Big Miracle, rated PG, includes a stellar cast: Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Kristen Bell, Dermot Mulroney, Tim Blake Nelson, Vinessa Shaw, John Pingayak, John Chase, Ahmaogak Sweeney and Ted Danson.

Based on a true story, Big Miracle, is set to open nationwide on February 3, 2012. The movie follows the story of Adam Carlson, a reporter played by John Krasinski, and Rachel Kramer, an animal-loving volunteer played by Drew Barrymore, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend! As they join forces to free 3 California gray whales who are trapped in Alaska, they find the unlikeliest of allies in an oil tycoon, heads of state, rival world superpowers and journalists from all over the world. Amindst the chaos, you find yourself rooting for not just the whales but for Adam and Rachel to get back together.

Andrew, my 10 year old, and I went to see the pre-screening of Big Miracle this weekend. The movie had us laughing, gasping and yes, I admit even tearing at various points. It’s a movie that emphasizes family and community. Perfect for the kids!

Without giving too much away, I can tell you that the ending was  bittersweet. Although, Rachel was not able to do all she hoped to do, she united communities all over the world, changing the playing field for those who care about the environment.

Favorite Quote:

It (the hole) kept getting bigger and bigger until it let the whole world in.

That my dear readers is what passion does!

Let’s talk! Are you planning on seeing Big Miracle? Why or why not?  

Beatriz Luengo’s exclusive label release party will give attendees an intimate performance. Songs from her newest album, Bela y Sus Moskitas Muertas, will be featured. You can listen to her latest song, “Como Tú No Hay 2″ below.

Below I’ve noted some information about the performance.

• Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2011
• Time: Begins at 6pm
• Location: 7 World Trade Center, New York City
• Dress Attire: Casual Chic

If you are able to attend, answer the mandatory question below, for a chance to win!

Suerte! / Good luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY

Let me know why you want to see Beatriz Luengo perform in a comment below.

EXTRA ENTRY

1. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. One tweet per hour till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

Exclusive #Giveaway: Enter to win tickets to @EsBeatrizLuengo LIVE performance, thx to @MiCricket! http://bit.ly/BLnyc #Music #Musica #NY

2. Share this post on Google+, Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, and/or Facebook. 3 extra entries for each share. Just let me know you shared and your username, if applicable!

As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 1 hour to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise.

Winners will be announced on the Giveaway Winners page.

In my previous post, I mentioned how much I enjoyed Disney’s newest video game,  Disney Universe.  Rated E+, it’s full of wholesome fun that the whole family can enjoy!  Alone or with friends, users can suit up as their favorite Disney or Pixar characters, defeat enemies, or their friends, for hours of fun!  Missed my review? Click here to read my Disney Universe recap.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Disney is giving one Latina On a Mission reader a chance to win their very own Disney Universe Wii game (Retail Value: $49.99)! To enter to win, just answer the mandatory question noted below. Want more chances to win? Read on!  

¡Suerte! / Good luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Go to Disney’s website look over the Disney Universe characters, and let me know which character you would like to be in a comment below.

EXTRA ENTRIES AVAILABLE FTER MANDATORY IS COMPLETED – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY TO COUNT:

1. Subscribe to my blog via email or feed, follow my blog publicly with Google Friends and/or “Like” Latina On a Mission’s Facebook page for one (1) entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know!

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

4. Blog about the giveaway, linking back to this post, and provide me with the url for two (2) extra entries.

5. Share this post or another on Google+, Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, and/or Facebook. Each post shared gives you 3 extra entries. Just let me know which post you shared and your username, if applicable!

6. If you’re a blogger, sign up to become a Stiletto Media blogger and grab their button. Leave me your blog link in a comment so I can verify button placement!

Winners will be announced on the Giveaway Winners page.

I did not take a drink from a bottle labeled Drink Me, did not eat a cake with Eat Me written on it, yet it seemed I had fallen down a rabbit hole into Alice’s Tea Cup.

It was a festive, inviting wonderland filled with all types of tea, served in dainty teacups. They were not labeled Drink Me. They did not have to be. They spoke on their own. Not with words you see. No. These were magical teas that pulled you in, called you, tantalized you with their aromas and warm, inviting scents. I tasted a few and waited. Would I grow bigger? Would I shrink, smaller than my 5 feet 1 and a half inches? I need not have fretted. These magical concoctions did no such thing. They did, however, invigorate me. Filling me with a warmth that entered through my lips and traveled to my toes.

Not to be outdone, the pastries placed before me screamed Eat me! Eat me! I believe one may have even jumped out of Mitch’s hand in a mad dash to my lips. It gloated and laughed as it did so. It knew it would not stop there. No, not these pastries. They were, and still are, stuck to my hips. They were mischievous pastries indeed!

I was at a guest at a “mad” tea party, one where I could become Alice in Wonderland if only for a time.  Dare I dream? Would I Ms. Latina, a divorcee, albeit gorgeous divorcee (Hey! Somebody has to compliment me!), be able to regain my carefree ways in this magical universe? It seemed I could. But only if I dared to grasp the control and take the challenge offered by Disney Universe.

Disney’s newest video game, Disney Universe, allows users to become the magical characters they have read about in books and watched on the big screen. You can choose to suit up as 40 classic and contemporary Disney characters including Alice, Tron, Stitch, and Pocahontas while facing challenges in the magical Disney Universe. The game offers 6 different worlds, that can be enjoyed by four players at once. Best of all, it’s rated E+ and wholesome fun!

When I left Alice’s Teacup that day, I did not leave my character behind. Disney Universe’s mischief, magic and mayhem came along with me, taking permanent residence in my Wii Bundle. I fear my hands may also be trying to permanently fuse to the my bundle’s Wii control, as Disney Universe beckons me to newer and greater adventures!

Let’s talk! Which is your favorite Disney or Pixar Character?
Can’t decide? Check out the game to view the available characters!

Disclosure: I received a review copy of Disney Universe. This in no way influenced my decision to play Disney Universe. I blame that on my Tween who keeps challenging my gaming skills!

When you purchase a Wii bundle you get the following:

• New Super Mario Bros. Wii – With 20 million games sold worldwide, its one of the most widely enjoyed games for the Wii system.
• Featuring iconic characters from the classic Super Mario Bros. series, the game lets up to four friends or family members play together in a fast-paced adventure (additional accessories required; sold separately).

I also like that you can use your Wii for a slew of other things like:

• surfing the web
• parental controls that limit content children can access
• sending/receiving emails
• connecting with other players
• watch movies and TV episodes from Netflix
• a photo channel that lets you display digital pictures stored on an SD memory card

Games have also become much more inexpensive with Nintendo Selects, the hot-selling series of fun, family-friendly Wii games offered at $19.99 or lower. It’s a great bargin that packs a punch!

Click HERE to learn more about the Wii

Click HERE to register your Wii and games to earn coins that can be traded in for FREE stuff!

My sons are avid gamers. It’s the one area in which their 7 year age difference appears to disappear. It’s also what allows us to bond as a family.

I purchased a Wii bundle several years ago when Circuit City was going out of business. It was, and still is one of the best “toys” I ever purchased. Not only did I catch a good sale, but its given my family and friends loads of enjoyment over the years that’s fun, active and seems to bond those who play regardless of their age differences!

Since I’ve purchased mine, several family members and friends also brought their own so we are able to trade games and host game nights. This holiday season we got Kirby. It was top on my Tween’s holiday wishlist and he hasn’t stopped playing since!

I have to tell you it saved my sanity a few times when I had the tween and teen’s friends underfoot. Normally, the one room they share is a bevy of noise but after opening the game they allowed me to relax, at least for a bit! I admit I was eventually sucked in. I haven’t been able to beat them YET. They don’t realize I’ve practicing during my blogging hiatus. I can’t wait for the day that I can say “BOOYA! How you like me now?” while thumping my chest! Not very feminine I know but I have to show them I rock!

I even got another Wii game for Three King’s Day because seriously Wii ROCKS. I  must admit I opened it and have been practicing, I need to be prepared for when they open their gift. My competitive nature has been activated and I can’t back down now!

Let’s talk: Do you have a Wii? What’s your favorite game?

This week, I got one for the teen in your life! Seventeen magazine is the world’s most popular magazine for today’s teenage girls. They can find the latest scoop on style and beauty, relationships, college and careers and celebrities in each issue of Seventeen magazine.

You can signup to get a FREE 11 Months of Seventeen Magazine (Digital) and enjoy 11 digital issues (starting with the January 2012 issue). The magazine is mobile ready so you can read it on your iPad, iPhone, Mac, and PC!

Enjoy!

Disclosure: This subscription was purchased on your behalf by JewelMint.com. Clicking on the affiliate link will help support Latina On a Mission at no cost to you.

Modern women look to Cosmopolitan magazine for fashion, beauty, relationship advice and celebrity news for good reason. The magazine always has the latest and hottest info on your favorite stars, raciest relationship confessionals and tips, loads and loads of tips for the fashion and beauty obsessed!

You can sign up to receive the FREE Year of Cosmo Magazine (Digital) by clicking on the link below. By signing up for this offer you will receive 12 digital issues, starting with the January 2012 issue. The digital magazine can be read on your iPad, iPhone, Mac, and PC.

What’s the best thing about this deal?

There’re no strings attached so you’ll never receive a bill.

Disclosure: This subscription was purchased on your behalf by JewelMint.com. Clicking on the affiliate link will help support Latina On a Mission at no cost to you.

¡Hola! It’s Jeanette, a contributing writer for Latina On a Mission.

New York City Screening Attendees

My daughter and I recently had an opportunity to see a private/advance screening of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1”, and I can’t stop thinking about it.

The film opened last week. As expected, it broke records.  So I’d like to thank Latina On A Mission and the screening sponsor 96.3FM, along with DJ Bacán Bacán, who provided some funny commentary, for the opportunity.

I found myself more intrigued by the latest installment than the rest. I had read some conflicting reviews on the film so I was eager to check it out for myself. The movie almost felt like 3 movies in one – the wedding and honeymoon, the pregnancy, the battles with wolves.

I thought it was great. What they managed to produce with computer graphics was quite amazing – I don’t want to give anything away but Bella’s body changes were captivating. I thought to myself “how on earth did they do that?” It is absolutely realistic, great visuals.

The love story was strong, touching and heartfelt – Bella looks different now; womanly, older, ready. Edward is poised as always but in the more intense scenes you see the pain in his frantic eyes. I felt that the performances were stronger this time around. The scenes where it was just the two of them showed some real chemistry, you held your breath.

The kissing scene between Edward and Bella at their nuptials is one to beat – I think it should be a front runner on the next award show featuring “BEST KISS” WHEW – MUCHACHAS, WHEW! Is all I can say about that.

Los lobos/wolves – never thought I’d find a wolf sexy but here I am saying it. Jacob’s character is more in control and powerful – proving a force to be reckoned with. His love for Bella always outweighs all else.

Family Bond – The most beautiful thing I find in the Twilight Saga is not the scenery, actors, wedding gowns (though that dress was amazing on her) it’s the family bond. Latinos are always super family oriented – like mine. I have a fierce love for my family. They are everything to me – our traditions, memories, food, laughter, fights, and reconciliations, all of it. I would not change a thing. I respect how united the vampires and wolves are with their families – I can understand it. I can relate. It’s how I was raised, and how I raise my own children – family is, and will always, be very important.

Bloody? Yes.

Sexy? Yes.

Drama, some comedy, suspense, action?  Yes. It has all of this.

Would I recommend it?

YES and can’t wait for Part 2!

 Are you happy that Bella and Eduardo wed? Let us know in a comment!

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Disclosure: As a contributing writer, Jeanette and her daughter, had the opportunity to see an advance screening of  ”The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1″. All opinions expressed herein are strictly her own.

Are you excited?

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 starts…. drumroll pleaseeeeeee… MANANA / TOMORROW but my readers I’m giving not one, not two, but THREE readers a chance to win an Admit 2 Advance Screening Pass. Even better, these tickets will ensure you get in if you arrive at the theater no later than 6:50pm.

In THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson), plus those they love, must deal with a chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, a honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child…which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).

With more of the romance, passion, intrigue and action that made Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse worldwide blockbusters, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling book series, begins the conclusion of the tale of vampire love, boundless friendship, acceptance, and finding your true self.

Btw, the books make great gifts! You can purcase the books in English or Spanish by clicking on the links below.

• Twilight Saga Collection Box Set
• Crepúsculo (Twilight, Spanish Edition)

Are you excited?!

Maybe the video below will help you decide.

Now…

ARE. YOU. EXCITED?!

If so, enter to win one of THREE admit 2 Advance screening passes in New York.

Below is screening info:

DATE: November 17, 2011

TIME: 7:30 BUT ARRIVE BY 6:50 PM

NOTE: Swag will be given to early birds!

LOCATION: AMC Loews East 19^th Street (890 B’way)

********************

MANDATORY ENTRY

Let me know in a comment… Are you excited?!

********************

That’s it! Easy peasy right?

Suerte! / Good luck!

As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. Winners will receive an email today, no later than 4:30pm, EST. Winners will also be announced on the Giveaway Winners page.

This past September I had the opportunity to see Lionsgate’s Warrior, starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, with the kids and Noah a friend of the family.

Below is her review.

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So many emotions ran through me as I sat and watched the movie. I was sad and even cried when the brothers were faced with what seemed like insurmountable obstacles. I was proud when the brothers triumphed- in and out of the ring; and I was scared and even screamed as if I was the one in the ring!

At times, the fighting scenes in the movie were intense, so much more brutal than what you would expect in a movie about professional sports. Yet I applaud the director Gavin O’Connor for having the courage to show the audience what truly happens in the arena, It made it genuine, and although frightening, it allowed me to feel for the characters.

Warrior was very good, better than many other movies I have seen this year, however, I walked away feeling cheated.  I felt like a best friend had moved to the other side of the country without even saying goodbye. I even leaned over for reassurance and asked my friend Karl if that really was it.

It seems improbable that there will be a sequel (what conflict would there be? Another two brothers battling it out? Ha!) but so many of my questions were left unanswered.  [I can just imagine "The Warrior Returns" (ha!)].

Warrior is not just an action flick or a tear jerker, it is a culmination of the two.  It draws you in with no mercy.  I can’t say it enough, this movie is a must see. I promise you will walk away wanting to learn MMA!

To find out more about Warrior go to www.warriorfilm.com

DreamWorks Pictures’ REAL STEEL, starring Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, and Kevin Durand, opened in theatres everywhere on October 7th. The movie, rated PG-13, is a fast paced action drama. The rating was given the PG-13 rating for “some violence, intense action and brief language.”

I had the opportunity to view the movie with my 10 year old son and another mother and child. The children enjoyed the movie fully; however, I have to admit I cringed a few times. Although, the fighting scenes were conducted by robots, except for one, I still cringed each time the blow struck its mark. I believe it was because Atom, Hugh Jackson’s robot, displayed such human charactaristics.

I do not recommend the movie for children under 10, who are senstive to violence, because it may give them nightmares. If, however, you have older children, like I do, I think its a great movie, especially for boys. I know I will be buying the movie for my tween once it comes out!

Below is a brief synopsis and trailer for the movie.

A action ride set in the near-future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, “Real Steel” stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.

If interested, you should definitely enter this giveaway! Perfect for that studdly man, tween, or teen in your life one Latina On a Mission reader will have the opportunity to win the following:

To enter, read on!

MANDATORY ENTRY
Let me know in a comment why you are interested in this movie?



EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY:

1. Subscribe to my blog via email or feed, follow my blog publicly with Google Friends and/or “Like” Latina On a Mission’s Facebook page for one (1) entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know!



2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. One tweet per hour till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

Next week New York readers will have the opportunity to watch an inspiring and family friendly pre-screening of The Mighty Macs.

The movie, starring Carla Gugino, David Boreanaz (Love him in Bones!), Marley Shelton, and Ellen Burstyn, is rated G and is perfect for the whole family! The Mighty Macs will open nationwide on October 21 but New York Latina On a Mission readers will have the opportunity to see it before anyone else!

SYNOPSIS
The Mighty Macsis based on the true story of the 1971-72 Immaculata College team that started in obscurity but became the original Cinderella story in women’s basketball.  This team of trailblazers went from barely making that inaugural tournament to the first dynasty in their game.  And Cathy Rush, the woman that was ahead of her time, became immortalized when she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

You can see the trailer below.

Interested?

Go to gofobo.com and enter the below code.

The Mighty Macs Screenings:

These screenings are first come first serve so make sure you arrive at least an hour before!

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

¡Abrazos! / Hugs!

~GIVEAWAY ENDED~

In my last two posts, see here and here, I reviewed the HP Pavilion dv6 laptop. Yet even with those two posts, I wasn’t able to touch on everything that the HP Pavilion dv6 can do! There are so many fabulous features that I’m enjoying with this laptop, like it’s

1. HP TrueVision Webcam for video that uses low light image-sensing technology
2. HP SimplePass that allows me to access my online accounts and passwords with the swipe of my finger
3. HP CoolSense that keeps heat away from me regardless of where or how I sit
4. HP ProtectSmart. It automatically prevents damage to the hard drive if the laptop is bumped or dropped – great for families!

The laptop, valued at $600, is comparable with higher end models.  Its great for teens going to college, as a family laptop, for those involved in social media, as I am, and for anyone looking to purchase a top quality laptop at a reasonable price. In the end, I would recommend the HP Pavilion dv6 to anyone in the market for a laptop.

I’m also delighted to announce that  HP and Intel are giving one Latinalicious reader a chance to win their very own HP Pavilion dv6 right here on Latina On a Mission!

To enter, complete the mandatory entry noted below. Want extra chances to win? Read on!

¡Suerte! / Good luck!

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MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES:

Based on my reviews, found  here and here, tell me which feature or features you love most about the HP Pavilion dv6 laptop in a comment below.

EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY:

1. Subscribe to my blog via email or feed, follow my blog publicly with Google Friends and/or “Like” Latina On a Mission’s Facebook page for one (1) entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know!

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

Enter to win an @HP Pavilion dv6 #LAPTOP! http://bit.ly/rep63v #Giveaway #AClaseConHPyIntel #MsLatina #Tech

3. Blog about the giveaway, linking back to this post, and provide me with the url for two (2) extra entries.

4. Leave a comment on ANY other post for THREE (3) extra entries. Each comment must have been posted after October 2, 2011. Let me know you did so in the comments below.

5. Share this post or another on Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, and/or Facebook. Each post shared gives you 3 extra entries. Just let me know which post you shared and your username, if applicable!

6. If you’re a blogger, sign up to become a Stiletto Media blogger and grab their button. Leave me your blog link in a comment so I can verify button placement!

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Giveaway ends October 31, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. EST

For complete HP Pavilion dv6 Official Giveaway Rules click HERE.

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As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 2 days to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise.

Winner will be announced on the Giveaway Winners page.

Disclosure: Latina On a Mission received one HP Pavilion dv6 for review purposes only.  No other compensation was received. Prizes and promotional support provided by HP and Intel. Thoughts and opinions of the product are always my own.

In my previous post about the HP Pavilion dv6 I asked readers to let me know what they thought was important in a laptop. I received a few comments with the same responses, I’ve noted them below in no particular order.     

• Battery life
• Start Up/Speed
• Durability
• Screen Size/Brightness
• Memory/RAM
• Size/Weight

Seeing how so many readers had the same concerns, I decided to focus my HP Pavilion dv6 review on those responses. Note, I am not a techy. My review will be based on my experience with the laptop and will be written in layman’s terms.       

Start Up/Speed
The first time I started up the laptop , it seemed to take longer than most computers; however, I believe this was because I was overly excited. Additionally, I was required to register several products, like the Free 60-day Norton Internet Security 2011 Subscription and the HP SimplePass fingerprint reader, which comes with the laptop. After the initial log-on, future start ups were much quicker.     

In terms of speed, I found that I was able to have a few screens – sometimes 10 at a time- and various applications, like Word or Excel, open at the same time, without it impacting the speed or functionality of the laptop. This was a huge problem with my previous laptop and one that caused an amazing amount of frustration.
      

Battery Life
I’ve been using my HP Pavilion dv6 on a continuous basis since my last review. During that time, I’ve had to use the laptop for several hours. Based on my experience, I can get up to 6 hours. This is fabulous for people like me who need to get out of their home office every once in awhile since it makes it very easy to pack up and take to the park, Starbucks or just about anywhere!   

TIP: One thing I have found that destroys battery life in any laptop is when a user leaves it plugged in all the time. I used to do this with my last laptop and it is a huge no no. It will burn out your battery and cause it to work less, not more.     

Screen Size/Brightness
The HP Pavilion dv6 has a large screen, which I LOVE! It has a “15.6-inch diagonal HD BrightView display” that allows you to view a  1366 x 768  display. Perfect for seeing Latina On a Mission!      

The large screen means that I am not straining my eyes and am able to see more on a page without scrolling.  It also allows me to see what my son is doing when he is seated at the table and I am on the couch or in the kitchen, both approximately 3 feet away.      

The screen’s brightness levels can be adjusted to the user’s preference. As someone who is online for almost ten hours a day, this is an extremely important feature that protects my eyesight.   

TIP: Adjusting the brightness level on your screen and looking away from the screen from time to time is a great way to give your eyes a break.     

Size/Weight
The HP Pavilion dv6 is pretty big in all the right places yet still compact enough to travel with the user. The size of the laptop means that it has a standard keyboard, with a numeric keypad on the right handside. I’ve found this to be an asset when budgeting or doing Math homework with the little one. Best of all this laptop, won’t break your back – literally- since it weighs approximately 5 1/2 pounds.     

Memory/Ram     
As a budget friendly laptop, starting at $549.99,  most would assume that it does not have sufficient Memory/RAM for a person’s daily needs.  They are wrong. The laptop I received was the basic version. It has no added bells and whistles, yet it can still hold its own against higher priced models. It includes:    

• Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
  This operating system makes it easier and faster to launch applications and/or find documents. It also makes going online faster, easier and safer with Internet Explorer 8. 
• Processor: 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i3-2310M
  This processor lets you switch between applications with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology. This technology provides a faster experience because of the 4-way multi-task processing it uses that automatically speeds up the system, when the PC needs an extra performance boost.
• Memory: 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 DIMM)
  The 4GB DDR3 System Memory will allow you to use more programs at once and make them run faster. Also, when you purchase the laptop via HP, you get a FREE Upgrade to 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm). ¡Wepa! Click to purchase your HP Pavilion dv6 and get FREE memory upgrade    

Durability     
With two dogs and two boys, I know accidents happen. Knowing this durability is always at the top of my list, and based on my readers responses, its on the top of their lists as well. I will like to note that I did not put my new brushed aluminum laptop to any tests. Meaning I was not about to throw it to the ground, let someone step on it or give it to a dog to gnaw, just to prove its durability! As a result, I’m basing this portion of the review on information provided by HP. See below.

I would like to note that HP is the preferred laptop for the U.S. Air Force and the Navy. Knowing they use these laptops in extreme conditions, makes me believe that my chaotic lifestyle will not come near the extremes they do in the service. Based on that, I think its safe to say that this laptop will last in my household or yours!

This post only touched the items readers requested in my previous post. The next post will discuss entertainment features! As a frequent YouTube user, I have to admit I loved this portion of the review.
     

Do you Skype, watch movies or YouTube on your laptop?      

Psst stay tuned! One Latinalicious reader is going to have an opportunity to win a HP Pavilion dv6 right here on Latina On a Mission!

Summer is almost over and Ms. Latina’s household is in back to school mode. With that comes a long list filled with necessary items like school clothes, bookbags, shoes and sneakers, etc. etc. Technology is also a big part of what students need to succeed in this day and age. Knowing this, I was extremely excited to receive an HP Pavilion dv6 laptop for review (and a giveaway!).

Since I haven’t had much time to use all of the laptop’s features, I can’t do a full review. I can, however, tell you that the machine is ready to go right out the box! Just pop in the battery, plug it in and get ready to use this powerhouse.

The screen, a whooping 15″ diagionally, is high definition. The laptop also has the latest Intel 2nd generation core processors, which means that you can have a few tabs open at once (like I normally do!) and not have to worry that the HP Pavilion dv6 will slow down.

I also love that a free 60-day Norton Internet Security subscription is included with the laptop. I learned the hard way that this is REQUIRED when anyone, especially children, use a computer. This, along with the HP SimplePass fingerprint reader, a built in fingerprint reader that auto-populates passwords for online accounts and websites, protect you and your family’s information.

There are so many other features that I can’t wait to tell you about so stay tuned for my review of the HP Pavilion dv6 laptop and one very, very, sweet giveaway!

What do YOU look for in a laptop? Let us know in a comment! 

With the rise in the Hispanic population, companies are trying to connect with Latinas and their families more than ever before. Smart companies know that in order to connect with this market, they most connect with them on a personal level. Its an untapped market with room for expansion. Kmart, realizing this, launched the first of it’s kind, a fully customized YouTube channel in Spanish. The channel consists of mini soap operas, or novelas, called Madres y Comadres. The series focus on two Latinas and the challenges they face raising a family in America while still holding onto their Hispanic culture.

As the social media manager for Kmart’s Madres y Comadres  initiative, I’m excited to be part of this amazing initiative. Having had the opportunity to work with various entities on their social media initiatives, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Kmart is breaking ground and opening doors for Hispanics with this initiative. They have shined a spotlight on the Latina cultura/culture and the amazing work mothers do to straddle two worlds:  their own and their children.  

I was able to view the mini webisodes before they hit the press. Me encantaron! / I loved them!

As a Latina mother raising 1st generation Latinos in New York City, I could definitely relate to the webisodes. One that really resonated with me was called “La Nota Que Se Nota”

Just like the Mom in the webisode below states:

Why can I relate? Because my own handsome teen brought home an “A” in Japenese last year and barely got a “C” Spanish!

Kids!

So if you haven’t had a chance to watch the webisodes, I highly suggest you do. Some will make you nod in agreement, while others will make you roar with laughter, but allwill make you turn to your own comadre to say, “¡Gracias Comai, no lo podria ser sin ti! / Thank you Bestie I couldn’t do this without you!

Want to hear more about Madres y Comadres? Follow their accounts by clicking on the links below.

Twitter: @MadresyComadres
Facebook: http://KMRT.US/MYCYouTubeTw

I recently attended a CVS event, where one of my parting gifts,was the iCraig 2.1 Channel Tower Speaker. I was esctatic! My teen’s birthday was right around the corner and being a Techie I knew he would love it!

When the box arrived, he immediately wanted to open it. At that point he didn’t know what was inside but he knew it was BIG. Of course, I said “No!” but that didn’t deter him. He persisted and as a mother I relented. What can I say, I’m a softie when it comes to my boys.

When we opened the box we were pleasantly surprised to see that the tower was much slimmer than the box. The packaging itself is what made the box seem so large. Incidently, the same packaging that makes the box look larger is what protects the iCraig 2.1 Channel Tower Speaker during transit ensuring you receive your order in one piece.

The tower is ready to go as soon as you remove it from the box. We decided to place it in our entry hallway shown below. As you can see it has a clean design, is very slim and able to stand in most areas. This is extremely important for those of us that live in small areas. Its also what makes it perfect for a dorm room, an office or anywhere!

Below you can see it in our entryway. It’s not a big space but I was able to move the sitting area over a few inches to create space for the tower. Now we can charge our iPods or my son’s iPhone as soon as we get home. Btw, it also allows you to plug in an MP3 via a jack that comes with the tower.

I find its great when we have visitors, especially social media savvy Moms like @MommyFactor who recently visited with her son. She was able to plug and recharge during their visit, without worrying that she would forget it on her way out.

The only downside I’ve found is that the remote can get lost since there is no place to place it on the tower. This, however, was easily remedied with a little ingenuity and some double sided Velcro!

In the end, for the $79.00 sale price, I find its comparable to higher end iPod/iPhone speakers with just as much, if not more, sound quality and this comes from a Bose girl! 

Disclosure: CVS/pharmacy is a Latina On a Mission, and in turn Stiletto Media, BlogHer 2011 sponsor; however, all opinions expressed on this blog regarding the event, CVS/pharmacy and products sold in their stores are strictly my own.

After more than 35 years, Winnie the Pooh hit theaters on July 15, 2011. As an adult, you would think this wouldn’t excite me but it did! I love Pooh, Tigger (my fave!!), Eeyore, Piglet, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga and Roo and all their other friends in the Hundred Acre Wood’s.

I have to admit I used to wish I was Christopher Robin. Can you imagine me as Señorita Cristophina Robinette? I can see it now! In fact, with the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack I can sing along and believe it’s true … at least for a little while

The movie soundtrack includes new and original songs, including an original song by Zooey Deschanel, which is one of my faves. Click here to preview the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack. I’m sure after you do, you’ll be excited to find out that one Latinalicious reader will have the opportunity to win a copy of the Winnie The Pooh soundtrack AND a copy of “A Hundred-Acre Wood Treasury” from Disney Press.

To enter, read on!

¡Suerte! / Good luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES: 

In a comment, let me know which song you like best from the soundtrack. Click here to preview the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack.

EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY: 

1. Subscribe to my blog via email or feed, follow my blog publicly with Google Friends and/or “Like” Latina On a Mission’s Facebook page for one (1) entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know! 

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

Enter to win a Winnie the Pooh soundtrack and book! http://bit.ly/GW18a #Giveaway #MsLatina #music #children

3. Blog about the giveaway, linking back to this post, and provide me with the url for two (2) extra entries.

4. Leave a comment on ANY other post for THREE (3) extra entries. Each comment must have been posted after July 19, 2011. Let me know you did so in the comments below.

5. Share this post or another on Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, and/or Facebook.  Each post shared gives you 3 extra entries. Just let me know which post you shared and your username, if applicable!

********************

Giveaway ends August 7, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. EST

Open to US residents

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As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 7 days to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise.

Winner’s will be announced on the Giveaway Winners page.

With a stellar cast, including Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Jonah Bobo John Carroll Lynch, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Analeigh Tipton, Josh Groban, Liza Lapira, and Joey King, “Crazy, Stupid, Love” is set to open nationwide on July 29 but one Latina On a Mission reader will win an admit two pass right here! This screening pass skips lines so that you can walk up to the registration desk and walk right in, VIP style!

The movie screening will be held in Manhattan on 54th Street at 7 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Details will be emailed to the winner.

Below is the movie synopsis and movie trailer.

Ready to enter? Read on!

MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES: 

Let me know in a comment why you want to see  “Crazy, Stupid, Love”

EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY: 

1. Subscribe to my blog via email or feed, follow my blog publicly with Google Friends and/or “Like” Latina On a Mission’s Facebook page for one (1) entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know! 

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. One tweet per hour till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

Enter to win a screening pass to ”Crazy, Stupid, Love” in #NYC! http://bit.ly/GW16a #Movie #Screening #giveaway

3. Share this post on Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, and/or Facebook.  Just leave me the url in a comment, with your username, if applicable!

********************

Giveaway ends July 18, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. EST

Open to US residents

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As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 7 days to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise.

Winner’s will be announced on the Giveaway Winners page.

Get 20% off $25 in movie tickets when you use your Visa Signature card. Have questions about something found within this post? Read my Disclosure Policy.

MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS, rated PG, is set to hit theaters on June 17th. The movie stars Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino and Madeline Carroll (Loved her in Flipped!). The movie, based on a contemporary adaptation of a classic novel called Mr. Popper’s Penguins, looks like a great family comedy.

Mr. Popper, played by Jim Carrey, is a hard working businessman who inherits six penguins. When he brings them home, the penguins turn his New York apartment into a snowy winter oasis. They also turn the rest of his life completely upside-down.

You can watch the trailer below.

Fifty (50) of Latina On a Mission’s New York readers will be able to snag screening passes to this movie by clicking below. It’s limited to the first 50 so hurry!

Click HERE to access screening passes through gofobo. Once there, enter the following code –  2B055BS6 - in the RSVP code section found on the upper right hand side of the page.  You will receive one ”admit two” screening pass.

Make sure you come back and let us know what you thought about the movie! Enjoy!

The Big Apple Circus is in town! They are performing their 33rd Season in Queens, New York.

This year’s season is full of fun and adventure with a troupe of monocyclists and lasso twirlers from China, mind–bending group of Mongolian contortionists, Kenyan athletes who can shimmy up a pole faster than you can say “The Big Apple Circus is in town!”, 12 mini horses (how cute!), jugglers, clowns and so much more!

Even better you can use the code below to get $15 OFF ANY SEAT!  Avansa/hurry because they leave town this Sunday, June 5!

To purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus* follow the instructions below:

• Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/pop11QNS.aspx and submit the code POP11 in the Promotional Codes box in the lower left of the page.
• By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP11  
• In Person:  Big Top Box Office hours:  Tues-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat-Mon 10am-6pm.

Below you can see a short clip from when I attended the circus with the boys in 2009.

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!

Get 20% off $25 in movie tickets when you use your Visa Signature card. Have questions about something found within this post? Read my Disclosure Policy.

This morning as I was reading the newspaper, I discovered a FREE Kung Fu Panda 2 screening pass.

I enjoyed the original Kung Fu Panda and it looks like Kung Fu Panda 2 is going to be just as funny. You can see the trailer below.

Click here to get a FREE pass in New York, enter RSVP Code NYDNRTS4 in the “RSVP Code” box found on the right hand side of the page.

Also, don’t forget that this free event is first come first enter, which means that you should arrive at least 2 hours before the screening to make sure you are one of the lucky few that are admitted.

Now avansa/hurry these tickets go very fast!

Enjoy and hope this helps you save some ca$h!

~Giveaway has ended~

People in Espanol has named it 50 Most Beautiful people! They are singers, actors and actresses and so much more! Click HERE to view the complete list of the 50 Mas Bellos/50 most beautiful people. 

This Thursday, May 19, 2011, they will walk the Red Carpet in New York City. A select few will be in attendance, including one Latinalicious reader and their date!!! 

At the Red Carpet Event, the lucky attendees will be in the VIP Fan Area Section, where they can see the 50 Mas Bellos/50 most beautiful people, snap photos of the stars, meet the new @BigoteDeLeche spokesperson  (The Spanish Got Milk? Spokesperson will be announced at the Event. The individual chosen is one of the 50 most beautiful people! ) and also get Got Milk? t-shirts for themselves and their date. 

Below is more information. 

• Must be 18 or older to attend the event.
• Winner and their date must arrive by 6:45 PM.
• Check in at registration is required.
• Dress attire is chic comfortable since you will be standing.
• Full Names of those attending must be provided once contacted.
• Once notified, winner has till Tuesday, 6:00 PM, EST to respond or forfeit their prize.
• Event will be held in Manhatten in the midtown area. Address will be provided to the winner when contacted.

If you qualify, avansa/hurry and enter below. The giveaway ends on Monday, May 16, 2011, at 11:59 PM, EST! 

¡Suerte! / Good luck! 

MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES:  

Let me know why you want to go in a comment below. 

EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY:  

1. Follow  @BigoteDeLeche and @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway saying the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. You can tweet once per hour till the giveaway ends! 

I want to win @BigoteDeLeche #Giveaway & meet their spokesperson @ the People en Espanol’s 50 Mas Bellos Event! http://bit.ly/GW15a #NY  

2. Subscribe to my blog via email or feed, follow my blog publicly with Google Friends and/or “Like” Latina On a Mission’s Facebook page for one (1) entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know! 

