Disclosure

8:11 AM Posted by Bits from a Brit

This blog is written to inform, recommend and entertain our readers. I am free to write my own views, opinions and thoughts how I see fit.

I do accept forms of cash advertising, compensation to host giveaways and sponsorships, however I will never endorse anything in which I don't believe or would not use. Bits from a Brit will never recommend something that we dislike and we will disclose this to the company or pr firm.

I/We (our team) will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, and event tickets from companies and organizations. The acceptance of such gifts will never influence the content, topics or posts published on this blog, and does guarantee placement. I repeat...the acceptance will never influence our content...we are ethical and will not promote everything that is sent our way.

I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on any topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

If you have any questions about our blog please email bitsfromabrit@gmail.com

The Simpsons

8:50 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit


THE SIMPSONS: SEASON 12 on DVD

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Presents The Four-Disc DVD Collection Featuring All 21 Episodes And Loads Of Special Features Including Audio Commentaries, Deleted Scenes And Much More

The Emmy®* Award Winning Comedy Arrived August 18 In Collectible Packaging Featuring Springfield’s Favorite Critic – Comic Book Guy

CENTURY CITY, CA. – Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie return for more outrageous adventures when “The Simpsons” The Complete Twelfth Season arrives on DVD August 18th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

The longest running animated series in television history, the latest DVD collection features all 21 classic episodes from the 2000-01 season including Bart’s boy band odyssey in “New Kids on the Blecch” featuring pop sensations N’Sync and a hilarious less-than-ordinary day for Homer, Bart and Lisa in “Trilogy of Error.” The season also boasts an impressive line-up of talented guest stars including Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton, Justin Timberlake, Stephen King, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Roger Daltry and many more.

“The Simpsons” The Complete Twelfth Season is loaded with special features including an introduction from Matt Groening; audio commentaries on every episode with Groening and “The Simpsons” Executive Producers, Writers, Actors and Directors; deleted scenes; animation showcases; original sketches; special language feature; featurettes and more. As an added bonus, the set comes in collectible packaging modeled after the overweight and over opinionated retailer Comic Book Guy.

The DVD collection will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.98 U.S./$69.98 Canada. Prebook is July 22.“The Simpsons” The Complete Twelfth Season Special Features:

All episodes are compiled on four discs (full frame, aspect ratio 1.33:1).

Each episode is presented with English 5.1 Dolby Surround, Spanish and French Stereo and English, French and Spanish subtitles.

The following is a breakdown of each disc:

Disc One: o Treehouse of Horror XI o A Tale of Two Springfields o Insane Clown Poppy o Lisa the Tree Hugger o Homer vs. Dignity o Additional Bonus Features Include: • Commentaries featuring Executives Producers, Writers, Directors, Cast and many more • Illustrated Commentary: Lisa the Tree Hugger • Animation Showcase: Treehouse of Horror XI • Deleted Scenes • Special Language Feature: Homer Vs. Dignity

Disc Two: o The Computer Wore Menace Shoes o The Great Money Caper o Skinner’s Sense of Snow o HOMR o Pokey Mom o Worst Episode Ever o Additional Bonus Features Include: • Commentaries featuring Executives Producers, Writers, Directors, Cast and many more • Deleted Scenes • Comic Book Guy: Best. Moments. Ever. featurette • Illustrated Commentary: HOMR

Disc Three: o Tennis the Menace o Day of the Jackanapes o New Kids on the Blecch o Hungry, Hungry Homer o Bye Bye Nerdie o Simpsons Safari o Additional Bonus Features Include: • Commentaries featuring Executives Producers, Writers, Directors, Cast and many more • Deleted Scenes • Animation Showcase: Day of the Jackanapes

Disc Four: o Trilogy of Error o I’m Goin’ to Praiseland o Children of a Lesser Clod o Simpson Tall Tales o

Additional Bonus Features Include:

• Commentaries featuring Executives Producers, Writers, Directors, Cast and many more
• Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Executive Producer Mike Scully
• Global Fanfest
• Sketch Gallery
• Illustrated Commentary: I’m Goin’ to Praiseland
• The Commercials

About “THE SIMPSONS”Currently the longest-running sitcom on television, The Simpsons aired their historic 400th episode in May 2007, followed by the hugely successful The Simpsons Movie in July 2007. The critically acclaimed series features Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson who take traditional family life and turn them upside down. Exploding into a cultural phenomenon in 1990, The Simpsons has remained one of the most visible and marketable properties both domestically and internationally. The Simpsons is noted for its famous celebrity guest voices and received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in January of 2000. In Spring 2008 The Simpsons Ride opened at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and Hollywood, CA.

