SARAH'S BLOG OF FUN: October 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween!!




Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

My Trip To CA For The #HubHalloweenBash Day 2

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given an all expense paid trip to LA to attend the taping of the Hub Networks Halloween Bash**




After getting to sleep in (yes I said sleep in) all though it was 5 am LA time, I had a terrific brunch with some of my new Hub Network friends.  We got to learn all about the new line up of shows, and what the Hub Network really wants to enforce.  

I love the fact that all of their shows are family friendly.  Each show is geared to be interesting to people of all ages including parents.  Ben Sr and I love to sit down and watch Full House, and ALF with the kids.  My boys are a little too young still for Goose Bumps and R.L.Steins The Haunting Hour, but us old timers can watch it!!!

I can let both boys watch Pound Puppies, Transformers, Littlest Pet Shop and Strawberry Shortcake and not worry about bad language, or horrible humor I don't want them exposed to.

I am very excited for how the Hub Network is really trying to make a niche for themselves and bring programming that everyone can enjoy.

During the brunch we got to meet and hear from Ted Biaselli- Vice President, Programming of the Hub Network.  



Ted was terrific to listen to.  He really loves his job and lets his enthusiasm inspire others!!

After brunch, we had a little bit of down time to get ready for the show!!

We were given the option of dressing up in costume, and of course I took advantage!!  Being a kids show, I didn't want to be anything to scary, so I stuck with this!!


Being a member of the press (I love saying that!!) We got to stand right on the red carpet, and talk to all the celebrities coming in for the show.  

A lot of the celebrities were child actors, and I regret to say I did not know all of them.  The PR reps with the kids held up signs with the kids names and what they are known for.  This was a huge blessing.  Once I read the signs, I knew exactly who a lot of them were.  Quite a few played the voices of characters my kids love!!  

Everyone of them were very friendly and professional.  Oh and did I mention cute!!!


Jaden Betts does the voice of Donny McStuffins from Doc McStuffins, and of course I better know Joey King!!  She played China Girl in Disney's OZ the Great and Powerful!!


I got to meet Todd Newton (the host of Whammy-Press Your Luck,) Michelle Stafford from the Young and the Restless, and who doesn't know Bill Nye!!!


Cody Simpson and the girls from Fifth Harmony were all very sweet!!


Our host for the night Kenan Thompson, and Rico Rodriguez of Modern Family fame!!


Our judges.  Hal Sparks to me is best known as Michael from Queer as Folk (he is such a funny and nice man!!)  Coco Jones is known for her hit song Holla at the DJ.  This girl is making a huge name for herself and she is only 15!!!  Of course everyone knows Martha Stewart.  Her name is included in every DIY arts and crafts handbook!!

After talking and hanging out with the celebrities, we were taken inside to see the show being taped.  That was a fun experience.  Getting to see the different takes to make things perfect, and just the over all atmosphere of a live, fun show was terrific.  We were not able to take pictures (understandably) but I did get one picture in (and I was so glad to do it!!)  


Normally I try 100% of the time to be very professional when it comes to work and being around celebrities.  I mean I was within touching distance of Vince Vaughn and Robert Downey Jr and I did not act like a crazy nut (all though I wanted too!!)  During one intermission, I was given the chance to have a picture taken with Hal Sparks, and I was not passing that one up!!    

Now back to the show (hehe, I have always wanted to say that!!)  The contestants were split into 6 categories- Howl-arious, Spook-tacular, Mad Genius, Blast from the Past, Animal Kingdom, and Everyday Stuff.  The judges picked the best one from each category, and they won a Jackie award and $1000!!

Photo courtesy of the Hub Network

Once a winner from each category was picked, then those contestants went up again and the best over all was picked.  Now of course I know the winner, and if you saw the first showing of the special that aired October 26th, then you know the winner too.  The show is being re-aired tonight at 8 pm est, so I will not say anything on here until tomorrow.  

Tune into the Hub Network tonight to watch the first annual Halloween Bash and try to see me!!



**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given an all expense paid trip to LA to attend the taping of the Hub Networks Halloween Bash**


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

My Trip To CA For The #HubHalloweenBash Day 1

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given an all expense paid trip to LA to attend the taping of the Hub Networks Halloween Bash**




I love my job!!  I have gotten to experience a lot of things that I doubt I ever would have without this job.  Including things like walking the red carpet, and getting to meet and interview celebrities.  