******************** 

Giveaway ends May 16, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. EST 

Open to US residents 

******************** 

As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 7 days to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise. 

Winner’s will be announced on the Giveaway Winners page. 

Disclosure: I will receive two tickets to hobnob with the 50 most “beautiful” people as well, so make sure you look for me!

In April, Latina On a Mission partnered with Telemundo for its first Social Media Day in Miami, Florida. As part of the event, I, along with eight other website owners/social media influencers, sat at a roundtable with Don Browne, the President of Telemundo, the Executive Vice President of Digital Media and Emerging Businesses, Senior Vice President of Communications and Talent Development and various Telemundo Talent. We were also given an inside look at the Telemundo studios, got a behind the scenes look at the making of one of it’s telenovela/soap operas, saw a sneak peek of  two of their upcoming novelas, and we also found out how Telemundo is giving back to the community.

The Telemundo roundtable was held at the Telemundo Headquarters. Participants were served an authentic cafecito/cup of coffee with pastries, made just the way my Abuelita/Grandmother used to make them. We mingled with the executives, exchanging pleasantries before getting down to the business at hand … social media.

As someone who is active on the social media circuit, I had a mouth load to say. I offered suggestions and, when needed, criticism. Others did as well. We didn’t mince words. Yet we also listened and learned.

I applaud Telemundo for the steps it’s taking to reach the Latino audience, not just in the United States, but worldwide. Their team understands that our generation, and our children’s generation, want programs that we can relate to, while also being entertaining. We are not cut from the same cloth as our Abuelas.  We travel, have families and friends from all over the world, have jobs, hobbies, and  passions that we are not afraid to vocalize. We work hard so we can play hard. We live between two worlds. We are not defined by our language but by our cultura/culture. We may or may not speak Spanish but we are Latinos.  We are dark skinned and light skinned, with curly, wavy and straight hair. We are multi-cultural, bridging two worlds. We adapt because we have to. but we learn Spanish because we want to. We are the “new” Latinos living in the United States.  Telemundo wants to meet us there. They want to match our steps, meeting us where we are most active … online, on social media using platforms like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Tumblr, Flickr and YouTube.

It was amazing. We had two days of inspiration, laughs and excitement! We also made history.  Our session’s hashtag,  #TelemundoSocialDay, was a No. 1  trending topic in Miami, due in large part to the bloggers in attendance.  Now that’s the power of social media!

See photos below.

NOTE: Don Browne is retiring on June 3. A new Telemundo President will be announced in the coming months.

Disclosure: Telemundo paid for travel costs and provided bloggers with branded promotional items.

~Giveaway has ended~

Released in theaters on February 11, 2011, Gnomeo & Juliet is now coming to DVD! It will be released on Blu-ray™, Blu-ray 3D™, DVD, Movie Download and On-Demand on May 24, 2011; however, three (3) Latina On a Mission readers will be able to win their very own copy DVD right here! 

Uniquely packaged with families’ in mind, GNOMEO & JULIET will be made available for purchase by Walt Disney Studios as either a 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray 3D + DVD with Digital Copy), a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray 2D + DVD) and/or a 1-Disc DVD. Disney Blu-ray Combo Packs provide families with an enhanced entertainment experience – with the value and flexibility to enjoy your favorite movies on a variety of platforms of choice. 

For those of you who enjoy learning more about the making of the film, GNOMEO & JULIET discs come with never-before-seen bonus features including “Elton Builds A Garden,” “Frog talk with Ashley Jensen,” and the “Crocodile Rock Music Video featuring Elton John and Nelly Furtado.” 

For those who purchase the Blu-ray Disc, it includes the following features: hours of extra exclusive bonus features including alternate endings, deleted scenes and more. 

• 2 Alternate Endings with Filmmaker Introductions
• Deleted & Alternate Scenes with Filmmaker Introductions, including:
  • 1 Alternate Opening
  • 1 Alternate Scene
  • 6 Deleted Scenes
• The Fawn of Darkness, featuring Ozzy Osbourne

You can see the movie trailer below. 

Ready to win a copy of your own? Read on! 

Suerte! /Good luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES:  

Let me know in a comment why you want to see this movie. 

EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY:  

1. Subscribe to my blog via email or feed, follow my blog publicly with Google Friends and/or “Like” Latina On a Mission’s Facebook page for one (1) entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know!  

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away! 

Enter to win a Gnomeo & Juliet DVD (3 Winners) http://bit.ly/GW14e #Giveaway #MsLatina #movies #DVD 

3. Blog about the giveaway, linking back to this post, and provide me with the url for 3 extra entries. 

4. Leave a comment on another post for THREE (3) extra entries. Let me know you did so in the comments below 

5. Share this post or another on Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, and/or Facebook.  Each post shared gives you 3 extra entries. Just let me know which post you shared and your username, if applicable! 

Giveaway ends May 21, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. EST 

Open to US residents 

******************** 

As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 7 days to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise. 

Winner’s will be announced on the Giveaway Winners page.

While at the Latin Billboard awards, I was able to tape Marc Anthony’s performance of “A Quien Quiero Mentirle”. You can see it for yourself below.

And just so you know, the kiss Marc threw at 4:39 was mine

Want to sing along? Below are the song’s lyrics. You can also see the English translation of “A Quien Quiero Mentirle” by clicking HERE. Don’t forget to “Like” the video if you enjoyed it!

¿A quién quiero mentirle?

Ya lo sé, que extraño es verte aquí
Verte otra vez
Te sienta bien estar con él
¿Que si te pude olvidar?
Tú pregunta está de más
Yo http://lyricstranslate.com también he vuelto amar

(Coro)
¿A quién quiero mentirle?
¿Por qué quiero fingir que te olvidé?
Trato de convencerme
Que estas en el pasado
Y del alma la mente, te borré
¿A quién quiero mentirle?
¿Por qué quiero fingir que te olvidé?
Trato de convencerme
Que no sentí un amor tan profundo
Y quedaste en el ayer

Yo trato de olvidarte, y
Yo de verdad lo intento
Pero no lo consigo

Ya lo ves, estoy en paz
Nuestro amor tuvo un final
Era lo más natural

Hace tiempo que olvide
Todo lo que pudo ser
Yo sin ti volví a nacer

¿A quién quiero mentirle?
¿Por qué quiero fingir que te olvidé?
Trato de convencerme
Que no sentí un amor tan profundo
Y quedaste en el ayer

(Coro)

Yo trato de olvidarte
Yo de verdad lo intento
Pero no lo consigo

Disclosure: Telemundo paid for travel costs and provided bloggers with branded promotional items.

A few weeks ago I was able to go to the Latin Billboard Awards, courtesy of Telemundo. At the event, I was able to see Marc Anthony on the Red Carpet.

I have to admit I screamed like a groupie for that flaco/skinny man, while pushing and shoving the professional photographers on the red carpet! Que jibara right? (Translation: What a hick right?)

Who is your favorite singer? Let us know in a comment!

Happy WW! Feel free to link up or view more WW posts below.

~Giveaway has ended~

The boys and I were able to see I AM NUMBER FOUR before it hit the movie screens. You can read my family’s FULL review of I Am Number Four by clicking here. 

As noted in my movie review, my boys and I enjoyed the movie. It was a fast paced action packed movie and I only noted one curse word towards the end of the flick. Also, although my then 9 year old was not frightened by the extraterrestrials known as Mogadorians, their beasts and the numerous fighting scenes, some children may be frighten by them.

The DVD is ready to hit stores on May 24, 2011 but 3 lucky Latina On a Mission readers will be able to win their very own copy by following the instructions below.

¡Suerte! /Good luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES: 

Let me know in a comment why you want to see this movie.

EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY: 

1. Subscribe to my blog via email or feed, follow my blog publicly with Google Friends and/or “Like” Latina On a Mission’s Facebook page for one (1) entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know! 

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet URL in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

 Enter to win an I Am Number Four DVD (3 Winners)   http://bit.ly/GW13d #Giveaway #MsLatina #movies #DVD

3. Blog about the giveaway, linking back to this post, and provide me with the url for 3 extra entries.

4. Leave a comment on another post for THREE (3) extra entries. Let me know you did so in the comments below

5. Share this post or another on Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, and/or Facebook.  Each post shared gives you 3 extra entries. Just let me know which post you shared and your username, if applicable!

********************

Giveaway ends May 21, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. EST

Open to US residents

********************

As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 7 days to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise.

Winner’s will be announced on the Giveaway Winners page.

I was recently invited  to attend the Disney Pixar’s “Cars 2” adventure at the Javits Center. Although I wasn’t able to attend Karl went in my place. He had a blast! Below is his recap. Enjoy!

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Cars,an animated Disney movie, was a national phenomenon that delighted both children and adults, while teaching morals it also sparked laughter.

Cars 2, set to hit theaters on June 24, 2011, will bring back old characters: Lightning McQueen and Mater the Tow truck, and add a few new characters, like the super cool British spy Finn McMissle. This movie will take Lightning and Mater on an all new adventure, overseas, to the first ever World Grand Prix that will not only test their friendship but their wits too. Mater takes on the job of being a spy all the while trying to help Lightning in this high profile race!

Not only are the Cars 2 characters making a pit stop on the big screen, they are stopping off at 33 cities (sponsored by Statefarm) including New York City, Philidelphia, Boston, Miami and many others. This past week they were at NYC for the Auto Show and I was lucky enough to get invited and see them!

Although the three characters shown below were stationary, they were remote controlled and could move up to 10 MPH at any given moment! How cool is that?

Lightning was ready for the camera!

Mater was looking, well… rusty, but happy none the less.

Finn looked extremely cunning.

“State Farm is thrilled to present the ‘Cars 2’ ‘Agents on a Mission’ tour,” says Pam El, marketing vice president, State Farm. “Like our force of 18,000 agents across the U.S. and Canada, whose mission it is to help people realize their dreams every day, families can become secret agents by participating in fun ‘Cars 2’-themed missions at the tour and online.”

Christine Perez, official spokesperson for the Cars tour, said many great things about the movie including the fact that there will be more laugh out loud moments in this movie compared to the last, but there was one thing that stuck with me most.

The beauty of this movie is that it will be able to transcend cultural lines!

It was that one statement that really made me want to see this movie! I want to see how it bridges racial gaps!

Are you planning on seeing Cars 2? Why or why not?

Let us know in a comment.

********************

For more information about the movie, the tour and a list of cities, check out Disney.com/cars. Also feel free to like “Cars 2” on Facebook: facebook.com/pixarcars, and follow “Cars 2” on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar.

For more information about State Farm and the “Agents on a Mission” promotion, like State Farm on Facebook: facebook.com/statefarm or follow State Farm on Twitter: twitter.com/statefarm.

For a chance to win one of 18,000 prizes in the “Agents on a Mission” sweepstakes, go to Disney.com/agents.

Picture the following scenes:

Scene 1

A sabroso/savory meal cooking on the stove, soft music playing in the background, perhaps Luther Vandross singing “Never Too Much”,  Teddy Pendergrass crooning “Turn Off the Lights”, Maxwell reminding him just how “Fortunate” he is, or a more upbeat Bruno Mars belting out “Just The Way You Are”, and you … wearing a perfectly, tantalizing outfit.

The door rings. Your heart skips a beat. It’s time.

You grab a wineglass filled with Amitage, a red wine with a subtle spiciness and silky mouthfeel, as you head to the door. You take a deep breath. You’re ready.

You swing the door open. His eyes travel over you. His face says it all. You wrap your arms around him and lovingly give him a kiss. He sighs. You giggle, hand him the wineglass, lead him inside and close the door.

Scene 2

As you open your eyes, you stretch, catlike. You lay in bed, listening. The quiet is intoxicating.

You turn slowly, savoring every movement. Your eyes fall on your husband. He looks so serene, so unlike his waking demeanor. He’s been having such a hard time at work. They laid off a few of his co-workers and he’s been working longer hours. Stress hasn’t allowed him to get a fitful night’s sleep in a long time. It finally caught up to him last night.

Your eyes travel to the window as a soft breeze stirs the curtains. You have an idea, one you’re sure he’ll enjoy. It will let him relax, get his mind off the issues at work, while giving you and the children some time with him. You slowly get out of bed, head to the door and close it. You don’t want to wake him or the children.

It’s early enough that you can prepare a picnic basket. You make turkey empanadas, arepitas de yuca (yucca fritters) and an Edamame and Navy Bean Salad with Orange-Balsamic Dressing. It will go perfectly with a chilled bottle of Moscato, a semi-sweet white wine that compliments salads and saltier/spicier meals. Thankfully, you brought a few bottles since they cost about $12 each.  

You can’t wait! You know it will be a day to remember.

Scene 3

You’re so excited your girlfriends are coming over. It’s been so long since you’ve all gotten together.You have so much to catch up on. You can’t wait to tell them all about your trip to Santo Domingo. You met the hottest Snorkeling Instructor. Seriously, the pictures don’t do Jose justice. Sighhhhh…

After work, you run to the supermarket to pick up snacks and three bottles of Cabernet Sauvigon. You know you and your friends will enjoy a glass or two as you catch up. Not only do the hints of dark chocolate and spice make this a wonderful wine, but its also very inexpensive at $8 a bottle.

You make it home right before the bell rings. You open the door to shrieks of glee! It’s going to be a Latinalicious night, indeed.

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The above scenes remind me of the movie “French Kiss”, when Kevin Cline stated :

Just like the scenes above, wines vary. For many, like me, selecting the perfect bottle wine can be confusing.  Which wine should I choose? Red or White? Does it depend on the circumstances, as noted in the scenes above? And most importantly, at least for me, how much should I spend for a quality bottle?

I recently attended a meeting with Juan Muñoz-Oca, the Head Winemaker for Columbia Crest. During our meeting, we discussed the questions above, as well as as the origins of Columbia Crest’s reasonably priced wines, their various red and white blends, and Juan Muñoz-Oca’s lifelong passion for winemaking.

Below is a short video detailing which wines to choose based on the occasion and foods served. I apologize for the background noise. We were at a very popular New York location.

Mr. Muñoz-Oca also talked about his family and their passion for winemaking.  He came alive when he spoke about his family history. “I’ve been involved with grapes since I was a little boy – my grandfather was in the industry and his father was in the industry – it’s all I’ve known,” he said. They are a family of winemakers, receiving their very first taste (literally) shortly after birth!

Mr. Muñoz-Oca passion for wine is evident in the success he’s found as a winemaker. He also stands out because he fuses his Argentine cultura/culture into each bottle. It’s noted in the sweetness of the Moscato, the subtle spiciness of the Amitage, and the hints of chocolate and spice of the Cabernet Sauvignon. They are wines of distinction for under $12, that can be used in various scenarios, as shown above.

I raise my glass in a toast to Mr. Muñoz-Oca for pouring his love and passion into each bottle!

¡Salud!

Btw, Wine when taken in moderation is a proven stress reliever, romance builder, and great for the heart. In fact, the American Heart Association has stated that it can produce “small increase in HDL cholesterol”. What an incentive to partake in a glass or two a week.

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Disclosure: I was not compensated for the above review. I did, however, receive wine for review. I used the wine in one of the above scenes. I’ll stay mum as to which one!

With Spring Break right around the corner in New York City and already started in other parts of the United States, parents are looking for ways to entertain their children.

Along with outings around the city, I also make sure I have games and videos on hand. They are not only perfect for Spring Break, but playdates and family fun night. To minimize the costs, I use coupons (Yes, I say it proudly, “I’m a coupon girl!”),  because in this economy every cent counts!  

Game & Video Coupons:

• $3.00 off the purchase of one BOP IT! game
• $3.00 off the purchase of one ELEFUN game
• $3.00 off the purchase of one SORRY! Sliders game
• $4.00 off one Electronic SCRABBLE Flash game - This is a family fave! We love it!
• $3.00 off the purchase of one OPERATION game
• $3.00 off the purchase of one CONNECT 4 game
• $3.00 off the purchase of one CUPONK game
• $4.00 off one MONOPOLY Electronic Banking game
• $3.00 off the purchase of one BOP IT! Bounce game
• $3.00 off the purchase of one GATOR GOLF game
• $3.00 off with purchase of Dirty Dancing
• $3.00 off with purchase of Barney Mother Goose
• $5.00 off with purchase of The Switch on Blu-Ray
• $3.00 off with purchase of Pop Goes Thomas

Hope these Game & Video Coupons help you stash some cash too! 

Happy Shopping!

The X Factor, a new show by Simon Cowell, is set to hit television this Fall.  Think you have The X Factor? If you do, you could win a $5 million recording contract with Sony music! 

Auditions are currently underway in Miami. They will continue in Seattle, Chicago, Newark and Dallas.  Anyone over the age of 12 is invited to audition.  Participants can audition alone or in vocal groups at the locations listed below.
 

Newark, NJ
Prudential Center

• Registration: April 13
• Audition: April 14

Seattle, WA
Key Arena

• Registration: April 19
• Audition: April 20

Chicago, IL
Sears Center Arena

• Registration: April 26
• Audition: April 27

Dallas, TX
Dallas Convention Center

• Registration: May 25
• Audition: May 27

To audition, you must register the day before.

• Click HERE to register for The X Factor. 
• Click HERE to get FREE Audience tickets.
• Click HERE for more information about The X Factor.

Before auditioning, make sure you listen to Simon Powell’s advise below!

Good luck!  / ¡Suerte!

In 2003, 13 year old Bethany Hamilton was surfing with 3 others when she was attacked by a tiger shark. It was a horrific shark attack. She lost almost 70% of blood and one arm but survived due to the quick thinking of her companions. Read the original story HERE. 

Surviving the attack set her apart, yet it wasn’t what made her an inspiration. That was accomplished by her faith, family and determination. She didn’t give up her dream. She adjusted. She also wrote a book, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. 