August Movie Releases

8:32 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit

We have checked out some great movies released on DVD this month

The Tigger Movie


This one is Alex's new favorite! The Tigger Movie is filled with great adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with Tigger, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo and Peter Robbin.

She is always so excited to watch it and sits with "her" Bouncing Tigger (really it's Mommy's from when I was a kid!).

To check out more on this great kids movie click here.





Hannah Montana The Movie


A great Tween age movie, Alex's cousin Kylie reviewed this one for us. She was over the moon when she found out that she would get to watch the DVD before it's release date. She loved the movie and danced along to all the songs!

This is a great movie for all those little girls with Pop Star dreams!

To check out more on this great tween movie click here.




Pete's Dragon



This one is mine and my hubby's favorite! It brings back so many childhood memories for both of us and we were so happy to share them with our daughter. I LOVE this movie and I think it is great that they re-released such an awesome classic!

This is a great movie to watch together as a family!

To check out more on this great family movie click here.





The Simpsons, Season 12



Join Homer and the gang for some great episodes of the Simpsons.
My hubby was so excited when this arrived - he watched it right away (he's actually watching it again right now!). Unfortunately Alex loves it too - yes I know, I've tried to keep her innocent little mind away from this "adult" cartoon yet every time it comes on she runs in the room yelling HOMER. I think he reminds her of daddy........... just kidding honey!!!!

This is a great box set that we think would make an awesome gift!

To check out more click here.

Pete's Dragon

8:00 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit



Magical and Musical Adventures Come to Life in
Pete’s Dragon: High Flying Edition


Available on DVD August 18, 2009


BURBANK, Calif., June 15, 2009 – Animation and live-action combine to bring the magical friendship between a young orphan and his unusual best friend to life in Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition, coming to DVD on August 18, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.


A classic feel-good Disney tale for the entire family, Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition is packed with adventure, comedy and soaring musical numbers that have charmed children and adults since its 1977 debut. Now available in this special edition DVD, Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition comes with nearly an hour of brand-new bonus features, including a look at Disney’s live action/animation legacy, alternate versions of some of the film’s most beloved songs and much more.


Pete’s Dragon was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Score). The film boasts an extraordinary cast that includes Sean Marshall (“To Race the Wind”), Helen Reddy (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band), Mickey Rooney (Night at the Museum), Jeff Conaway (Grease), Shelley Winters (The Poseidon Adventure), Jim Dale (“Pushing Daisies”) and Red Buttons (“ER”), with Charlie Callas as the voice of Elliot the Dragon.


Bonus Features

• Brazzle Dazzle Effects: Disney’s Movie Magic – An entertaining new look at Disney’s pioneering work in the magical mix of live-action and animation, narrated by the star of Pete’s Dragon, Sean Marshall.

• Deleted Storyboard Sequence: “Terminus & Hoagy Hunt Elliot” – A rare demo dialog track and storyboard sketches.


• Original Song Concept: “Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You, Too)” – The first demo recording for one of the film’s unforgettable musical sequences with story sketches for an early concept of the song Pete sings to Elliot.


• Original Demo Recordings (Audio Only) – A special audio-only feature that includes early demo versions of “Brazzle Dazzle Day” and “Every Little Piece” before they evolved into the songs heard in the movie. Also includes “The Greatest Star of All,” a song originally intended to be sung by Ferdinand, a character later deleted from the film.


