoviesEvent

My recent trip to Hollywood wasn't without some fun at Madame Tussauds Hollywood the night before the #Frankenweenie (in theaters 10/05) red carpet premiere. There were celebrities everywhere! Haha...my favorite section, of course, was the superheroes section. Would you expect any less?

The surprising talent behind #Frankenweenie #DisneyMoviesEvent

Before the #Frankenweenie premiere, we had the opportunity to interview the young men who voiced the roles of Bob (Robert Capron), Edgar "E" Gore (Atticus Shaffer), and Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan). What struck me when they first sat down was how mature each one was. As the interview went on, I became more and more surprised at the professionalism and aspirations they showed at such young ages. Not only did I learn a lot about the film, I also learnt quite a bit about the amount of work that goes into making a stop motion animation.