The book has now been made into a movie that YOU, my Latinalicious friend, can see for FREE at a pre-screening. For a full synopsis, scroll down.

To register for admit-2 ticket, while they last click HERE.

As always, don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!

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SYNOPSIS

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

Bethany (Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic, sun-drenched, surfer girl’s life on the Kauai Coast, competing in national competitions with her best friend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed in a heartbeat. On Halloween morning, Bethany was on a typical ocean outing when a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter all her dreams.

SOUL SURFER reveals the moving aftermath of this headline-making story, as Bethany fights to recover and grapples with the future. Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom (Quaid) and Cheri (Hunt), she refuses to give in or give up, and begins a bold return to the water. Still, the questions keep hammering her: Why did this happen? Why did she have to lose everything? Will she ever feel the joy and power of riding the waves again? And if she can’t be a surfer, then who is she?

The devastating 2004 tsunami in the Pacific Ocean unexpectedly gives Bethany a new perspective. Traveling to Phuket, Thailand with her youth-group leader Sara Hill (Underwood), she witnesses life beyond her own shoreline and discovers her greater purpose—she can make a difference in the lives of others. Filled with a new sense of hope and direction, she returns home with a renewed resolve to conquer her own limitations and set an encouraging example for people facing adversity.

At the National Championships, Bethany bravely faces off with her fiercest rival, Malia Birch (Sonya Balmores), and takes her astonishing one-armed surfing technique to the limit. But as the horn blows, and the suspenseful competition kicks off, Bethany is no longer thinking about the challenges of her body. Now, her surfing, her biggest dreams and her life have become about pushing her own physical limits to touch the souls of others.

Directed by Sean McNamara, the screenplay was by McNamara, Deborah Schwartz. Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk. SOUL SURFER is based on the book by Bethany Hamilton, Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh. The screen story by Sean McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz, Michael Berk, Matt R. Allen, Caleb Wilson and Brad Gann

“I am Number 4″ , rated PG-13 and starring Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant and Dianna Agron,  is based on Pittacus Lore’s young adult science fiction novel, I Am Number Four.The book spent 6 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.

The book rights were purchased by DreamWorks Pictures in 2009 and eventually made it into a movie that was released nationwide on February 18, 2011.

Although the movie received a dismal review from the Daily News, my boys and I recommend it. We enjoyed the action and the fast pace. I only noted one curse word, which was uttered by Number Six towards the last 10-15 minutes of the movie. Also, although my sons, ages 16 and 9, were not frightened by the Mogadorians make-up and fighting scenes, some children may be frighten by the Mogadorians, their beasts and fighting scenes.

Below you will find Karl Rivera, my teen’s movie review.

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After seeing some great commercials for I Am Number Four, I was ecstatic that my mom had gotten advanced screening tickets. It looked like the type of movie that everyone would be talking about and I was psyched that I would be one of the first to see it.

John, Number 4, is one of nine super-powered aliens that have escaped their planet’s destruction. Along with their protectors, the nine have found a home on Earth but sadly for them the Mogaldorians- their mortal enemies- have followed them and are killing them off in sequential order. One, two and three have been assasinated and John is next.

The movie action and plot combined to make it an intense movie that didn’t seem to slow down. It had extreme action scenes, intermixed with calm moments. Those moments were necessary to create a romantic angle that pulls on your heart strings and makes you hope that Number Four will beat the bad guys and win the girl.

By the end of the movie, its obvious that there is a sequel in the works, at least I hope there is! The movie had too many cliff hangers to end there. I was left wondering about the other four super-powered aliens mentioned in the movie. I felt like I was missing a piece of the alien puzzle. Numbers Four and Six were the only two that were introduced in the movie and Number Six was only included during the last 45 minutes of the movie.

Ultimately, I believe I Am Number Four is the next big sci-fi action series. It has great graphics and a plot to match that should entertain people of all ages.

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Have you seen I Am Number Four or are you planning to?

Let me know in a comment!

Last year my best friend and I had the opportunity to see Jennifer Hudson perform LIVE!

Although Jennifer Hudson’s Weight Watchers commercials highlight her weight loss – she lost about 5 sizes-  seeing the difference in person was inspiring! She looked amazing! 

Sitting in the second row, I had an incredible view; however, because of the concert lighting it was difficult for me to get photos that did not show some type of glare. 

She wore an long elegant, purple gown that accentuated her curves and slim physique. In the second photo, she was working that stage, connecting with various audience members while singing one of her older songs.

I plan on posting a video of her performance so stay tuned!

Happy WW!

Disclosure: Thanks to Nikki, who was unable to attend the event, I was provided with concert tickets and transportation. You can find Nikki blogging at Mommy Factor.

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Restaurant.com, an online site that connects people to over 15,000 restaurants nationwide, is a site that I use often to save money when I dine out. They sell $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for $10 and/or $25 Restaurant Gift Cards for $15. If you can catch a sale, you can even get them for as low as $2! 

However, right now Restaurant.com is giving away $10 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for FREE during their Feed It Forward initiative. During their initiative, you will be able to give away $10 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates to as many as 40 people each day.

To share this Latinalicious deal with  your loved ones,  go to www.Restaurant.com/FeedItForward and log into your Facebook and/or, Gmail or Yahoo email account to select the people you wish to give to—as many as 40 people each day until December 31, 2010. You can also opt to type in email addresses manually. Gift certificates are then sent to the selected recipients via email along with a personal note from you. Recipients can redeem their gift certificate through the Feed It Forward site, which directs individuals to a location search where they can find participating restaurants in their area. Once a specific restaurant gift certificate is selected, the recipient can print it immediately for use, bring it into the restaurant, and apply it towards their meal.

So go, go , GO and share a few virtual meals today!

With all the shopping and spending going on during the holidays I am always excited to find a good great freebie, especially when it’s something I can use right away! Because of that  I’m excited to bring this particular freebie from Target your way.

Target has partnered with a variety of artists to create “The Christmas Gig”. Its available exculsively thru Target and did I mention its FREE?

You can get this Latinalicious freebie by going to the Target website and downloading the album from their site.

Click here to download one or all of the songs!

Tracks on “The Christmas Gig” album include:

1. “Tiny Tree Christmas” by Guster
2. “Toy Jackpot” by Chief Xcel of Blackalicious
3. “Snow Is Falling” by Darker My Love
4. “Perfect Gift” by Natalie Hemby
5. “10,000 Watts” by Crystal Antlers
6. “You’ll Never Find My Christmas” by Bishop Allen
7. “Get Down for the Holidays” by Jenny O.
8. “Mrs. Claus Ain’t Got Nothin’ On Me” by Little Jackie
9. “Electronic Santa” by Blazer Force
10. “Got Something for You” by Best Coast/Wavves
11. “It’s Christmas” by Coconut Records
12. “Party Hard” by Little Isidore
13. “Super Mama” by The Pinker Tones
14. “Un Regalo Para Mí” by Ceci Bastida

I have to admit I like Súper Mamá (Supermom) by THE PINKER TONES cause it reminds my boys of all I do! hehe

When you go to the site you’ll also be able to do the following:

• Download an embeddable music player for live streaming of the music collection.
• Preview band photos and read band bios.
• Share music via Facebook, Twitter and E-mail using mobile devices and the free Target iPad app.
• Download the Target iPad app at http://Target.com/mobileTarget.com/mobile or from the iTunes App Store.
• View Target’s holiday TV commercials and bonus video content at Target’s Facebook page.

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

My sons and I love to go bowling. However, those shoes and lanes can get pretty expensive, if you’re not careful. Knowing that, I’m always on the look out for some good deals. I’m happy to say I found a great one!

AMF Bowling Centers is offering a $20 coupon for 4 people. This coupon is great for an outing with friends, family members and/or co-workers. Note, it can’t be used for birthday parties.

To get this coupon you will have to sign-up for an e-mail subscription.  By signing up, you’ll receive future monthly specials. Of course, you can always unsubscribe if you find it no longer fits your needs.

Click Here to get the $20 coupon off your next game.

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

Christina Aquilera and Cher (love them both!) have teamed up with a few other well known actors to create Burlesque, a musical romantic movie set in Los Angeles.

The movie, which is not yet rated, is set to open nationwide on November 24, 2010; however, to celebrate the opening of  Burlesque, Sony Pictures, MTV and Z100 are looking for the best dancers in New York City!

The winner of the New York MTV Burlesque Dance contest will win $300 and VIP seating at the advance screening of BURLESQUE for them and 10 friends. They will also have a chance at the $5,000 national grand prize and may get their performance featured on MTV! 

The contest is open to dancers between the ages of 13-30. Below I have noted the contest date and time. 

• DATE: Friday, October 22
• TIME: 5:00PM  – 7:00 PM  Note, Priority Registration for Pre-Registered Participants Begins at 4:00 p.m.
• ADDRESS: JCPenney at 33rd and 6th, New York, NY 10001

I copied and pasted rules and judging details below.

• Contest is open to amateur dancers only, between the ages of 13-30,
• Individuals only, no groups or teams.
• Each dancer will have one minute and MUST perform an original routine to the song posted on burlesque.mtv.com
• All forms of dance are welcome: lyrical, hip-hop, freestyle, ballet – you name it!
• Dress code and performance must be family friendly.

Judging:

• Performances will be judged by a panel of judges based on:
• Originality
• Style
• Execution

To find out more details about the New York dance contest click HERE

Dancers will also be able to enter the contest in the cities listed below.

Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Cleveland
Dallas
Detroit
Denver
Houston
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Minneapolis
New York
Philadelphia
Phoenix
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle
St. Louis
Washington, DC
West Palm Beach

For info on these additional states click HERE.

You can also see the official Burlesque trailer below.

Do you plan on seeing this movie when it opens? Let me know in a comment!

If you are not a Twitter user, you must be wondering,  ”What the heck does “#MagicalMoms are getting the #DisneyMedia Royalty Treatment!” mean?!”

Well, let me explain…

Disney World has launched a new social media marketing campaign. To monitor the campaign on Twitter they are using specially created hashtags or groupings that are prefixed with a number sign (#).  They have called this particular marketing campaign #DisneyMedia. 

During this campaign, Disney will work with a few influential Mom Bloggers, who will be identified by another Disney created hashtag: #MagicalMoms. 

Now that we have that explained, I am excited to say…

I am one of the #MagicalMoms!

I hope you will follow my family’s Disney exploits, as I tweet, facebook and blog about our very FIRST visit to Disney World. I’m taking Disney on and putting them to the test.

Do you think they have what it takes?

Follow my blog, my Tweets, and my Facebook posts to find out!

Does the title of this post get you super excited?! I hope so, because I AM! 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, got milk? is sponsoring People en Español’s  concert with Olga Tañón and Prince Royce. The concert will be held at the  Best Buy Theater, formerly known as the Nokia Theatre in New York City,  on Friday, October 1st. If you were unable to purchase tickets, don’t despair! Four lucky readers will be able to win tickets right here on Latina On a Mission during this ONE DAY Giveaway!

If you haven’t seen Olga Tañón, you really should! She is phenomenal!

Although one of her older songs,  ”Es Mentiroso”, remains one of my favorites. I loved when she sang the below.

(Translation: Don’t let yourself be fooled by what appears to be beautiful, Don’t let yourself be fooled by what appears to be beautiful, Love is not all about sex, Love is not all fun,  Love is not all about sex, Love is not all fun…)

Prince Royce will also be performing with Olga Tañon. Below you can see him performing his song “Stand By Me” (bachatta) in English and Spanish.

Together, Olga Tañon and Prince Royce are sure to set the stage on FIRE so don’t miss out on this opportunityand ENTER!

Enter now! Giveaway ends Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at at 11:59 PM.

PRIZE AND RULES:  

• FOUR (4) Winners will be selected from the comments.
• Each winner will receive FOUR (4) General Admission tickets, worth $340+!
• Concert will be held at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. Doors open at 7 PM
• Transportation will NOT be provided
• Winners will be chosen randomly from the comments entered below.
• Leave a valid email address in your comment, where I can contact you should you win.
• If you do not respond within the specified time, a new winner WILL be selected

MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES:

Why do you want to attend this concert?

NOTE: You must be an e-mail subscriber to enter. Click HERE to subscribe.

EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY:

1.Follow my blog with Google Friends and/or ”Like” my Facebook page for 1 entry EACH. If you already do, let me know!

2. Follow @MsLatina and @BigotedeLeche on Twitter

3. Follow La Campaña del Bigote de Leche on Facebook

4. Tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet url in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away! 

Enter to win tickets to the Olga Tanon and Prince Royce concert (Valued at $340) http://tiny.cc/GW40 #GIVEAWAY #MsLatina #musica #music #NY

5. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway related post/article for 3 extra entries. Note the post in your comment and don’t forget to enter each entry in a separate comment! You can comment on up to 5 different posts.  NOTE: Comments posted before September 29, 2010 are NOT eligible.

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Giveaway ends September 29, 2010 at 11:59 P.M. EST

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As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. In order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise 

Disclosure: I will receive the same prize given. Tickets are provided by Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP).

If you’re a New Yorker, you probably recognize the picture below. If you don’t, shame on you! It’s one of the best NYC Wireless Hotspots and a great place to work, mingle or dine.

Do you know where it is? Let us know in a comment or come back tomorrow for the answer!

Are you showcasing a photo this week? If so, link up your blog and don’t forget to have a Wepa-licious day!

¡Besos! 

Translation: Wepa is Puerto Rican slang for wow, great, fanastic, while Wepa-licious is a word I created to say fantastic to the ninth degree. You will not find either in a Spanish-English dictionary.

UPDATE: The photo is of Bryant Park on 41st Street and 7th Avenue.

I was recently offered the opportunity to review a Tonka Mod Machines System DX9 PICKUP Vehicle. I almost declined the offer believing Andrew, my 9 year old son, would not enjoy it. However, after I gave it more thought I decided to allow a friend of mine to review it. She agreed and told her son.

When the package arrived, I opened it and placed the Tonka truck next to the front door. I figured I would deliver it to my friend when my youngest returned from after school. 

Was I in for a surprise!

Andrew fell in love with the Tonka Mod Machines System DX9 PICKUP Vehicle! I was shocked to say the least. He normally doesn’t like any type of vehicle that isn’t battery operated and remote controlled. He says they will help him when he starts driving.

I explained that I was giving it to my friend Rebeca. He wasn’t happy when I told him my plan. He pouted and sulked, eventually giving me that puppy dog look (You know the look right? It’s every child’s most powerful weapon!). I succumbed. Thankfully, I did!

The Tonka Mod Vehicle has become his favorite truck. He loves customizing it and can spend hours playing with it. You know what he tells me? He says its better then the other trucks because its teaching him how to change the tires LOL Poor kid I don’t want to burst his bubble. He’ll realize soon enough that changing the tires on a car is not as easy as it is on his Tonka Vehicle!

I also have to admit I like the truck as well for a variety of reasons. I love that I don’t have to spend extra money on batteries. I also like that it allows him use his imagination. He can take it apart, change the tires, and imagine himself racing down a city highway or on a trecherous mountain road going full speed ahead. His Tonka adventures are only limited by his imagination!

The only downside is that now I have to buy Rebeca’s son his very own Tonka Mod Machines System DX9 PICKUP Vehicle since I promised!  Yet I don’t regret it!  After seeing his joy, I have to say  it’s worth it!

Get 20% off $25 in movie tickets when you use your Visa Signature card. Have questions about something found within this post? Read my Disclosure Policy.

Flipped, rated PG, is an amazing movie.  It is a Warner Brothers Picture based on  *Wendelin Van Draanen’s book, Flipped.

The movie has not been widely released and is only available in certain locations because of their low budget. However, Warner Brothers has released it in more locations as its received more acclaim. 

I cannot state enough how fun this movie was. It’s a great family film, appropriate for all ages and extremely funny.

The film, unlike the book, is set in the 60′s. The main characters Bryce, played by Callan McAuliffe , and Juli, played by Madeline Carroll first meet in second grade when Bryce moves to the neighborhood. Juli is moon-eyed. She knows at that moment that she loves Bryce. Bryce, on the other hand, is not as smitten. At that age, he’s girl-phobic and so he tries desperately to avoid Juli. Yet try as he might, Juli is hard to ignore!

Over the next six years, Bryce continues to try to keep Juli at arm’s length. It’s not easy. They are not only neighbors but attend the same school! The question for the moviegoer is will he continue to feel that way if Juli looks away? I won’t tell you what happens but rest assured it will have you laughing uproariously, shedding a tear or two and even reminising about your own first love.

My verdict: This is a must see family movie.

NOTE:  I have to add that I also love this movie because Madeline Carroll is a Christian. She is very active in a non profit Christian organization called  ”Zoe International” , which rescues children from child prostitution. Perhaps for that reason, she accepted a role in another Christian movie called Machine Gun Preachers, which is based on the true story of Sam Childers, a former drug dealing bike ganger, who opens up a camp in Sudan to help children who are forced to become child soldiers or child prostitutes.  This movie is set to open in 2011.

 Have you seen Flipped or plan to see it in the coming future? Let me know in a comment!

Click here to see the Official Flipped webpage

Also take the time to read more about the upcoming movie Machine Gun Preacher and Reverand Sam Childer, the man behind Machine Gin Preacher. Scroll through the photos, I promise you will be moved.

*Disclosure:  If you purchase the Wendelin Van Draanen’s book, Flipped, on Amazon, I receive a very small percentage as an affiliate.

Earlier this week, I spoke about my addiction. It causes snorting and extreme fits of gaiety. It makes me forget my kids, the telephone, household chores and even that sexy guy who lives next door. Well, maybe not the sexy guy, but it definitely makes me think less of him!

My addiction also reminds me of my younger years, my much crazier, wackier years! Back then I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t sleep well and even tried a few trends that I ahem don’t want to mention.