• Promotional Record (Audio Only) – Pop versions of “It’s Not Easy,” “Brazzle Dazzle Day,” “There’s Room For Everyone” and Academy Award nominee for Best Song, “Candle On The Water,” originally released together on a 7” record to promote the film’s music.
• “Where's Elliot?” – The Disappearing Dragon Game


• Pete's Dragon Art Galleries


• Publicity


• Trailers


• About Pete’s Dragon


• Disney Family Album


• The Plausible Impossible


• Lighthouse Keeping


Pete’s Dragon is an uplifting musical adventure about a spunky young orphan that blends live action and stellar Disney animation. With his only friend Elliot, a tubby, 12-foot tall dragon who can make himself invisible, Pete (Sean Marshall) takes refuge from his abusive adoptive family in the seaside town of Passamaquoddy, Maine. After Elliot’s invisible antics wreak havoc with the residents and Pete gets the blame, Nora (Helen Reedy) is touched by the youngster’s plight and takes him to live with her and her tippling father Lampie (Mickey Rooney) in the Passamaquoddy Point lighthouse. Lampie’s tipsy tales of the boy and his dragon amuse the disbelieving townsfolk, until the local quack, Dr. Terminus, discovers that Elliot is real and hatches a scheme to capture the dragon.


An exciting and inspiring story with unforgettable music, including the Academy Award nominated “Candle on the Water,” “There's Room for Everyone” and “Brazzle Dazzle Day,” Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition will be a perennial favorite with children and parents.


STREET DATE: August 19, 2009 Direct prebook: June 23, 2009 Distributor prebook: July 7, 2009


Pricing: $29.99 US, $35.99 Canada


Feature run time: 129 Minutes


Rated: ‘G’ (US); ‘G’ (Canada) Bonus Materials Not Rated


Technical specifications may only apply to feature.


Aspect ratio: Widescreen (1.66:1)


Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 surround


Languages: English


Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios

Hannah Montana The Movie

7:53 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit



Throwdown a Hoedown with Disney Channel Phenomenon Miley Cyrus in her First Feature Film!



Hannah Montana The Movie Available in a Three-Disc Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def Combo Pack, Two-Disc DVD Set and Single-Disc DVD on August 18, 2009



BURBANK, Calif.,June 15, 2009 – Teen superstar Miley Cyrus brings her wildly popular Disney Channel alter ego down home when Hannah Montana The Movie comes to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and DVD on August 18, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. The first- ever full-length Hannah Montana theatrical movie is available for a limited time only in a Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack that includes the film in both Blu-ray and DVD formats, as well as Two-Disc and Single-Disc DVD editions.


Both the Blu-ray Combo Pack and Two-Disc DVD include DisneyFile, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on an array of electronic devices. In an industry first for Blu-ray technology, Walt Disney Studios' Hannah Montana The Movie Blu-ray Disc release will feature an interactive experience that allows viewers to create a wish list of items displayed in the film and move desired items onto the internet via BD-Live capabilities. Through "Hannah’s Country Store" viewers will be able to click on the products in the movie, obtain information about the product, and purchase the merchandise. Also available is BD Radio Disney where fans can stream live Radio Disney audio through their home entertainment system, complete with artist and song information and lyrics! Users can also quickly link to site offering their favorite songs for purchase.


Being a superstar as well as a normal teenager is getting even more complicated for Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus). Her crazy double life as pop sensation Hannah Montana is taking its toll on the teen and her family. So Miley’s dad, Robby Ray Stewart (Miley’s real-life father, Billy Ray Cyrus) decides a visit to the family farm in Tennessee to celebrate Grandma Ruby’s (Margo Martindale) birthday will bring his little girl back down to earth. Far away from the bright lights and the big city, Miley reconnects with childhood friend Travis (Lucas Till).


Their budding romance, along with the love of her family and friends, gives Miley some much- needed perspective on life. But when her pushy publicist (Vanessa Williams) comes calling and a smarmy reporter (Peter Gunn) tries to dig up the dirt on Hannah, Miley is forced to make the hardest decision of her life. Hannah Montana The Movie stars Miley Cyrus as everyday high school girl Miley Stewart and her rock star alter ego Hannah Montana. Cyrus is joined in the film by her stellar cast mates from the hit Disney Channel series including Emily Osment, Moises Arias, Mitchel Musso, Billy Ray Cyrus and Jason Earles. In addition, fans will enjoy special appearances by Lucas Till (Walk the Line), Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty”), Tyra Banks (“America’s Next Top Model”), Barry Bostwick (“Nancy Drew”), Melora Hardin (17 Again), and hit recording artists Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts.