Last week I got to experience yet another first.  I was invited to see a taping of a TV show special focused on one of my favorite holidays, Halloween.   

Thanks to the Hub Network, I was flown out to LA and got to stay at the Marriott Marina Del Ray.  It was a beautiful hotel with a very short drive to and from the airport.  Being a rewards member, I was upgraded to a beautiful suite!!  




The first day I was in LA (travel day) I had to myself.  It was nice to get to relax, but I have to admit I really missed my family!!

With the three hour time difference, I was starving by 5 pm LA time (8 PM my time) so I ordered room service.  I am used to eating Mac and Cheese and hot dogs.  I went outside of my norm and ordered Filet Mignon!!!


This was one of the best meals I have had in a long time, and I am not just saying that because I didn't have to cook it!!


The steak was cooked and seasoned properly and the potatoes were oh so good!!  Luckily since I was in my room, I could lick the plate!! (Just kidding!!)

After resting from eating that delicious meal, I met up with some of my blogger friends to have dinner (I did not eat again!!) I could not go to LA without seeing my favorite Disney friend Marshall!!


We all had a terrific time catching up and spending time together outside of work!!!

After a couple hours or 1 am to us east coasters, it was time to hit that really nice comfy bed!!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given an all expense paid trip to LA to attend the taping of the Hub Networks Halloween Bash**


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Monsters University DVD On Sale Today And My Review!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this review.  I was given a copy of the movie for review purposes.**




If you liked the first movie, you will love this one!




Follow Mike and Sully as they start college, and try to find their place in their world.  Mike has always been kind of an outcast.  Being so short and not very scary, most people do not take him seriously.  Sully uses his family name to get ahead with out actually doing anything for it.  When the two meet in college, it is an instant dislike between the two.  Mike does not want anything to do with Sully and how he does not take college seriously.

When the unlikely pair end up together to accomplish a common goal of getting to stay in school, the gruesome twosome become fast friends.

I love all the different fraternities that are at Monsters U, and the hilarious cast.  I wish my college was more like theirs!

With a new bunch of fun characters, and a ton of laughs, this will make a great gift for kids of all ages!!





Gag Session - Monsters University BTS on Disney Video


1 NEW Official Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Logo

DISNEY•PIXAR
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

Genre:Comedy/Animation
Rating: TBD
U.S. Release Date:                    June 21, 2013
Voice Talent:                             Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina, Dave Foley, Sean P. Hayes, Joel Murray, Peter Sohn, Charlie Day, Nathan Fillion, Bobby Moynihan, Julia Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza, Tyler Labine, John Krasinski, Bonnie Hunt, Beth Behrs and John Ratzenberger.
Director:                                   Dan Scanlon
Producer:                                  Kori Rae
Composer:                                Randy Newman

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer.  The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman  (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”). The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters.

Mike Wazowski’s (voice of Billy Crystal) lifelong dreams of becoming a Scarer are derailed during his first semester at Monsters Universitywhen he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), and their out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program.

Notes:
?       Monsters, Inc.,” originally released on November 2, 2001, was nominated for four Oscars®: Best Animated Feature Film, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song—“If I Didn’t Have You,” for which it won.
?       Monsters University” will hit U.S. theaters nearly 12 years after the original “Monsters, Inc.” theatrical debut.
?       Billy Crystal is known worldwide for his film roles in “When Harry Met Sally…,” “City Slickers,” “The Princess Bride” and “Analyze This”; his 2005 Tony®-winning Broadway show, “700 Sundays”; as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live”; and as the nine-time host of the Academy Awards® ceremonies.
?       John Goodman’s current film projects include Ben Affleck’s drama “Argo,” which premiered at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival; the Robert Zemeckis thriller “Flight,” which premiered as the closing-night film at the New York Film Festival; and Clint Eastwood’s sports drama “Trouble with the Curve.”
?       Helen Mirren won international recognition for her work on stage, screen and television. For her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in 2006’s “The Queen,” she received an Academy Award®, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® and BAFTA Award for best actress. She was also named best actress by a multitude of critic’s organizations from Los Angeles to London.
?       Oscar®- Grammy®- and Emmy®-winning composer/songwriter Randy Newman contributes his unique musical talents to his seventh Disney•Pixar film. The 20-time Oscar nominee’s wins include “If I Didn’t Have You” for “Monsters, Inc.” and “We Belong Together” for “Toy Story 3.” He will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013.