What’s my addiction you ask?

It’s The New Adventures of Old Christine!

I can’t say it enough how I can relate to this character! In fact, just like her latest episode I think I may have collected a number (or two!) while searching for a good Blockbuster movie! I may not have called them back it was definitely an ego booster!

I also had not just one, but a few friends, that resembled Christine’s best friend Barbara, played by Wanda Sykes. (Thanks Luly, Lydia, Millie and Wanda!) They were honest, sometimes brutally so. They held me up, cause love, or lack of it, can turn a person into a loca/crazy woman!  I tell you women need a Barbara or two in their lives, to balance them out! 

What about you do you have a “Barbara” in your life?

Don’t forget to tune in to “The New Adventures of Old Christine”! Its on 5 days a week and in some areas, twice a day (Yes, I watch both episodes – I told you I was addicted!)  Check out http://www.oldchristineweekdays.com/listings/ to find your local show times and don’t forget to tell me if you’ve been watching!

Disclosure: I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine”.

I recently started watching “The New Adventures of Old Christine” on television. Although I’m not much of a TV person, I felt myself drawn to this show starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, from Seinfeld.

The comedy is about a divorced working mom who’s juggling the daily stresses of motherhood, work, dating, her son’s new school and maintaining a positive relationship with her ex-husband (Um yeah right!), who’s dating a new pretty younger girlfriend who’s also named Christine. Talk about complications, it’s worse than my 1st pregnancy!  

Old Christine’s world is crazy! Not only does she have to deal with her ex-husband Richard (who’s still very much in her life, in spite of the fact that he has a new girlfriend), but she also lives with her brother Matthew while raising her son Richie as a single mom. On top of that, she owns a gym with her best friend Barb, frequently goes on dates, and has to deal with the “meanie-moms” at her son’s private school? Some how, though, Christine manages to juggle it all while making me laugh in the process.

Just like Christine, I’m divorced and juggling the daily stresses of motherhood, my son’s new school and trying to maintain a positive relationship with my ex.  Also like Christine, there was a time when my life was so chaotic that I would call and leave myself messages, just to remind myself of something I had to do. It got to the point where I actually filled up my message box with reminders and, yes, even a few ”I love you! You’re worth it!” messages (HA!) so it was good to see that I wasn’t the only frazzled Mamí out there!

I’m sure there will be many more similarities as I continue to watch the show. Thank goodness because it makes me feel just a tad more normal! If you want to join in my new television addiction, and perhaps tweet it up with me during the show, you can tune in to “The New Adventures of Old Christine” 5 days a week.  Just check out http://www.oldchristineweekdays.com/listings/ to find your local show times.

While you’re on the site, make sure you check out the videos, they are hilarious! I have to admit I could totally relate to the “Surround Yourself with Good Positive People” video. Yup, I admit it, at one point that was definitely me! 

Have you seen “The New Adventures of Old Christine” yet or do you plan to? Let me know in a comment!

Disclosure: I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine”.

SECRETARIAT, a family friendly movie, created by Walt Disney Motion Picture, is set to open nationwide on October 8th. 

Based on the remarkable true story, “Secretariat” chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Housewife and mother Penny Chenery(Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery—with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich)—manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.

Director Randall Wallace, who is the Oscar and Golden Globe nominated screenwriter of “Braveheart,” made sure that Penny Chenery, now 87, was an integral resource in the making of the film. In fact, she also appears as an extra in one of the film’s scenes so make sure you keep an eye out for her!

You can view the SECRETARIAT trailer below.

Unfortunately, I was unable to see the private screening that was offered during BlogHer, however, after viewing the trailer, I know I will make it a point to see it in theaters!  Since its a true story, I already know how it turns out. What I don’t know is how Penny Chenery overcame the countless obstacles she faced. It was the 70s, women were just beginning to come into themselves. They were still not given the recognition they deserved in the workforce, much less in a male dominated arena.  Penny Chenery is an inspiration. She defied the odds, bucking society’s norm. She was not limited by what others stated she should be. She may have been scared, even terrified at times, but she continued on, overcoming  barriers to rise above the rest and win…now THAT is inspiring.

Although I was not able to attend the screening, I was given the opportunity to spread the word and host a  Latinalicious giveaway that will give ONE reader the Men’s T-Shirt, Women’s T-Shirt, Youth T-Shirt and Hat shown below.

Good luck! / ¡Suerte!

MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES:

Leave a comment letting me what you think about the movie!

NOTE: You must be an e-mail subscriber to enter. Click HERE to subscribe.

EXTRA ENTRIES – LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY:

1. Follow my blog with Google Friends and/or ”Like” my Facebook page for 1 entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know!

2. Follow @MsLatinaon Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet url in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

Enter the SECRETARIAT Promotional Giveaway to win T-shirts & more!  http://tiny.cc/GW38 #GIVEAWAY #MsLatina #movies

3.  Fan SECRETARIAT on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/secretariat. Leave a comment on their page stating  you heard about the film on Latina On a Mission for 1 extra entry.

4.  Complete my survey for 3 extra entries. Click here to begin: Reader Survey.

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GIVEAWAY ENDS October 8, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. EST

Open to US residents only

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As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise 

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation to host said giveaway.

Fandango is running a special today.  In celebration of Friday the 13th, it is selling 2 for 1 movie tickets.

The BOGO is available when you buy one movie ticket for any film currently on sale  with your Visa card. You’ll receive a second ticket to the same show FREE, while supplies last.

To get this offer, click HERE.

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!
 

Since I have a few friends and family members who are pregnant -CONGRATS LADIES!- I wanted to share this freebie with them, and YOU, my Latinalicious readers.

American Baby Magazine is a great magazine for expecting mothers AND mothers of babies. They offer lots of information that you can use during your pregnancy that will help you during the blessed event, like a Baby Name Finder, as well information on what to do and expect during babies first years.

I noted the Baby Name Finder because I definitely could have used this when I was expecting my boys. I don’t know if it was just my hormones that made me consider Champagne and Marc Anthony (Yes, I am a HUGE fan of both!), but I know it would have avoided lots of anxiety on my partner’s side!

Click HERE to grab this FREEBIE from FreeFly and don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!

Working Mother Magazine sells for $9.97 on sale at Amazon.com; however, you, my Latinalicious reader can get a one year subscription for FREE!

Working Mother Magazine is the perfect magazine for working moms. They have a fabulous list of top companies for working mothers and provide advice on a variety of family issues. Per the site, Working Mother magazine provides advise on the following issues: “child care, children’s education, growth and development, health and well-being, personal health, fashion and beauty, career options, work/family issues, family finances, food and nutrition.”

Interested?

Click HERE to sign up.

Note: This is not an affiliate link.

Click HEREto view more photos of the cast at the Tide Acti-Lift Event in NYC.

Click HERE to read the Ramona and Beezus movie review WITHOUT spoilers.

Click HEREto read a brief synopsis of Ramona and Beezus. Be forewarned it contains spoilers!

Selena Gomez

Joey King

Hutch Dano

Read below for a brief synopsis of Ramona and Beezus. Be forewarned it may include spoilers!

To read my review WITHOUT spoilers, click HERE.

Click HERE to view photos of the cast at the Tide Acti-Lift Event in NYC.

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Ramona and Beezus is a film adaptation based on the book Ramona Forever by Beverly Cleary.

Ramona, played by Joey King, and Beezus, played by Selena Gomez, is set to hit theaters on July 23, 2010.

In the movie, Ramona Quimby is a spunky, loud, over-imaginative middle child who is oft compared to her quieter and calmer older sister Beezus. Note: Beezus is the older sister’s nickname. Her real name is Beatrice, however, Beezus stuck when Ramona could not pronounce her sister’s given name as a baby.

We see Ramona’s imagination in full force as soon as the movie begins. At that time, we also witness the exasperation of her teacher played by Sandra Oh, as well as the teasing of her classmates and family. Yet throughout these moments we also feel the love and support of her family, particularly her Aunt Bea.

Aunt Bea, who was also a younger sister, can sympathize with Ramona. She is one of her staunchest supporters and the person to whom Ramona runs to when she needs an ear. However, this changes when Aunt Bea’s hunky old beau, played by Josh Duhamel, returns to the neighborhood. Aunt Bea, worried her heart could be broken again, asks Ramona for help. She tells Ramona to keep an eye out cause he wants to reel her in. “Like a sea-bass?” asks Ramona. “Yes”, says Aunt Bea.

While Aunt Bea is dealing with her old beau, Ramona and her family are dealing with her father’s unemployment. Ramona’s father, played by John Corbett, is downsized when his employer is brought out by another. It coud not have come at a worse time since they are in the midst of  a a major house renovation! Ramona, ever the optimist, tells her father not to worry because he can do anything and would make a perfect fireman. 

Beezus is also affected by all that is transpiring around her. She is disheartened because they may have to move. The move means she would have to leave her best friend and love interest Henry, played by Hutch Dano. In true teenage angst she tells Ramona, “Who else is going to wanna waste 15 years to get to know me?” Ramona, the darling child that she is, says. “I will” and means it.  

Ramona and Beezus shows the power of love and encouragement at its best, with some wonderfully hilarious moments that will have viewers cheering for Ramona!

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Memorabe Moments:

• While seated at the dinner table Ramona tells her family she is going  to say a curse.  Her mom tells her if you need to get it out of your system go ahead. Everyone waits in stunned silence for the explosion. They are amazed when Ramona screams the word, not once, but three times! Note: There is no need to cover the children’s ears. You will be pleasantly surprised at her exclamation!

• At the wedding ceremony, the ring boy drops one of the rings. “Don’t worry! Its just plastic”, says Aunt Bea. As everyone seaches, Ramona spots a ring on Aunt Bea’s shoe heel. Over her father’s protests, Ramona grabs Aunt Bea’s shoe and takes the ring off. She hands the ring to the groom. The speech that follows will make romantics swoon!

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Disclosure:  The viewing of this fim was made possible by Tide Acti-Lift. However, the views expressed herein are entirely my own.

As a mom, I am always looking for family friendly entertainment that everyone can watch. I’m delighted to say that Ramona and Beezus is THAT movie.

The 20th Century Fox film will open nationwide on Juy 23, 2010. It is rated ”G” , yet is fast paced enough to keep everyone’s attention, including adults and older teens. The film features well name actors like Selena Gomez, Josh Duhamel, Ginnifer Goodwin, Bridget Moynahan, John Corbett and Sandra Oh, as well as the insanely adorable Joey King!

Eleven year old Joey King stole the show as the pint sized Ramona. Her ability to dramatize a situation and misunderstand adult themes, like her father getting laid-off and her Aunt B getting “reeled in like a sea-bass” by an ex-boyfriend, leaves the audience in stitches! Yet its also her ability to never give up, even when faced with what seems insurmountable that I love best. In her own words, “Nobody thinks I can but I can. I can be extraordinary” and she is!  

Ramona and Beezus captures the heart. In fact, it’s terrifical!

Do you plan on seeing Ramona and Beezus? Let me know in a comment!

Click HERE to view photos of the cast at the Tide Acti-Lift Event in NYC.

Click HERE to read a brief synopsis. Be forewarned it may include spoilers!

Disclosure:  The viewing of this fim was made possible by Tide Acti-Lift. However, the views expressed herein are entirely my own.

My family and I are movie fanatics. This would get very expensive, if I had to pay the regular price. Thankfully, I don’t.

I recently posted Six Ways to Score Cheap or FREE Movie Tickets. I had some wonderful comments and wanted to update the post with FIVE more ways to score cheap tickets.

1.  Purchase movie tickets at Costco:
The Costco near me sells movie tickets as low as $7.50 each! Thank you Nycgirl0501 for bringing this to my attention!

2. Use Credit Card Points or Discounts:
Several credit cards allow you to use your points for movie ticket purchases, like American Express. Signature Visa also gives its card holder’s up to 20% off at  Fandango.

3. Join a Movie Subscription service
I recently discovered Movie Subscription services. I haven’t signed up yet but thought it was worth mentioning. At Weekly Cinema you can subscribe to receive one FREE movie ticket and 3 movie tickets every month for only $14.99. That’s like paying  $3.75 for each ticket!

4. Purchase tickets via KGB
KGB offers daily deals on a variety of items, including movie tickets. At KGB you can purchase an AMC Gold Experience™ Movie Ticket for $4!   Its valid in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Boston ONLY. It takes about 4 weeks to arrive and is limited to one per customer. Click HERE to score this deal! 

5. Check out my Entertainment Section
I post FREE movie events, host giveaways and share whatever info I can find to help you save that hard-earned ca$h. For up to date info, you can check out my Entertainment section and Facebook Page. I also suggest you subscribe so you don’t miss out.

 Hope these suggestions help you save some ca$h!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you checked out Charter On Demand? It has so many features and offers even more than just movies. There are thousands of shows and programs to uncover! Besides the latest movies, there are literally thousands of FREE shows for every interest. Kids shows, workout videos, concerts, cooking shows and every other specialty show is available on your schedule, when you have time to watch it. Why? Because it’s ON DEMAND, available on YOUR schedule, not theirs.  

You can catch up on previous episodes of the shows you watch, like as AMC’s Mad Men in time for the season 4 premiere this summer or ABC’s Ugly Betty episodes. You don’t have to rearrange your life and you can still stay up to date in time for the new seasons to start.

No more rushing home and rearranging your schedule to catch your favorite TV shows. More of these networks are placing their top shows On Demand the next day after they air, which means that shows like NBC’s America’s Got Talent and ABC’s Castle  episodes are available for you to watch at the touch of the remote!

It’s not surprising On Demand is one of the most popular features of Charter TV in Digital! It’s not just a movie service; but a home for thousands of shows and programs just waiting for you to discover. Check it out- I’m sure you’ll like it! I’m also sure You will ‘Like’ their Facebook page as well!

So go ahead finish that glass of wine with that Hottie you met at work, let your kids finish seeing iCarly, or sleep a little later because Charter On Demand has got your back and your shows!

Click here to go to the On Demand home page

I grew up watching Sesame Street. I learned how to say my números / numbers with Count Dracula, learned to share my room by watching Ernie and Bert,  learned it was ok for a niñita/little girl to get angry because of Oscar the Grouch (my fave btw) and so much more!  They were my panas/my friends. They shared my life and I shared theirs.

When I had children, I was overjoyed! I finally had a reason to reconnect with my childhood friends and we did.

On those days when life was just crazy or childhood overwhelmed the boys, we sang it away.

Sunny Day
Sweepin’ the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet

We learned the answer…

Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame Street

We learned the way…

Come and play
Everything’s A-OK
Friendly neighbors there
That’s where we meet

We could meet our friends LIVE at Sesame Place! Even better, we could celebrate Sesame Street’s 30th Birthday along with our Sesame Street pals.

We took a short Amtrak ride, about an hour away. It felt like the song…

It’s a magic carpet ride
Every door will open wide
To happy people like you–
Happy people like
What a beautiful

Sunny Day
Sweepin’ the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet

The air did feel sweeter and the people were happier.

We met friends.

We laughed and played.

We hooted, hollered and YES even threw up from riding too many water rides. It felt good! 

IT. WAS. FUN.

Yup! We know the song, but most importantly NOW we know the way!  

Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame Street… 

Have you had a chance to go to Sesame Place or are you planning to go this year? Share your memories/plans in a comment!

Click HERE to check out the Sesame Place site and make sure you click on the tab with their specials!  

Click HERE to see my pictures on Flickr.

Disclosure: The boys and I were provided with transportation, accommodations and admission to the park. We did not receive any monetary compensation. All views expressed are soley my own.

The boys and I had the opportunity to see a pre-screening of Despicable Me several weeks ago. It was highly enjoyable and a great family friendly entertainment choice for all ages.

Below is my review. Be forewarned, it may contain spoilers!

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The main character, Gru, lives for his job. He is a “villain” intent on climbing the evil ladder to become the number one villain in the world. When Gru’s position as top villain is taken away by a younger more evil villain called Vector,  he comes up with a hair-brained idea. Working with an adorable group of minions, he devises a plan to shrink the moon and steal it.  There is only one problem. He needs money! So off he goes to the Bank of Evil, formerly know as Lehman Brothers!  (I thought this was hilarious, btw). Mr. Perkins, the Bank of Evil’s President refuses to loan Gru the money unless he steals a shrink ray. He does but Vector eventually steals from him.  Gru must now steal it back.  

While Gru is going through his issues, three orphan girls, Margo (oldest sister), Edith (middles sister), and Agnes (youngest sister) are facing their own dilemma with Miss Hattie, mistress of the local orphanage. She forces them to sell cookies or be placed in the box. A frightening place for any child made even more so with Miss Hattie’s demeaning comments.

Gru finds the girls in front of Vector’s home trying to sell him cookies and realizes that they can be used to enter Vector’s home! Discovering that they are orphans, he rushes to the orphanage to adopt them. During the interview with Miss Hattie, Gru ends up speaking Spanish telling her, “You have a face como un burro!” (Translation: You have a face like a donkey!) Of course, she doesn’t realize she is being insulted and allows him to adopt the girls.

Slowly but surely the girls gain access to his heart. He eventually realizes that his most rewarding job is not being a super villain but a Dad. He also comes to terms with his own issues with his Mom, gaining her respect as well.  

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Despicable Me has the happy ending all children love! It had some great laughs and adorable scenes that are sure to make your kids want the DVD.  Andrew, my youngest, is already clamoring for it! I have to admit I want as well.

Memorable Quote:
Younger Gru tells his mother he is going to the moon one day. She replies, ” I’m afraid you’re out of luck. NASA isn’t sending monkeys anymore!”

Have you seen the movie? What did you think?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hilton Worldwide is sponsoring  a Latinalicious Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes where you can win an ENTIRE Hampton hotel for a weekend! Additionally,  the winner will also receive $5000 to help pay the tax for the weekend!