ROCKIN’ BONUS FEATURES The Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack includes these exclusive bonus features: • The HoeDown ThrowDown Home Experience – everyone in the movie has to learn to do it, and now you can too. Famed choreographer Jamal Sims and some of our cast members will show us all step by step how to do the dance everyone is talking about. • The Hannah Montana Store – an interactive experience that allows viewers to create a wish list of items displayed in the film and move desired items onto the internet via BD-Live capabilities. Through "Hannah’s Country Store" viewers will be able to click on the products in the movie, obtain information about the product, and purchase the merchandise.


• 7 Music Videos


• Find Your Way Back Home - Miley, Emily, Billy Ray, and other cast members share with us “THEIR” hometowns: the people, places & things that make ‘em special. We’ll go to a pottery class with Miley & her sister, visit their favorite ice cream shop, and other haunts around the Franklin Tennessee Town Square. Billy Ray saddles up his iron horse to show us home viewers a firsthand account of the beauty a country town like Thompson’s Station Tennessee has to offer. But not everyone is from a small country town. Emily will show us what it’s like to grow up in the entertainment Mecca we like to call Hollywood. Perhaps it will inspire us all to find a little reason to brag of our own hailing?
• Production 101: Jackson Style - Jason Earles is more than Miley’s big brother on TV. He is quite the accomplished actor. Here he will put his talents to use by interviewing cast & crew and giving us a true behind the scenes look at how this movie was made. He’ll cover the fashion, the music, the stars, lights, camera…action! • Bloopers


• Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary


• BD Radio Disney – Fans can stream live Radio Disney audio through their home entertainment system, complete with artist and song information and lyrics! Users can also quickly link to site offering their favorite songs for purchase.


Both the Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack and Two-Disc DVD include the following bonus features:


• New Music Video


• Find Your Way Back Home


• Production 101: Jackson Style


• Bloopers


• Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary


Hannah Montana The Movie has a suggested retail price of $29.99 SRP (US) or $35.99 SRP (Canada) for the 1-Disc DVD, $39.99 SRP (US) or $44.99 SRP (Canada) for the 2-Disc DVD, and $44.99 (US) or $51.99 SRP (Canada) for the 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo pack.


About Disney’s ComboPack (Blu-ray + DVD + DisneyFile in a single package):


To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney movies, in 2008 Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) pioneered the Combo Pack – a Blu-ray DiscTM plus a DVD and a DisneyFile digital copy of the film in a single package. Current WDSHE branded titles available as Combo Packs include High School Musical 3, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Bolt and Bedtime Stories with future plans for Race to Witch Mountain.


STREET DATE: August 18, 2009 Direct prebook: June 23, 2009 Pricing: 1-Disc DVD: $29.99 SRP (US); $35.99 SRP (Canada) 2-Disc DVD: $39.99 SRP (US); $44.99 SRP (Canada) 3-Disc BD Combo Pack: $44.99 SRP (US); $51.99 SRP (Canada)


Feature run time: 102 minutes Rated: U.S.: G; Canada: G Bonus Materials Not Rated Technical specifications may only apply to feature. Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 Languages: English, Spanish, French .


Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

The Tigger Movie

7:09 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit

CELEBRATE A HEARTWARMING AND BELOVED DISNEY CLASSIC THE TIGGER MOVIE 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION DVD

-Released August 4, 2009-

Special Edition Includes 2-Disc Set: DVD + DisneyFile Digital Copy;

Two New-to-DVD Bonus Tigger Adventures

BURBANK, CA., May 12, 2009 –

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the beloved Disneyclassic, The Tigger Movie, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment presents a new, two-discedition DVD. Available on August 4, 2009, The Tigger Movie 10th Anniversary Edition weavesmagical storytelling, charming characters and memorable songs into an endearing tale ofadventure and heart. The DVD includes a plethora of bonus material including two new-to-DVDTigger adventures plus a ‘DisneyFile’ Digital movie copy. Providing consumers withunprecedented quality, value and portability, this enables viewers to enjoy the film in iTunes orWindows formats.