OFFICIAL BOILERPLATE:
Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer.  The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”). For more information, like us at facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity, and follow us on twitter.com/disneypixar. The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters. For more information, check out disney.com/MonstersU.



Terri, Terry and Art - Monsters University Blu-ray Clip on Disney Video


Download Monstrous Halloween Activities

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this review.  I was given a copy of the movie for review purposes.**


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Looking For Guest Posters!!

The Holiday's are approaching very quickly.  This is my extremely busy time of year.  I would love to add a couple of team members to my site, who offer terrific guest posts to my readers.  If you are interested, please read the info below and fill out the form.  

Currently I am looking for a foodie, who is willing to post recipes that they themselves have tried and that are rated highly on the yummy scale.  It can be anything from appetizers, to main entries to deserts.  Personal pictures that you took of the food is a must.  If you are using someone else's recipe, I would need their info to give proper credit.  I am going to start out posting the recipes on Wednesday, and may add another day later on.


The second guest poster is someone who enjoys to read.  I work with multiple publishing houses, and even though I am an avid reader, I just can not keep up.  The ideal person I am looking for will be able to read two plus books a week.  I would like to post the reviews on the weekends.  At least one each day.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1miJiq_ndG7ob8dBXB8WBolKP6UQvW9Uau4gxOmCd3y8/viewform




  Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Friday Giveaway Link Up 10/25/13

Have a great weekend everyone!!



Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Hub Networks Halloween Bash Premieres 10/26 8-10 PM EST

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given an all expense paid trip to LA to watch the show being taped.**





The Hub Network, a destination for kids and their families, will host the first “Hub Network’s First Annual Halloween Bash,” to be broadcast on Saturday, October 26, 2013 on the cable channel.

The special will be hosted by Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”), along with  a panel of celebrity judges (Hal Sparks, Coco Jones and Martha Stewart,) and includes music performances and a nationwide costume competition where 50 semi-finalists from each state will head to Los Angeles to be a part of the two-hour star-studded event.

One lucky winner will win $25,000 and a walk-on role on the Hub Network’s Daytime Emmy® Award-winning series, “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series.”

The “Hub Network’s First Annual Halloween Bash” costume competition is open to all ages, including individuals or a maximum of five people per group submission.

Participants are encouraged to create eye-popping, hair-raising and spooky costumes within one of the following six categories:

·         Howl-arious – Shows the lighter side of Halloween with a take on a fun, funny or otherwise hilarious costume.
·         Spook-tacular – Get ready to frighten America by showcasing the most spine-chilling costume for all the ghosts and ghouls out there.
·         Mad Genius – Unique, original, innovative and never seen before. A knight in armor fashioned from bottle caps, bat wings made from old umbrellas, or a cardboard-box jetpack, the possibilities are endless. Display a costume unlike any other — show your Mad Genius.
·         Blast from the Past – Take a stroll down memory lane with a timeless costume. Memories, nostalgia and yesteryear brought to life. Show your take on great figures from before the 20thcentury or a retro 50’s sock hop get up, 60’s flower child or other “period” inspired costumes.
·         Animal Kingdom – Transform into a living creature from the past or present. Be a roaring lion, a school of jellyfish, a firefly, or a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
·         Everyday Stuff – We're looking for the coolest refrigerator/freezer, remote control, mailbox, block of Swiss cheese, telephone and more.  Be creative and transform the ordinary into the extra-ordinary


I got to travel to LA this past weekend and see the taping of the special.  We had a blast (stay tuned for my awesome posts) and I can not wait to see the finished show this Saturday!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given an all expense paid trip to LA to watch the show being taped.**

Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Airline Internet

Have any of you ever purchased airline internet?

I am on American Airlines as I type this and the internet is not the greatest.  I have repeatedly tried to watch a movie with two different accounts that I have (netflix, and target ticket) and I can not watch anything.  The worst thing about it is it cost me $18.95 to use it for my whole flight out to LA.  Other wise the flight has been good.

I was originally booked in a middle seat, and when I asked the nice guys at the counter if they could switch me to an aisle, they did!  This is the first time I have flown AA.  The seats are not bad, and there is no turbulence so far (always a plus!)