That’s 100 rooms for 2 nights and trust me it won’t be anything like ”The Shining”.  You won’t find “REDRUM” on the bathroom door or Jack Nicholson waiting in the garden. What you WILL find is spacious rooms with clean Hampton beds, opulent grounds and of course the love of your 100 invited guests!

If I won, I would definitely invite my family, some of which I haven’t seen in years, as well as my closest friends. We are scattered over the US so this would give us an opportunity to get together at a fraction of the cost. Wow that sounds like a commercial,  ”…at a fraction of the cost” , doesn’t it?!  But I have to say its TRUE! They would just have to cover their flights which is nothing compared to what they would have paid.

There is no purchase necessary to enter. Its open to residents of the 50 US, DC, Canada (excluding Quebec), UK and Mexico, except where prohibited. The sweepstakes ends at 11:59pm CT on September 4, 2010.

Its the perfect prize for a wedding, a family reunion, or a friends & family bash. Best, since you’ve been reading my blog for sometime (I hope!), feel free to think of me as one of your top one hundred friends and invite me! I promise if  you ask, I’ll go
 

Now get to clicking and enter to win by clicking here:  Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes.

¡Suerte!/ Good luck!

Looking for a cheap outing for your children this summer? How would you feel about FREE? Did I hear a resounding YES! I hope so because this summer you will be able to take your kids bowling for FREE!

Children will have the opportunity to bowl TWO free games at select theaters this summer.

To enjoy this freebie, follow the directions I copied and pasted below.

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How the program works:

1. All of the participating bowling centers are listed at http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php
2. Select a bowling center near you.
3. Register directly on the bowling center page (The registration is valid only at the bowling center where you register and cannot be used at any other bowling center unless otherwise noted.)
4. Once you register, you will have the opportunity to purchase the family pass. The Family Pass was created to allow for adult family members to enjoy bowling throughout the summer as well. The Family Pass starts from $24.95 and includes 2 GAMES PER PERSON PER DAY. The Family Pass covers up to 4 adult family members. You may have 1, 2, 3, or 4 adults on the family pass.

This low one-time payment covers up to 4 adults for the entire summer and is a tremendous value.

***Very Important****

After your registration we will send you two (2) emails.

The first email is a welcome email and contains your account information.

The second email is very important. This email does not contain coupons, but you will need to click the link confirming your subscription to our service. If you do not click the link, our system will not send your weekly coupons to you.

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Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

While perusing blogadera.com, I came across this YouTube video of a baby dancing the samba. Although its doesn’t have the sexual vibe found in Little Girls Dancing to Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’,  it appears to follow the trend of having children dance as adults.

How do you feel about this trend? Does it take away from a child’s innocence?  Share your thoughts!

Want to get out of the summer heat? Head on over to Redbox and take advantage of their  June Freebie!  Below are the details, which I copied and pasted from the email I received.

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When you rent two or more movies at regular price in a single transaction we’ll send you a promo code in three days for a free* rental. Just provide a valid email at checkout and that’s it. Please note, only one free rental per person, per day will be awarded.

*To qualify for the free one-night rental, you must provide a valid email address at the time of check-out. To qualify for the offer, two or more DVDs must be rented and actually paid for (e.g., not using a promo code) in the same transaction at a redbox kiosk during the offer period. Transactions performed online at redbox.com DO NOT qualify. Customers with an outstanding balance due to collection issues or having prior history of abuse may not be awarded a free rental.

Only one promo code will be awarded per customer, per day. Ends 11:59 PM CDT June 30, 2010!

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Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

I love Restaurant.com! If you haven’t heard of them before, they are an online site that connects people to over 15,000 restaurants nationwide, even better they help you save money when dining out!

Restaurant.com allows you to purchase a gift certificate or gift card that can be used nationwide. Note: Check the site for your favorite restaurant to make sure they participate if you have a specific place in mind. 

Normally, you would be pay $10 for a  $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates or $15 for a $25 Restaurant Gift Cards; however, until June 24, 2010 you can purchase either one for 80% less! To get this deal click below on the option you prefer.

Save 80% Off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Cert. Use code SUMMER and pay $2 thru 6/24/10. 

Restaurant.com Gift Cards starting at $15 for $25 cards. Use code SUMMER and save 80% Off thru 6/24/10.

Although the gift certificates are cheaper, I prefer gift cards because I think they look so much nicer when placed in a card or gift basket. I plan on purchasing a few gift cards to give as gifts to my sons’ teachers, business associates, doormen and to use as last minute gifts for the tons of summer birthdays, weddings and/or anniversarys that always pop up!  I also tend to stockpile them, buying several when they go on sale to last the year.

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

Disclosure: As an affiliate of  restaurant.com  I receive a few chabitos/pennies from your purchase, which I use to keep Latina On a Mission running. ¡Gracias! / Thank you!

Entertainment weekly is giving away FREE advance screening tickets to Despicable Me, rated PG. The movie by Universal Theaters is set to hit theaters on July 9 but you have the opportunity to see it before it hits theaters!

Below I have copied and pasted a brief synopsis:

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!) in Universals new 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me.

Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

You can also view one of their trailer’s below.

If you live in any of the below areas, you are eligible. These tickets won’t last so avansa/ hurry! Click HERE to sign up.

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Cleveland
• Houston
• Los Angeles
• New York
• Phoenix
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Washington DC

Enjoy!

Dance Your Ass Off, Oxygen’s dance and weight loss competionis on tour! It arrives in New York City -TODAY, June 14, 2010. The tour will feature live performances, FREE giveaways, dance lessons to make you move, and a chance to meet the show’s host, Mel B, from the Spice Girls, pictured on the left.

The event will hit Times Square today from 11AM – 3:30 PM. Perfect for your lunch hour entertainment

If you miss it, don’t worry! They will also have an evening event from 5:00PM – 10:00 PM for those who can’t escape during the day.

Enjoy!

AMC  Theaters is offering $1 movies from June 15 through August 10 during their Summer MovieCamp promo. Movies start at 10:00 AM every Tuesday and can be purchased up to one week in advance.

Below is the Summer MovieCamp movie schedule:

• June 15:  Shrek the Third (PG)
• June 22:  Imagine That (PG)
• June 29:  Monsters vs. Aliens (PG)
• July 6:  Madagascar (PG)
• July 13: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)
• July 20: Hotel for Dogs (PG)
• July 27: Kung Fu Panda (PG)
• August 3: The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
• August 10: Surprise Mystery Title

As an added perk, food for kids during this period is only $4 for a kid-size drink, kid-size popcorn, and a kid-size snack. You can also upgrade the kid size snack to a regular sized candy for a dollar more, which means that you no longer have to sneak in that CVS candy!  
 
Click HERE to read more about Summer MovieCamp.
Click HERE to see the list of participating theaters.

Just a note, proceeds from admission and concession purchases will benefit two charities: Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute.

Enjoy!

With summer in full swing, you can best believe that my sons and I will be heading to the movies to get away from the hot, sticky days! Not only do the movies provide a great family outing, but this year’s selection looks much better then last. Of course, movies can add up if you’re not frugal so today I want to tell you how I score cheap movie tickets!

Listed below in alphabetical order are several ways I score great movie deals.

1. Company Offers
Keep your out eye for free offers from companies that you normally frequent. Company offering normally ask you to purchase an item or two to receive a free ticket. If its a something you normally purchase than go ahead jump on it! If its not, I don’t suggest you buy it to get a free movie ticket. Its counter-intuitive and can actually cost you more in the long run. One company offer that that I thought was worth mentioning is from General Mills. If you submit two cereal boxtops you’ll receive a FREE movie ticket. Click HERE to read the post on Divina’s blog. This offer expires on June 30, 2010.

2. Discounts
As with anything else, you can find discounts on movie tickets if you search the web. I recently found this great deal where you can puchase a AMC Movie Tickets for $4.00 (up to a $12.50 value).  Its valid in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Boston only and takes about 4 weeks to arrive. Click HERE to score this deal!

3. Fandango
I like this site because of their movie promos. They normally have a few going on at a time. If you know what movie you’re going to see in advance you can usually snag a buy one get one free by using your VISA card. They also have other great deals. One that I like right now gives you 10% off when you buy $25 in Fandango Bucks movie gift certificates. This offer is only good in June is good for ANY movie (Perfect for graduation gifts!). I also thought it was worth mentioning that Fandango has a contest going on right now where you can win 10 cent tickets during the month of June on Facebook and Twitter!

4. Giveaways
You can even find some great giveaways for Movie tickets by doing a google search for “giveaway and movie”. I found a great one HEREthat lets you win an AMC $50 giftcard. It ends on July 9, 2010, so make sure you enter!   

5. Local Listings
A great way to see a movie for free is by checking your local city and state websites. In NYC, you can check the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for free Summer Movies. Their listing  includes movies at Bryant Park, Films on The Greens, and many more! Note: Not all are kid friendly so check the descriptions.

6. Pre-Screenings
I LOVE pre-screenings! Prescreening tickets go quickly – normally within 15 minutes so you have to act fast! One site I use is Film Metro and gofobo.com. To receive listing via email, make sure you sign up!

Do you know any other way to score cheap or FREE movie tickets? Let us know in a comment!

Disclosure: I raise my coffee cup in salute because your clicks on my affiliate links  feed my caffeine habit.  Mil gracias / Many thanks for your support.

This Friday, June 11, 2010 at the Hudson River Park (Pier 84) in Manhattan,  beginning at 9:00 a.m., McDonald’s will host a viewing party to celebrate the start of the 2010 games. The Mexico vs. South Africa kick-off game will be broadcast live on a large screen in the middle of the park with seating for 200 and a capacity for up to 2,000 guests.

Celebrity hosts Jaime Camil, Mexican native acting, singing and media sensation, will be in the midst of the excitement to entertain and corral the excitement of local soccer aficionados. 

Below is the schedule and location:

WHEN: Friday, June 11th
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 84
Midtown West
W. 44th Street
New York, NY

Attendees will also have the chance to play the new EA SPORTS TM 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ game, the official video game for the 2010 games, on the EA Sports mobile gaming vehicle.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in English, and Waka Waka (Esto es África)in Spanish, was the song chosen for the World Cup Final on July 11 in Johannesburg Soccer City Stadium. It will be performed by Shakira and a South African group called Freshlyground. Shakira will also appear in the opening pre-game segments for all of the 64 matches broadcast across the Univision networks.

If you haven’t had a chance to hear the song. Here it is! I’ve also included the lyrics below. I have to admit I love, love, LOVE the song in Spanish!

The song, ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, can be purchased as a stand alone purchase on . It is also included on “Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album”

Click HEREto purchase the Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album on Walmart (cheaper than itunes).

Click HERE to purchase the ENGLISH single Waka Waka (This Time For Africa).

Click HERE to purchase the SPANISH single, Waka Waka (Esto Es Africa).

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) Lyrics

You’re a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
Get back in the saddle
You’re on the front line
Everyone’s watching
You know it’s serious
We’re getting closer
This isn’t over

The pressure’s on; you feel it
But you got it all; believe it
When you fall, get up, oh oh
And if you fall, get up, eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Cause this is Africa
Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa

Listen to your god; this is our motto
Your time to shine
Don’t wait in line
Y vamos por todo
People are raising their expectations
Go on and feel it
This is your moment
No hesitation

Today’s your day
I feel it
You paved the way,
Believe it
If you get down
Get up oh, oh
When you get down,
Get up eh, eh

Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa
Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa aa
Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa

Shakira – Waka Waka (Esto es Africa) Lyrics

Llego el momento, caen las murallas
Va a comenzar la unica justa de la batallas
No duele el golpe, no existe el miedo
Quitate el polvo, ponte de pie y vuelves al ruedo

Y la presion que sientes
Espera en ti, tu gente!
Ahora vamos por todo
y te acompaña la suerte
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Porque esto es Africa

Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Porque esto es Africa

Oye a tu dios
y no estaras solo
llegas aqui para brillar
lo tienes todo
la hora se acerca
es el momento
Vas a ganar cada batalla
ya lo presiento

Hay que empezar de cero
para tocar el cielo
Ahora vamos por todo
Y todos vamos por ellos
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Porque esto es Africa

Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Porque esto es Africa

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So what do you think of the song and the promo video?

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is coming again to Coney Island. It will run from June 17 – September 6 in Brooklyn on Surf Avenue and West 21st Street.  Tickets start as low as $10 but you can get a FREE circus ticket as part of the  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Baby’s First Circus program!

If you have a child, under 12 months, who resides in the United States, than you can receive a ticket voucher via mail, after you sign up at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus website. The ticket voucher can then be exchanged for any performance to the show! Best of all, there is no expiration date!

If you qualify for the FREE voucher, click HERE to sign up.

If you have a child over 12 months, click HERE to receive a FREE Personalized Commemorative Certificate.

Also, don’t forget to join my Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Tickets Giveaway and win a family 4 pack for VIP floor seats worth $160. Click HERE to enter.

Enjoy!

If you missed the “Dear John FREE Movie Screening” back in January when it first came out in theaters, then I’ve got great news! The Sony Wonder Technology Lab is offering a FREE afternoon screening in their High Definition Theater.

The theater, located at 56th Street and Madison Avenue, in Midtown Manhattan, has 73 seats. The movie begins at 2pm; however, because of the limited seating I suggest you arrive early AND reserve your seats. If you cannot reserve your seats over the phone, don’t despair! They normally have cancellations on the day of the screening so you may still be able to attend.

To reserve your tickets, call the RSVP Line at  (212) 833 7858.

Click HERE to visit the Sony Wonder Technology Lab  Screenings page for information on this movie or future movies.

Enjoy!

Yesterday, I posted how Essence is looking for individuals to join the ESSENCE Insiders Panel featuring The Online Voice of African-American Women. To read more about that opportunity, click HERE.

Today, I discovered that Glamour is looking for Ambassadors to represent their brand in 2010. The Latinalicious few who are selected will receive insider perks, freebies, and invitations to some very exclusive events!

In order to considered, you must complete an online application. You must also submit three photos with your application. A video is optional, however, I suggest you create one to give a leg up.

If you get selected, make sure you come back and let us know!

Click HERE to apply or for info.

¡Suerte! / Good Luck!

What were their parents thinking?! They’re 7-9 years old!

Leave me your thoughts!

Free Comic Book day is coming up fast! Its held the first Saturday of May every year. This year the free comic book day falls on May 1, 2010.

Participating comic book stores will hand out one free comic book per person. To check your area for participating stores go to the official site: Free Comic Book Day (“FCBD). You will find the FCBD Store Locator on the left hand side of the page.

For those of you in New York City:FCBD fans are needed in NYC for a live national morning news show on Saturday, May 1st. If you are interested, email press (AT) freecomicbookday (DOT) com

Enjoy!

I recently received an email that the Radio City Rockettes® are holding their first ever meet and dance on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

If you attend you will be able to experience and learn the Rockettes choreography from the Radio City Rockettes® . This means you get to try out and see the Rockettes in action for FREE!  There will also be a Q & A and picture taking with some of the dancers. Note, dance attire is not required to go to the event.

In order to attend you must RSVP via email by Thursday, April 29, 2010 to RCCSRSVP (AT) thegarden (DOT) com. If selected, attendees must be on line by 9:30 am, if not sooner on 50th Street to enter. The event is from from 10am – 12pm.

So hurry and RSVP to get your dance on!

This past weekend the boys and I had the opportunity to see a screening of Furry Vengeance. The film, rated PG, starring Brendan Fraser as Dan Sanders (Dad), Brooke Shields as Tammy Sanders (Mom) and Matt Prokop as Tyler Sanders (son), is set to open nationwide on April 30, 2010.

After watching the movie, I believe it should go on your must see list of family friendly movies. The movie is hilarious and entertaining for both parents and children.

Below I have written a brief review. Be forewarned it may contain spoilers!

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I normally do not like movies with animals, however,  I was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn’t the case with Furry Vengeance. Brendan Fraser was in his element in this movie. He was entertaining, in a bumbling boyish sort of way, which was perfect for a children’s movie.

As the Dad, Brendan Fraser, took a new job opportunity that he believed would advance his career. He had to develop a new residential development while destroying the forest and habitat of several forest animals, including a very cunning raccoon, smelly skunks and terrifying turkeys!

There were various scenes which had me laughing out loud. The animals in this film were very inventive. One of my favorite scenes started with a crow tapping on the window, that caused Tammy, played by Brooke Shield, to doubt her husband’s sanity! It spiraled downwards pretty fast for Dan after that. His son turned against him,his workers were doubting his masculinity and his boss was ready to fire him but he still trudged on…

The ending was perfect. Dan eventually realized what was important and stood up for what was right, saving the day – Daddy style!

Just a note, don’t leave until after the credits finish. There are some very funny clips of the actors dancing and reenacting various scenes from movies and music videos,  including one from the Blue Lagoon!

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If you see the movie, please come back and let me know what you think! I would love to hear your thoughts!

Disclosure: In order to review the film, I received advance screening tickets. Said tickets did not influence my review. 

Letters to Juliet, rated PG, is a romantic love story that took 50 years to rekindle. It shows the power of love, new love and old love, and how its never where we expect it!  

The film is set to be released in theaters on May 14, 2010; however, ten (10) Latina On a Mission readers in EACH state mentioned below will be able to win admit 2 passes to advance screenings by leaving a comment with their email AND the area they are interested in!

Please note that the tickets are FIRST COME FIRST SERVE and that theaters overbook the theaters to ensure that they are full. If  capacity is reached, the theater will not let anyone else in, even if they have a pass. Arriving at least an hour earlier, or more in busy areas, is a good way to avoid not getting into the theater.