Set in the Hundred Acre Woods, The Tigger Movie 10th Anniversary Edition features Tiggerand the gang ( Roo, Rabbit, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Christopher Robin) in this musical tale offriendship and adventure. Tigger sets off on a journey to find other “Tiggers” who he could callhis own family after feeling left out while the gang prepares for a gloomy winter. Through hisadventures, Tigger realizes that families come in all shapes and sizes, and even though they lookdifferent, the Hundred Acre Wood friends, are his true family.

Originally released in theatres in 2000, The Tigger Movie, is the best-selling pre-school DVD of all time. (Source: Nielsen, 12/08).

The Tigger Movie 10th Anniversary Edition includes all of the beloved bonus features from theoriginal edition plus two all new-to-DVD episodes from the popular TV series “The NewAdventures of Winnie the Pooh. BONUS FEATURES*”King of the Beasties” and “Tigger’s Houseguest” – New-to-DVD episodes from TV series“The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.”*”Your Heart Will Lead You Home” – Music video/music by Kenny Loggins.*”Round My Family Tree” Sing-Along Song*Tigger Movie Trivia Game*Thingamajigger Matching Game*Round Your Family Tree*Tigger Movie DVD Storybook

The Tigger Movie 10th Anniversary Edition, is available for U.S. $29.99 (SRP), Canada $35.99(SRP) from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

STREET DATE: August 4, 2009

Direct prebook: June 9, 2009

Distributor prebook: June 23, 2009

Suggested retail price: U.S. $29.99, Canada $35.99

Aspect ratio: Family Friendly

Widescreen 1:66:1

Rated: U.S. G, Canada G

Total feature run time: 77 minutes

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Surround SoundLanguages: English, Spanish, French

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of DisneyEnterprises, Inc.

Contests

3:30 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit

More great contests (& prizes!) coming soon!
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Skin MD Natural

3:14 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit

Since becoming a Mommy I have had more trouble than ever with dry skin on my hands, feet and knees so I am always on the lookout for an effective everyday skin lotion. When we received an offer to test out the new Skin MD Natural™Lotion, I was really happy to give it a shot. Skin MD Natural™ Lotion is like healing water that quenched my moisture-thirsty skin! The excessive skin dryness in my hands, feet and knees is now so much better. Skin MD Natural™ Lotion has a light, natural scent.

Skin MD Natural™ Lotion is not your typical conventional moisturizing lotion- it is a "shielding" lotion made with natural ingredients like Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Arnica, Comfrey, and Yarrow. Using the latest advances in dry skin care technology to hydrate and protect the skin, Skin MD Natural™ Lotion keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary "super" humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day.

Leading doctors who specialize in skin care and skin treatment even recommend Skin MD Natural Lotion for treating common and more serious skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Dr. Lisa Benest, a board certified dermatologist of Burbank, CA stated, "The secret to resolving dry skin is not only having enough moisture, but also having that moisture located where it can actually resolve a dry skin condition. The use of artificial moisturizers (conventional lotions) only mask dry skin symptoms, which can result in more dry skin, while a shielding lotion protects your skin, allowing your own natural moisture to heal the skin".

Order a bottle of the Skin MD Natural™Lotion now, $18 at http://www.skinmdnatural.com/

Guitar Hero On Tour - Nintendo DS

1:45 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit


Through Mom Central, I got to try out Guitar Hero: On Tour, Modern Hits for the Nintendo DS. I have always wondered how Guitar Hero would be possible to play on a DS, without a guitar. You basically attach an extension to the DS, strap it onto your hand, and bush the buttons just like on the GH Guitar.


Here is what the company, Activision PublishingInc./RedOctane, says about the product:


Handheld guitar gods can now choose how they raise-up their band from the underground music scene to worldwide rock stardom in Guitar Hero® On Tour: Modern Hits. Featuring a set list comprised of 28 master tracks from influential artists including Coldplay, Fall Out Boy, Tenacious D, The Strokes and Weezer, Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits expands on the innovative Guitar Hero® gameplay on the Nintendo DS by introducing an all-new Fan Request system that challenges players to jam like never before. Fret board fanatics can once again unleash their inner rock stars anytime, anywhere as they hone their shredding skills and jam to face-melting modern rock tracks from the last five years in Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits.
KEY FEATURES:
* Rock out to today’s hottest tracks – Shred along to 28 master tracks, all modern rock hits from some of the hottest bands including Coldplay, Fall Out Boy, Tenacious D, Weezer, The Strokes and more. Players will tour through five all-new venues that are as extreme as the tunes played in them.
* Choose your path to stardom – For the first time ever, players can choose how they take their band from the underground music scene to worldwide rock stardom with the exciting non-linear gameplay progression in Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits.
* Do it for the fans – Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits delivers an all-new gameplay experience with Fan Requests. By completing Fan Requests players build their fan base and open up new challenges to rock-out like never before including jamming to an entire song in Hyperspeed, battling it out in a Guitar Duel with active Bomb Notes or whammying every single hold note in a song.
* Rock out anytime, anywhere – Fans can take the Guitar Hero experience wherever they go with Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits. The Guitar Hero™ Guitar Grip™ mimics a guitar fret board and fits seamlessly in people’s hands to deliver the same core gameplay that defines Guitar Hero.
* The party never stops – Song streaming features allow players of Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits and its predecessors, Guitar Hero: On Tour and Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades, to share songs via local wireless connectivity. Players can rock out together in multiplayer modes, jamming to tracks from all three versions of the game.

Caramel Ice Cream Bars

8:33 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit



½ cup flour
1 cup oats
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup chopped nuts
1 cup melted butter


Combine ingredients well and flatten on cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes @ 350 degrees.
Cool and crumble ½ of mixture in 9x13 dish.


1 Jar Kraft Caramel Sauce
2 quarts Vanilla Ice Cream


Take jar of caramel and drizzle over mixture. Spread 2 quarts of softened vanilla ice cream over caramel and put the remaining crumble mix on top. Freeze well. Cut into squares to serve.

Peanut Blossoms

8:31 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit


Quick, yummy and beautiful.


1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar -- cream these all together


Add 1 egg and 2 T milk and 1 tsp. Vanilla --- cream again


1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 salt


Shape into balls and roll in a bowl of white sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes and remove from the oven and place the chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie, pressing gently down. Return to oven for 2-5 more minutes.


Savvy Girl

Summer Tips from Mom Central

8:02 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit


Mom Central got together with the MommyDocs and came up with a list of Five Tips for Summer Staycations to keep your family safe and your house cleaner during the summer months this year.

Staying Safe at BBQs.
According to a recent survey, 70 percent of Moms are cooking more at home and many are likely switching up their meal routine with an outdoor BBQ. Make sure your kids have a safe BBQ experience by keeping them away from the flames and any sharp knives. Also, don't forget to check that your child's hamburger is fully cooked. Always keep a thermometer on hand to be sure all food has reached the appropriate inside temperature.

Keep the Pool Cool and Clean.
If your kids love to spend hot afternoons in kiddie pools, you know the importance of cleaning the pool area. Dump out water after each session, and keep the pool clean by disinfecting it with a solution of ¾ cup bleach* to one gallon of water. Don't forget to rinse well and dry thoroughly after each cleaning (never leave any water in the pool). Be sure to always supervise children when they are in or around any water. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)

Staying Healthy and Hydrated.
Spending time in the heat means kids will be more prone to becoming dehydrated. Remind kids to take frequent rest/drink breaks in the shade when playing outside and try to avoid activity during peak sun hours. Encourage fluids before, during, and after outside activities.

Having Peace of Mind at Playgrounds.
Sometimes just getting out of the house is the best way to keep it clean, but before letting kids loose at the playground, ensure the safety of the equipment. Swing seats and slides can really heat up in the sun – test them out before your kids hop on to avoid burns. Be sure the playground surface is composed of a soft material to help prevent injury. All playground equipment should be routinely checked for any broken or loose parts. As always, adult supervision is a must at all times!

Saving on Spills.
Spending extra time around the house, especially with kids, often means more spills to clean up. Synthetic sponges and kitchen cloths can start to smell and carry bacteria, but you don't have to toss them out after a few uses. One option to reduce bacteria is to sanitize sponges and dishrags by soaking them in a bleach solution (¾ cup of bleach* to a gallon of water) for 5 minutes in the sink. Don't forget to rinse and dry when done. A wet sponge can also be microwaved to get rid of bacteria. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)

Bella Sara

2:56 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit

About Bella Sara:

Welcome to the wonderful world of Bella Sara, a trading card game that's complemented by the magical online land of North of North -- home to the beautiful horses pictured on Bella Sara trading cards. Bella Sara has captured the hearts of young girls across the country, offering positive, inspirational messages and selling more than 83 million cards to date. This June, Bella Sara is expanding its line of trading cards for girls with Royalty, the ninth series in the popular brand. For the first time ever, Sara, herself, is introduced and the series feature even more horses and more fun than ever before -- all with just one code!