I guess now that I have internet access I should actually get some work done!




  Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Jake And The Neverland Pirates Yo Ho Matey! CD Review And ~~Giveaway~~


**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given the below party supplies to host this party for the CD release**

Ben and Doug love the Disney Channel.  Jake and the Never Land pirates is one of their favorite shows.  I have to admit it's one of mine too.  Those songs are so catchy, and fun to sing a long too!!

When I was given the chance to throw a Jake party in honor of their new CD "Yo Ho Matey," I knew I was going to make my boys day!!  I also ended up making Grampy's day too!!

We planned our party around my Dad's birthday, so his grand kids could celebrate with him and Jake.  





How many 57 year old's get such a fun party!!  We did have some issues lighting his cake though!!



After all the food was gone, the kids got to run around with all of their new pirates booty, and sing a long to the songs on the CD.  

Personally my favorites are Hook's Hooks and Yo Ho Mateys (Ship Hop) Away!!  They are fun to dance too (yes I did it too!!)

The kids all had a great time at the party and so did the Adults.  Everyone was excited that they got to take home a CD as a party favor!!  Along with all the other fun toys!!

How would you like to have a goodie bag too??  We have one goodie bag to give away to a lucky reader.

The goodie bag includes the new CD, and all the fun pirates toys we got.




Enter below using the rafflecopter form, and good luck!!




a Rafflecopter giveaway
**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given the below party supplies to host this party for the CD release**


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Check Out The Great Sponsors So Far For My 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!!


I have been searching far and wide to bring you some awesome items for this years gift guide!!  I can not wait to show you them!!

The guide starts November 10th, but if you head on over, you can see some of the terrific sponsors so far!!



Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Friday Giveaway Link Up 10/18/13

I hope everyone has a great weekend!! I am jet setting out to LA tomorrow. I am not sure what I am allowed to say about the trip, so I will leave it at this. I get to hob knob with some celebrities!!!




  Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Being Well Connected @Walgreens #Shop #WalgreensCambridge #CBias

"I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. All opinions expressed are 100% my own."




When I go to Walgreens, it is usually to get a great deal on shampoo, or dish soap!!  I am also usually wearing either jeans and a t-shirt or even my flannel p.j's! 

This past Monday, Ben and I traveled to Cambridge to check out the new Walgreens there and their Well Connected section.  We both got dressed up in nice clothes for this trip!



One of the first things we saw when we entered the store was a huge movie section.  Newer releases too!  Plus our favorite part was that it is interactive.  You can click a button and see the trailer for each movie they sell.  When I go to the store and see movies I have never heard of on sale, I usually keep on walking.  Now at Walgreens I have the chance to see some of the movie before judging it!



Walgreens also has a huge electronics section.  With everything from no contract cell phones, to cell phone cases, to Monster headphones, to even Blu Ray and iPod speakers.  






The best part about the speakers is that you can test them out before you buy right in the store!  Bring your iPod and listen to your own tunes to make sure they sound great coming from the speakers.  I do not know of any other store that lets you do that!

Besides the Well Connected section, Walgreens also has a huge Beauty section called LOOK Boutique.  



Featuring brands like Pur Minerals, Pop, and Gosh Cosmetics, you have a wide variety to choose from.  Check out the tremendous section of nail polish alone!

The Look Boutique also has a higher end section of cosmetics with a variety of all natural and French made products.  



Another new feature to Walgreens is their updated pharmacy.  



Now instead of picking up your prescriptions and waiting to speak to a pharmacist, the pharmacist is the one who gives you the scripts so you can ask questions right away.  I also love the fact that most of the drugs are hidden and not visible.  To me it seems like a great safety move.  Out of sight, out of mind.

After our tour of the Walgreens we were given some tasty snacks, and drinks while we waited.  



Waited for what you may ask?  How about getting to meet Nick Cannon! 



Nick was there to help promote his and Monsters new Ncredible headphones.  With many styles and colors to choose from, I honestly can not pick my favorite!

Walgreens is really trying to modernize their stores and make them a one stop location for fresh foods, entertainment, beauty products and prescriptions.  From now on I might just be buying more then shampoo there!

"I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. All opinions expressed are 100% my own."


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey . She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

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