Advance screenings will be held on Tuesday, April 27th or Wednesday, April 28th at 7:30 pm (theaters TBD) in the following areas:

• New York
• Los Angeles, California 
• Miami, Florida 
• Chicago, Illinois 
• Dallas, Texas 
• Houston, Texas 
• San Antonio
• Albuquerque, New Mexico  
• McAllen
• San Francisco
• San Diego
• Phoenix

Below I copied and pasted a brief synopsis:

You can also click HERE to go to the official site to view a trailer and enter to win a trip to Italy!

NOTE:  Screening tickets will be sent via e-mail to the email address noted in the comment no later than 11:59 EST, April 26, 2010, or when requests in that area have reached ten, whichever comes first.

Furry Vengeance, rated PG, is set to open nationwide on April 30, 2010 but I was able to snag some screening tickets! I have 10 admit 4 passes for EACH of the below theaters. The 1st ten in each area to leave me their email will receive a pass! Just make sure you let me know which theater/state you are interested in when you leave your comment!

Please note that the tickets are FIRST COME FIRST SERVE and that theaters overbook the theaters to ensure that they are full. If  capacity is reached, the theater will not let anyone else in, even if they have a pass. Arriving at least an hour earlier, or more in busy areas, is a good way to avoid not getting into the theater.

Below I copied and pasted a brief synopsis:

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• ALBUQUERQUE

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

United Artists Cottonwood Stadium 10

(10000 NW Coors Blvd., Cottonwood Mall, Albuquerque, NM, 87114)

• CHICAGO

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

Kerasotes City North 14

(2600 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)

• DALLAS

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

Cinemark 17

(11819 Webb Chapel Road, Farmers Branch, TX 75234)

• HOUSTON

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

Edwards Greenway Grand Palace 24

3839 Weslayan St Houston, TX 77027

• LOS ANGELES

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

Edwards South Gate Stadium 20

(8630 Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280-3700)

• MCALLEN

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

Carmike 20 (3003 S Expressway 28, Edinburg, TX 78539)

• MIAMI

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am – 364 seats

Cobb Dolphin 19

(11471 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172)

• NEW YORK

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

AMC Empire 25

(234 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036)

• PHOENIX

Saturday April 24th at 10:00am

Harkins Arizona Mills 24

(5000 South Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ 85282)

• SAN ANTONIO

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

Santikos Palladium

(17703 IH 10 W, San Antonio, TX 78257)

• SAN DIEGO

Saturday 4/24 at 10:00am

San Diego

AMC Plaza Bonita 14

(3050 Plaza Bonita Road, National City, CA 91950)

• SAN FRANCISCO/SAN JOSE

Saturday, April 24 at 10:00am

AMC Eastridge 15

(2190 Eastridge Loop San Jose, CA 95122)

I plan on going to the New York screening and can’t wait! Hope to see you there! Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h or better yet splurge on breakfast and make a day of it!  ;)

You can also click HERE to go to the official site.

NOTE:  Screening tickets will be sent via e-mail to the email address noted in the comment no later than 11:59 EST, April 23, 2010, or when requests in that area have reached ten, whichever comes first.

The Canadian Tenors, who were recently featured on Oprah and Dr. Phil, are offering a free download of their song “Always There”.  In order to download the song, you must enter your name, e-mail and zipcode.

Click HERE to download the song.

You can also see them perform  “Hallelujah” with Celine Dion below.

Enjoy!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Alvin and the Chipmunks. All opinions are 100% mine.

As a Mom to a teen and a tween, I sometimes feel pulled in various directions. The seven year age difference between my boys means that they are at different physical and emotional levels, making it hard to please them both everytime. I have discovered a solution that works most of the time. I started date nights with my sons!  They each take turns being my date, while the other goes out with family or friends. During these dates, we do whatever the teen or tween enjoys. It helps us bond, keeps the communication open between us, and gives each of them my undivided attention for a few hours.

This month my youngest wants to do an in-home movie experience. He didn’t have a chance to see Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel last year when it came out in theaters so I plan on surprising him with the Double DVD Pack that includes “The Squeak Along” Bonus Disc, with more music, mayhem and all-new singalongs! It costs the same as the regular DVD, yet contains twice the fun as the regular DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download.  I’ll also buy some popcorn and share priceless cuddles on the sofa.

I’m getting  excited just thinking about it, since I enjoyed watching Alvin and the Chipmunks myself when I was growing up. Who can resist those squeaky voices? They are so annoying, they’re actually adorable! Or is that just me?

In any event, I plan on rounding off our “date” by going online to the More Munk Mayhem site with him to play a few games. The site looks lke loads of fun for kids and is sure to help me create memories with my little Prince.

You can buy it now as well by clicking on the link. Its available in DVD, Blu-ray or Digital Download. 

Enjoy and happy “date” night!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of 20th Century Fox. All opinions are 100% mine.

The Date Night Movie, a romantic comedy, is set to open nationwide on Friday, April 9th, 2010. Just like its namesake, the movie appears to be a great date night pick!

Like most couples, the charaters in “Date Night,” played by Steve Carell and Tina Fey (love her!), are bored with their lives. Seeking to add a romantic spark in their marriage they go on a weekly dinner date, which not surprisingly becomes just as monotonusand routine as their dinners at home. The “date” night evenings are filled with the same conversations held at their own dinner table.  Attempting to add some spontaneity to their routine, the husband decides to take his wife to NYC for their “date”.  As expected, the couple’s evening quickly takes a turnand they find themselves thrown into a night of intrigue and adventure! There’s breaking and entering, a car chase, a shootout and a showdown withan underworld boss at a strip club. Although they come out with some scratches, the adventurous evening  proves to be better than chocolate! The excitement of the chase and mishaps renews their ardor,  creating sparks that they were sorely lacking in their daily routines.  

Click below to view the trailer.

I would love to go see the movie this weekend but may not be able to. If you do, please come back and let us know what you think!
 

On Tuesday my brother, sons and I had the opportunity to see “How To Train Your Dragon”. The movie by DreamWorks Animation was filmed in 3-D, which is all the rage right now! Its sure to connect with all age groups and genders, since it has action, romance, comedy and a touching father/son backstory.

Below is a brief synopsis of the movie. Be forewarned it may contain spoilers!

When the film opens you are thrust into a world of vikings and dragons with dizzying quickness. The action begins immediately, as the vikings and dragons battle for food and livestock. Vikings run helter skelter attempting to salvish and protect what they can. The 3-D effect makes it seem as if you will be splashed with water, blown away from the wind of the dragon’s wings or hit with flying spears!  In the midst of all the ruckus, we are shown Hiccup, the son of the Stoick, the Viking King, a small waiflike viking so unlike the others. With comically disastrous  results, Hiccup jumps into the fray in an attempt to prove to everyone, including the girl he loves, that he is just as capable as the other Vikings.

Thereafter, Stoick, believing he knows best,  in pure Father fashion, shuttles Hiccup off for his own “protection”. Like most young adults, Hiccup is undeterred and does not heed his father. He is determined to find a dragon and prove his worthiness! He eventually discovers Night Fury, the most dangerous and mysterious of all dragons. The dragon is injured. Hiccup in very unviking-like behavior befriends and helps the dragon, even naming him “Toothless”.

The laughs, romance, drama and 3D effects shown in “How to Train Your Dragon” come together is such a wonderful fashion that you forget you are not a part of the scenes. I found myself cheering with Hiccup as he trained dragons, almost in tears when Stoick said, “You’re not my son”, gasping in horror when Hiccup was almost killed, in fits of laughter when the one legged Viking noted he carried extra undies in case all hell broke out, and wishing I had Hiccups’ friends when they came to his aid!

Surprisingly, the ending is not what you would have expected. The twist, not often seen in most children’s animated films, is yet another one of the reasons I liked the movie so much.

“How to Train Your Dragon” is an entertaining movie that is sure to delight everyone in the family.  After taking a consensus, my family and I agree it is a must see!

Click HERE to go to the official site and watch the trailer.

Also make sure you enter to win 4 movie tickets and a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate by clicking HERE!

With the weather getting warmer, there is no longer a need to stay cooped up in your homes, especially in cities when you should be able to find a slew of inexpensive or free events to great outings for yourself or for you and the family.

This weekend, Saturday, March 20th, 2010,  the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, located at 212 West 83rd Street, is FREE all day from 10am to 5pm. For those families with babies or toddlers, space is provided to hold strollers; however, please be aware that it’s limited. If you can travel without a stroller, I suggest you do so.

They also have a few Spanish events that were worth mentioning like a Bilingual Sing-along and a Baby Loves Salsa class! Can you imagine? You may be inspiring the future J-Lo or Mark Anthony!  

For a complete list of activities, click HERE .

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

I recently received an email from Redbox with a FREE Redbox code. The code is valid on March 11, 2010 only. It expires after 11:59 PM Central.

I’m not sure which movie the boys and I will watch but am thinking of 2012, Where the Wild Things Are, or The Time Traveler’s Wife. Have you seen any of these movies? Which do you think I should get as my freebie?

What about you which movie do you plan on grabbing with Redbox code 25HZ2DH? Let me know in a comment!

Have you seen the new video by Shakira?

The song, Gypsy, found on Shakira’s album, She Wolf, is now available as a single on iTunes.

What do you think? Is it one of her best yet?

*affiliate

“She’s Out of My League”, a romantic comedy thats rated R, is set to open nationwide on March 12, 2010 but you have the opportunity to see it beforehand!   

Below I copied and pasted the info I found on Wikipedia.

The free screenings are available in the following states:

• Albuquerque, NM
• Atlanta, GA
• Boise, ID
• Charlotte, NC
• Chicago, IL
• Denver, CO
• Detroit, MI
• Flint, MI
• Greensboro, NC
• Hartford, CT
• Honolulu, HI
• Indianapolis, IN
• Jacksonville, FL
• Kalamazoo, MI
• Kansas City, MO
• Las Vegas, NV
• Los Angeles, CA
• Madison, WI
• Memphis, TN
• Miami, FL
• Milwaukee, WI
• Minneapolis, MN
• Omaha, NE
• Orlando, FL
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Portland, OR
• Raleigh, NC
• Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• St. Louis, MO
• Salt Lake City, UT
• San Diego, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Spokane, WA
• Tampa, FL
• Tucson, AZ
• Vestavia Hills, AL
• West Des Moines, IA
• West Palm Beach, FL 

Click HERE to get your free passes but hurry they go fast!

Ne-Yo has joined with Macy’s to bring awareness to domestic violence and its prevention. Together they have formed the “Respect! Campaign”.

Per Ne-Yo, “Respect is the foundation of positive relationships. There’s often too much violence around us–and we need to focus on and celebrate those behaviors that inspire healthy interactions. I hope this song brings visibility to the issue and encourages all of us to be heroes to others.”

Until March 31, 2010, Alfani has pledged to give the “Respect! Campaign” $1 per “Heroes” download, up to $50,000. So go ahead download your free copy AND support the prevention of Domestic Violence by clicking HERE!

You can view Ne-Yo singing “Heroes”  live on the David Letterman show below.

 
I’ve written about Redbox in the past because I believe they are a great way of renting movies at a very frugal price. They normally cost $1 per day, however, I’m normally able to rent movies for FREE by using Redbox Codes.

One great site which I use to obtain Redbox codes is called Inside Redbox.

The site allows users to share codes that they have received. Although not all codes work, I am always able to find one that does while at the Redbox kiosk. You can later note the ones that worked or didn’t on the site to advise others and pass along the savings because as we all know it takes a community to save a buck!

That being said, if you know of any other sites that offer Redbox codes, please let us know in a comment below!

I love romantic movies and Dear John definitely falls into that category! In fact, it looks like a perfect date movie so go ahead drag your significant other with you!

Dear John, based on a book by Nicholas Sparks, features Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried. See trailer below. Sony will release the movie nationwide on February 5, 2010. However, FREE movie screenings are available for the dates and states noted below. Just hurry because these go quickly!

Btw, I read the spoiler (Darn it!) and based on that I can tell you it sounds like a great movie!

• Thu Jan 28, 2010 in Dewitt, NY
• Thu Jan 28, 2010 in Las Vegas, NV
• Thu Jan 28, 2010 in Salt Lake City, UT
• Thu Jan 28, 2010 in Scottsdale, AZ
• Thu Jan 28, 2010 in Sheridan, CO
• Thu Jan 28, 2010 in Tigard, OR
• Thu Jan 28, 2010 in Tucson, AZ
• Wed Feb 3, 2010 in Albany, NY
• Wed Feb 3, 2010 in Buffalo, NY
• Wed Feb 3, 2010 in Buffalo, NY
• Wed Feb 3, 2010 in Denver , CO
• Wed Feb 3, 2010 in Rochester, NY
• Wed Feb 3, 2010 in Sandy , UT
• Wed Feb 3, 2010 in Cherry Hill, NJ
• Wed Feb 3, 2010 in Pittsburgh, PA

Click HERE for tickets. If you’re not already a member, click “Register to Download Tickets.” After registering, go to the link again to get your free passes!

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

This past weekend, I was given the chance to see a pre-screening of “The Spy Next Door” with my sons, Karl, of  Teen On Da Rise and, Andrew, of Andrew’s Voice. We had mixed reviews. I separated each of our reactions below.

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Andrew loved it! He created a vlog of his reaction on Andrew’s Voice, feel free to check it out. I will note that as an 8 year old boy, my son could relate to the plot and the characters. The movie had plenty of action scenes to keep him entertained. He told me he imagined himself as the younger son, Ian, who was played by Will Shadley. He also left the movie as a bigger Jackie Chan fan than when he entered.

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Karl, my 15 year old teen, enjoyed the action scenes as well but was not as smitten with the movie as my 8 year old. He claimed the plot was too simplistic; however, that is the reason my younger son enjoyed the movie, since it was easy to follow. According to him, it had it moments. He enjoyed the action scenes and thought the youngest daughter Nora, played by Alina Foley, was the perfect compliment to Jackie Chan. She drew plenty of laughs and was extremely charming!

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As a Mom, I have mixed reactions. I do believe tweens would love the movie because of its action scenes and simple plot. However, I was disappointed in some of the scenes and what they were bringing across to the kids. There were  three scenes which made me cringe. Note, my reaction may contains spoilers.

In the beginning of the movie, Bob Ho, played by Jackie Chan, is telling his friend that he wants to get married. His friend tries to dissuade him by retorting, ” Just find some woman you’re gonna  hate in 5 years and give her your house.”  This sentiment was expressed several times in the movie. As a single Mom who is trying to raise two good men, I was extremely disappointed to see this in a kids movie. I feel it belittles women and  teaches boys that marriage is not something to be entered into. It basically reinforces the old cliche, “Why buy the cow if the milk is free?”

I also didn’t like how the children treated their mother, Gillian, played by Amber Valletta. They were very disrespectful and threw numerous tantrums. In fact, when my youngest, Andrew, saw one of the scenes, he turned and told me “Wow, they have no manners.” I agreed. 

The last scene that stood out for me was when the son, Ian, was pulled into the Principal’s office. While being disciplined he tells the Principal that he was watching Playboy Mansion, in HD at that! My youngest turned and looked at me. I discreetly ignored him. It was not a topic I wanted to discuss with an 8 year old.

If not for those scenes, I would have enjoyed the movie. Jackie Chan’s action scenes were great, as always, and are sure to keep the kids and adults entertained.

~GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED~

With cold winter weather, most outings in my family involve the movies. It’s perfect because we’re entertained, enjoy some family time and stay warm!

One movie we’re excited about seeing is “The Spy Next Door”  an upcoming film by Lionsgate thats rated PG and scheduled to open on January 15, 2010. Its an action packed family film starring Jackie Chan (LOVE HIM!), George Lopez, Billy Ray Cyrus, Amber Valletta, Magnus Scheving, Madeline Carroll, Will Shadley, and Alina Foley. 

Below is a brief synopsis.

Click below to watch the trailer.

If you live in in NY, Miami, Houston, Chicago or Los Angeles you can win 1 of 3 admit 4 movie passes!

NY: January 9th at 10:00AM. Theatre location TBD
Miami: TBD
Houston: TBD
Chicago: TBD
Los Angeles: TBD
 

If you don’t live in those areas, or even if you do, go to my FACEBOOK page by clicking HERE to enter to win 1 of 5 movie prize packs. The movie prize packs include a mini poster, a branded laser keychain, an ID wallet and a pair of binoculars!

MANDATORY ENTRY- YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANY EXTRA ENTRIES:

Let me know why you want to see this movie!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Subscribe, follow my blog and/or fan my Facebook page for 1 entry EACH. If you’re already do, let me know! NOTE: Unvalidated e-mails will be disqualified.

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet url in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

Enter 2 win a movie 4 pack to The Spy Next Door http://tiny.cc/GW6  #GIVEAWAY #MsLatina #movies

3. Blog about the giveaway, linking back to this post, and provide me with the url for 2 extra entries.

4. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post for 5 extra entries. Note the post in your comment and don’t forget to enter each in a separate comment! Wouldn’t want you to miss an entry!

5. Enter another giveaway for 5 extra entries!

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GIVEAWAY ENDS January 3, 2010 at 11:59 P.M. EST

Open to US Residents only

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As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise!

Disclosure: As part of my review, I received the same product I am giving away.  No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are mine. They have not been influenced by the product given.

I know I’ve mentioned it several times before that magazines are GREAT frugal gifts (See my previous post with magazine subscriptions starting at $3.50!) , but I have to say it just one more time: Magazines make GREAT Frugal gifts!

O, The Oprah magazine is one of my faves! I also think this year will be a stellar year since The Oprah Winfrey Show is set to end on September 2011. I’m sure her magazine readers will benefit because of this, as she will have more time and energy to devote to her other ventures. What do you think? Let me know!

Better yet, let me know after you get your $5 annual subscription so we can chat about her articles!

Click to purchase your own $5 subscription of  O, The Oprah Magazine (1-year)

Thank you Mommy Kennedy for this fab deal!

“That’s my Mom.”