Team Mom sent me two packs of Bella Sara Royalty cards to review - they are so cute. These trading cards are geared towards little girls ages 5 and up, I think little girls are going to love Bella Sara.


Each pack of Royalty cards include 5 cards, 1 ticket card, 1 tattoo card, and 1 sticker card. Each card has a beautiful picture of a horse along with some information about the character. There is also a ticket card with a code which allows to to get horses, horseshoes and more at bellasara.com. And the tattoo and stickers cards are just adorable too!

Balance B Bars

8:13 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit


I’m always on the lookout for healthy snacks for Alex that are not only nutritious but tasty. After all, what’s the point if they’re not going to eat it? We had the opportunity to try out Balance B Kids Bar and Alex loved them. It makes me feel so much better knowing that she's eating something healthy. She had no idea that she was eating something good for her, all she knew is that it tasted great.

The makers of BALANCE BAR introduce the BALANCE B KIDS bar, a nutritious kids’ snack bar to help fuel their active lives. With a yummy combination of whole grain oats, wheat and rice, the bars contain vitamins like Iron, Zinc and B1, B6, and B12 to help feed their growing brains and bodies. And, in flavors like Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter, B KIDS bars are a great treat to stick in their lunchbox or put in their backpack and take on the go!

The bars will be available in June at Target stores nationwide. The suggested retail price per 6-count box is $3.99.

Grandrea's Here!

7:07 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit

My Mum arrived from England this weekend and we are so happy to have her here to visit. She will be here for 6 weeks and we haven't seen her in person (only on Skype) since Christmas. My Grandma also made the trip over to see us and she will be here for 10 days.

Alex was so excited to see her "Grandrea" (My Mum's name is Andrea so we now call her Grandrea), she went running down the driveway into her arms when she arrived from the ariport.

We all went out to the Beach in Grand Haven, MI on Sunday and we had a great time, the weather was beautiful, a little windy but a great family day out.

I will post some pictures soon!

Snickerdoodles

7:02 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit



These classic cookies are both easy to make and fun to eat because they offer a little "crunch" on the outside, but are soft on the inside. Serve with a glass of milk and they are the perfect sweet treat and will beat a store-bought cookie any day!



½ cup butter
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
Cinnamon and Sugar mixture (approx 2-3 Tbls sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon)



Beat butter until smooth. Add half the flour and the rest of the ingredients (except cinnamon/sugar mixture). Beat until thoroughly combined. Add rest of flour and beat until thoroughly combined. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Shape into balls and roll in cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes (until just barely the edges are turning brown). Cool on wire rack. Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen -- very easy to double. Store in sealed container.


Savvy Girl Company!

The Way Children See Things!

9:58 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit

I received this by email today and I had to share!


NUDITY

I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a Woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from the back seat, 'Mom! That lady isn't wearing a seat belt!

HONESTY

My son Zachary, 4, came screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he'd dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So I fished it out and threw it in the garbage. Zachary stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to my bathroom and came out with my toothbrush. He held it up and said with a charming little smile, 'We better throw this one out too then, 'cause it fell in the toilet a few days ago.

OPINIONS

On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a Note from his mother. The note read, 'The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents.'

KETCHUP

A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup to come out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone. 'It's the minister, Mommy,' the child said to her mother. Then she added, 'Mommy can't come to the phone to ta lk to you right now. She's hitting the bottle.'

MORE NUDITY

A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, ! ! ! 'What's the matter haven't you ever seen a little boy before?'

ELDERLY

While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. The various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs, unfailingly intrigued her. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, 'The tooth fairy will never believe this!'

DRESS-UP

A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, 'Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit.' 'And why not, darling?' 'You know that it always gives you a headache the next morning.'

SCHOOL

A little girl had just finished her first week of school. 'I'm just wasting my time,' she said to her mother. 'I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!'

BIBLE

A little boy opened the big family bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages.. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. 'Mama, look what I found', the boy called out.' What have you got there, dear?' With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, 'I think it's Adam's underwear

ENJOY YOUR DAY !!!!!

CPR Anytime Kits

9:51 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit

Thanks to our friends at Mom Central we were able to try out the American Heat Associations CPR Anytime Kit.


This kit teaches CPR at home and your entire family can learn these life saving techniques. This is a must have for any family and I am so glad our family can learn CPR together, it makes me feel so much safer to have the knowledge for if something unexpected happens.

Visit The American Heart Association to find out more and get one for your family.

The CPR Anytime line of self-directed learning products was developed to increase CPR knowledge and awareness among the general public – those who do not traditionally attend CPR courses.


Currently:
Almost 80 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home and are witnessed by a family member
Only 6.4 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive because the vast majority of those witnessing the arrest are people who do not know how to perform CPR

CPR Anytime is a tool that can help increase survival rates in communities across the country. People who receive the CPR Anytime kits are able to share lifesaving skills with their loved ones by using the kit to train their entire family. Using a multiplier effect, studies have shown that for every single CPR Anytime kit used for training, an average of 2.5 people learn how to perform CPR.

The American Heart Association's CPR Anytime personal learning programs include Family & Friends CPR Anytime and Infant CPR Anytime for families and community members, and Heartsaver AED Anytime, a credentialed program that can be used in worksites to teach CPR skills and use of an AED.

Learn more about Family & Friends CPR Anytime.
Learn more about Heartsaver AED Anytime.
Learn more about Infant CPR Anytime.
Shop the CPR Anytime Web site

Happy Mothers Day!

6:47 AM Posted by Bits from a Brit



We would like to wish you a very Happy Mothers Day and hope you all had a wonderful day with your children, spouse or extended family.




The Glue of Society

Johann Christoph Arnold for Mother’s Day, May 10, 2009

Thank God for mothers! Mother’s Day is an opportunity to make life special for them. It is a chance to celebrate family. I thank God for my mother, who died some years ago. There is one thing I regret: for too many years I did not appreciate her enough and took her for granted. She was always there for us. I thank God for my wife. We have been married for forty-three years and have eight children. God has blessed us with forty-one grandchildren.

Mothers are the backbone of our society and the glue that holds a family together—their work is vital but often unseen. We all need to show greater appreciation for them. I pity the man who does not have a good wife to take care of him.

My favorite Hasidic saying goes, “God could not be everywhere at once, so he gave each child a mother!” Mothers should be proud to be mothers. It is a God-given task and privilege. Actually there is a mother’s heart in every woman, whether married or single. In the past, motherhood was regarded as the noblest calling of a woman. Today it is too often pushed aside by more “desirable” occupations or careers, and seen as an inconvenience or even an embarrassment.
A true mother thinks day and night about the well-being of her children, and is the first to praise, comfort and protect them. She is willing to sacrifice her life for them. The pains of pregnancy and childbirth are borne by the mother, and she continues to carry the child in her heart her whole life.

Motherhood is a mystery. It is something truly divine for which every human heart longs. This is why mothers provide the most powerful influence on a child’s life, and are the most important role models for positive change in our society. When anyone is in trouble, or knows that they are dying, the first person they think of is their mother. When children start going wrong ways a mother’s prayer is powerful. Mothers remind us that there is a loving God above us who will take good care of everyone, especially children. Whenever a tragedy occurs—no matter where in the world this happens—you will always find mothers both weeping for the dead and bringing comfort and security to the living.

As we seek to improve the education of our children, let us start by taking better care of our mothers. This will enable them to provide better homes for all of us, and ensure the survival of our society. Never before in our history have so many men abandoned the children they fathered. Fathers are vanishing from their children’s lives, not just physically, but legally as well. Therefore, congratulations to all single mothers and grandmothers who do their best to raise children on their own. They often struggle under the most difficult circumstances. They are the real heroes of the family—and not just on Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you!

[Johann Christoph Arnold is a pastor and author of ten books, which are available at http://www.plough.com/.]

Green

2:00 PM Posted by Bits from a Brit


New Green Living Section Coming Soon!