“She can’t be your Mom, she’s not brown!”

 Turning, slowly, he looks.

Could it be true, his eyes said, as he ran towards me. Before he even reached me, the words were slipping out of his mouth. “Am I adopted?”

“No, honey”, I said, “God makes Mommies in all shapes, sizes, and colors.”

He listened.

He heard.

Yet the pain in his eyes remained.

We live in a culturally diverse neighborhood, have friends and family of various ethnicities, and constantly see inter-racial families and children just as diverse as we are, yet it still affected my son. He reacted as he did because deep down inside, like most of us, he wants to feel he belongs, to feel like the people he loves or looks up to are just like him, especially at that age.

As a Mom, I was angry. I was angry at the doubt put into my son’s head and at the pain reflected in his eyes. The little girl who put doubt in my son’s mind, the many strangers who have stopped us, inquiring if he’s adopted, the many times I’ve been asked if I was a nanny/babysitter, and the people who  speak negatively about other cultures of which he is a part of, are just a few of the things we still encounter in this day and age. Does it surprise me? No. Change happens slowly. It is progressive. It starts at home but must be reinforced by the very media our children watch, play and use. For that reason, I applaud Disney for making “The Princess and the Frog”. Princess Tiana is Disney’s first African-American heroine in their long heritage of fairy tale animated features. It will change the world for many young girls. Its a start.

We now challenge Disney to create a movie about a Latina Princess, and a multi-cultural cast of main characters. This movie is a start but should not be the end. It must continue for our children.

Don’t you agree?

Below is a brief synopsis of “The Princess and the Frog”, which is showing in theaters nationwide.

Click HERE to see the trailer.

Update: I removed the reference to “Asian princess” after the very helpful comments below. Thank you everyone for catching that and letting me know!

Image courtesy of Platanos and Collard Greens

Between the Lines Productions is casting the NYC and national touring productions of Platanos and Collard Greens. They will hold an open casting call for non union members this weekend. Rehearsals would begin immediately thereafter in New York City. The production will run in NYC, and will also have various tour dates.  Below are the time and dates.

• Date: Saturday, December 12th, 2009
• Time: 2pm to 6pm
• Address: Roy Arias Studios at 300 W. 43rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) Room 500A.
• Required: A  headshot and resume. Sides will be distributed at the audition. Non Union. Stipend per performance, plus on tour hotel and transportation provided.

Currently seeking the following types:

• African-American Actors: males and female, 18-22, to play college students
• African American male, 30s-40s, to play father and professor
• Latina Actors: female, 18-22, to play college students, ability to speak Spanish a plus
• Latina female 30s-40s, to play the mother, ability to speak some Spanish a must
• Note: All characters must be comfortable with spoken work/poetry/rap.

New Cast members are paid 50% of the below rates until successful completion of the three performances. Note the Standard BTLP Company Member Rates below.  

• $100.00 Per Show – NYC (5 Boros).
• $125.00 Per Show – (Outside of 5 Boros) Non-overnight.
• $165.00 Per Show – Requiring overnight stay

For more information about the play, click HERE

Also if you get selected, feel free to invite me to your first show! Suerte/ Good luck!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Yamaha. All opinions are 100% mine.

My family loves listening to music. We always have music playing in the background. In fact, until my mother and brother gave us iPods you would hear us playing our music at all hours, even at night!

Before we received our iPods, you would also hear quarrels about what music should be playing at any given moment. I have to admit I would join in the ruckus back then too! Since we’ve received our iPods, those arguments have died down but its a mixed blessing.  We don’t connect as a family as we once did. We’re now in our own little ”music world”.  I’ve tried the radio but it doesn’t play our favorites. I needed something else! Thus, when I was given the opportunity to look over the Yamaha website, I jumped on it!

While on the Yamaha site, I discovered the Yamaha PDX-60.

The site states it contains a ”powerful speaker system with no sound delays” that can be used for iPods or iPhones. It also states it can be used to play “games, music and movies…wirelessly.” PERFECT! This would allow us to listen to our iPods’  tunes without quarreling about which station to listen to!

It also lets you charge two separate iPhone or iPods at the same time, one using the dock on the speaker and another on the included charging cradle. This is great since we only have one charging station at home right now.

Last, but never EVER least, its chic, sleek and petite enough for my tiny NYC apartment!

Yup, this is the one! Now all I have to do is see if I can get my family / familia to buy it for us!

I love Casting Crowns! They are one of my all time favorite groups. The boys and I have gone to their concert in the past and are planning on going to another one in February! Side-note: Emily, Christina, Kenny, Millie, Rebeca GET READY I’m getting group tickets!

If you haven’t heard this group play, you are now going to have the chance to listen and download their version of “Joy To The World”! After hearing it, I’m sure you’ll understand why they were chosen to play before the President last year. Their song is amazing and filled with the joy that Christmas should bring. Definitely a song that will help get you into the spirit of Christmas!

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

Click to listen and download: Joy To The World

~GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED~

Brothers starts today! The movie, rated “R”, stars Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal (hottie!) and  Natalie Portman.

Below is a brief synopsis:

 You can also view the trailer below. FYI: Its intense.

Sounds like a movie to call home about? Of course, it does!  That’s why I’m happy to say that 25 people will be able to win, not one, but FOUR phone cards! The phone cards are each worth $3 dollars, which is about 2 hours of international call time. Perfect for holiday travels and stocking stuffers!

MANDATORY ENTRY

After viewing the trailer, tell me which part intrigued you the most!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Subscribe or follow my blog!  NOTE: If you subscribe by e-mail, you must validate your e-mail address.

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Include the hashtags #GIVEAWAY and #MSLATINA in your tweet.   One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!  

 3. Blog about the giveaway, linking back to this post.

**********

GIVEAWAY ENDS December 12, 2009 at 11:59 P.M. EST

Giveaway is open to US residents only.

**********

As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise!

Disclosure: No compensation was given for the posting of this giveaway. I did it because the movie looks amazing!

If you decide to go, skip the box office lines and buy the movie tickets online at Fandango. Enjoy!

Lady Gaga’s Christmas Tree is currently being offered for free. Be forewarned, its a bit raunchy and not your usual holiday song. Let me know what you think after you listen to it!

Click to download: Christmas Tree

Note: Compatible with MP3 Players (including iPods), iTunes, Windows Media Player

Have you heard of Poppycock?  Not the word, which means “nonsense”, Orville Redenbacher’s gourmet popcorn snack? It contains clusters of almonds, pecans and gourmet popcorn, covered in a sweeten glaze. I, myself, had never heard of it until I received a can to review. Deciding to give it the ultimate taste test, I took it with me to my mother’s place for our holiday feast.  

I tried to sneak it in with the other snacks as we played our Disney games but no one wanted to try it! My brother said he refused to eat any nonsense! In fact, he said he refused to eat anything with the last four letters of “Poppycock” (except he said the actual word!). Needless to say. no one was willing to give it a taste test.

I was undaunted and refused to give up!

The next evening we had friends over. When I put out the snacks, I again put out the can of Poppycock. My 8 year old took up his uncle’s mantra, stating very loudly, that he refused to eat anything with the same word my brother used. Of course, he  didn’t understand what he was saying and neither did his little friend but they kept repeating it! At this point, I wanted to knock my brother out, but since I couldn’t, I had to sit my son down and explain to him what that word meant and why he shouldn’t yell it out. Needless to say, he refused to eat any Poppycock after I did!

In the end, my girlfriend, her 2 year old, and I ate the can of Poppycock. It was DELISH! We ate the entire can in one sitting, fighting each other off for the crumbs. Aside from the name, I wouldn’t change a thing about this gourmet popcorn! Hmmm but then again, the name makes it stand out!

In fact, I plan on purchasing two cans for friends as gifts at Walgreens. The name will give them a laugh while the taste will tantalize their tastebuds and I will get a FREE Redbox rental out of it! Check out the details below.

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Buy any 2 Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn or Poppycock and get 1 free Redbox rental.

Your free code will print right along with your purchase receipt.

Offer Good 11/22/09 – 1/16/10 at participating Walgreens locations.

********************

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!

I recently went to a Disney event, to look at a few of their new games. Since the event was in the evening, the boys were able to go with me. I’m glad they did because we had a great time! They even told me I was a cool mom for taking them (Thank you Disney!).

While at the event, we were able to try out several of their new games, my all time fave was Disney’s Sing It. I like it so much more then other karaoke games.  I really love the fact that it doesn’t contain curses or innuendos like many songs heard on the radio.

Its the perfect game for us, since we love music. We’ve played it almost everyday since receiving it. When we do, you don’t hear any fussing,  which is music to any Mom’s ears!

Right now, I have the highest score but I have to admit its not because I can sing. I think its because I can read the words faster then Prince and have a higher voice then Big K. Of course, I won’t admit that to them! They think I’m the Queen of Sing It and I don’t want to squash that! It gives me power! Bwa Ha Ha

I added a short video of my family singing karaoke last year.  My cousin Steve is singing. He actually sang at the Apollo, not once, but twice! The kids had a blast as you can see but I know this year will be better, now that I have Sing It! Who knows we may be raising the future Demi Lovato or Jonas Brothers! 

What about you? Do you Sing It?

Disclosure: In order to give an honest review, Disney provided me a copy of Sing It. This in no way influenced the review. All opinions expressed herein are 100% mine.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Popstation. All opinions are 100% mine.

Move over American Idol, here comes Popstation! Its a new website, where singers have a chance to sing their way to the top of the Popstation charts and qualify for an Album Deal! Joining is FREE, however, each participant needs three very important things: headphones (any will do), a microphone (built-in or hand held), and the need to succeed!

Every week, between Monday- Thursday, new PopStation songs are released. The songs, by genre, are released as follows:

• Monday:  Hip Hop & R&B
• Tuesday:  Country
• Wednesday:  Pop
• Thursday:  Rock

After release, the songs are available in the practice rooms for 2 weeks. In the practice room, you’re given the lyrics, a demo of the song, and more. You are then able to sing your hearts out, while making the song your own. When you’re ready you enter the contest, where the Popstation audience votes! Just keep in mind the artists that give it their all have a better chance at making it to the top.

I’m not a singer, although I wish I was, because every 3 months the #1 Popstation Artist or  ”The Artist Formerly Known As You” (a la Prince LOL), will win “The BIG Deal” !

“The BIG Deal” prize  will send the winner and a guest on an all expense paid 3 night stay in NYC at a very chic and not so cheap hotel. The winner will travel in style  (luxury car service) to a professional recording studio where they will spend 2 days recording their very own album with the help of a professional production team. When the album is done with the final mixing, postproduction and design it will be featured on the Artists page of Popstation for the world to see!

By winning ”The BIG Deal”  the winner will also  get a crash course in the music industry, gain valuable insider knowledge about how to promote themselves and their music, and experience their singing dream!

Click HERE to view the winner’s prizes.

Click HERE to see official rules.

The NETS have a new section at the IZOD Center called “Kids Country”. This area, located in Section 240, gives any adult who buys a season ticket for $15 per game a FREE $15 season ticket for a child 12 years old or under. Its an inexpensive holiday gift, that won’t break the budget and will create some wonderful memories.

Since Nickelodeon is sponsoring the “Kid’s country” events, they will have various Nickelodeon character appearances, promotional giveaways and more at each of the below listed events.

This Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, they will have a Dora the Explorer costumed character and Caitlin Sanchez – the voice of Dora – performing the National Anthem. They will also the NETS Dancers, the NETS Kids dance team, Team Hype, and team mascots Sly and Mini-Sly performing. Definitely something the kids will like!

As for holiday gifts, $15 for two tickets, is a deal! I plan on buying a few for friends and family myself. 

Below are the special game dates:

Wednesday, Dec. 23 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves
Saturday, Jan. 2 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers
Wednesday, Feb. 10 vs. the Milwaukee Bucks
Sunday, Feb. 21 vs. the Memphis Grizzlies
Friday, March 5 vs. the Orlando Magic
Saturday, March 20 vs. the Toronto Raptors
Saturday, April 3 vs. the New Orleans

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!

Photo courtesy of  Element 

Last month a good friend of mine (Hey Christina!) invited me and the boys to an XBox event in the very chic and trendy Element. We were also able to take my cousin, Luly, and her son, Tri.

The boys were super excited to attend the event because of course they are video game junkies! The teens, Big K and Tri, were also excited because of the venue. I teased them about it saying “Wow can you believe you guys are in a lounge and you didn’t even have to sneak in!” Shoot, I didn’t go to my first club/lounge till I was 19!  It was with my cousin Luly and I have to say we had a blast that night with my brother and his friends but I digress…

They had two games, Twist And Shout with The Beatles: Rock Band and the new LEGO: Rock Band. The Lego game is rated 10+. It was rated 10+ for mild language. I did not hear any curses in the songs that played while I was at the venue; however, I did  not hear all of the songs on the game.  I also do not know all of the artists and can not say what the “mild language” was. You can review the music included in the game by clicking HERE.

Prince played the Lego game with a few of the other children in the event.  He was concentrating so hard, focusing to make sure he hit that drum at the right moment that he refused to look at me when I went to get a picture.  Look at that serious face!

I finally convinced him to join me and the rest of the family in the main area where everyone else was playing The Beatles: Rock Band. We sat and watched a few of the other families go up on stage. The two little girls in the video joined every family on that stage! They refused to leave because they were having such a great time dancing on that stage. Aren’t they adorable?  

The fam and I eventually decided to go up on that stage and show off our own skills. Big K was on the drums, Tri and Prince were strumming the guitars,while Luly and I put our vocal cords to use singing, “I want to hold your hand”. We hit every beat on that Beatles song, harmonizing at the right spot and sounded GREAT! Seriously, if there would have been a record label in the audience they would have made us sign on the spot! Of course, if you believe that then I have a few things I need to sell you!

Below are a few pictures of the family.

It was fabulous, we rocked it all night long! The games are perfect for families and look like a good purchase if you own an Xbox.

Do you already own the games? Let me know what your experience has been!

*GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*

Recently, I posted about a new movie called ”The Blind Side”.  If you missed it you can click HERE to view. The PG-13 movie is based on the true story of Michael Oher’s amazing journey and is set to open nationwide on November 20.

Oher, played by Quinton Aaron, is a homeless teen who doesn’t appear to have much going for him, until a wealthy family takes an interest in him. Their involvement in his life, helped him to aspire to more then many thought possible. His story gives hope.  Based on the trailer, it looks like an amazing movie, that will inspire others to reach higher then they could ever imagine!  

Want to retain a few momento to inspire YOU on your own journey? Then enter below!

Two (2) Latinalicious readers will receive the following movie mementos: 

• 1  poster
• 1 THE BLIND SIDE t-shirt
• 1 THE BLIND SIDE hand towel (like the football players use)  

To enter, you only have to answer ONE of the mandatory entries listed below. You can find the answers in my previous post, click HERE to view.  Want more entries? Check out the additional entry rules below.

Suerte/Good luck!
 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Subscribe via e-mail or feed. NOTE: If you subscribe by e-mail, you must validate your e-mail address. If you do not validate your e-mail address the entry will be disqualified.

2. Follow @MsLatina on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, stating the below. Provide me with the tweet url in a comment. One tweet per day till the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

Enter 2 win movie mementos for “The Blind Side” w. Sandra Bullock http://tiny.cc/GW
#GIVEAWAY #MsLatina RT

3. Blog about the giveaway, linking back to this post, and provide me with the url.

4. Fan my Facebook page, by clicking HERE.  (2 entries).

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GIVEAWAY ENDS November 18, 2009 at 11:59 P.M. EST

Giveaway is open to US  residents

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As always, I will use random.org to select the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. Also, don’t forget, in order for random.org to count all of your entries a separate comment must be entered for each item that is completed. Random.org will not count it otherwise!

Disclosure: No form of compensation was received for said post.

The Blind Side, based  on a true story, is an inspirational movie that demonstrates how one person can change a life. It features Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron and many more!

Below is a brief synopsis I was able to obtain from IMDb.

Click below to view the trailer.
 

Click HERE to find screening tickets in your area.

If you’re able to see the show, please let us know what you think! And don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!

As most of you know I am an entertainment junkie! I enjoy the bonding these moments create between me and my boys, as well as the memories that we will always have. I also know that those few moments I can escape with friends gives me the charge and pick me up that I so badly need to remember that I am more then just a mother or an employee.

Of course, with the market as it is I try to cut down on expenses by finding events that are FREE (or close enough to it that it feels like free)! One of the sites that I have bookmarked is Seatfiller. A good friend of mine (Hi Millie!) shared this great site with me years ago and I have been hooked ever since!

They currently have two events coming up that I wanted to share with my readers. They are noted below.

• Soul Train Awards in Atlanta, Georgia on 11/3/2009
• Latin Grammy Awards 2009 in Las Vegas, NV on 11/5/2009

In order to be eligible to attend you must meet the requirements (i.e., age) and have to enroll (FREE).

Once you have enrolled you can submit a request, just make sure you do it before the deadline! Note: Submitting a request doesn’t guarantee your attendance but if you are selected, you’re love it! It gives you a chance to dress up and see some stars

Click HERE to see the current shows.

Enjoy!

Lock ‘N Load, a new reality series that is premiering on Showtime on October 21, 2009, is offering a FREE advance screening of  its first 2 episodes. The event will run approximately fifty (50) minutes.  NOTE: The show is rated  TV-MA.

Below is the synopsis I copied from the e-mail.

You can view a  preview below of this very controversial topic. Let me know what you think!

The show is sold out in New York, but available in the areas noted below.

• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Denver
• Kansas City
• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis
• Philadelphia
• St. Louis

Click HERE to check availability.

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If this blog post helps you in anyway, please support me by voting for me on the Good Mood Gig. Click HERE to vote. You can vote everyday. Gracias/Thank you!

President Obama and the First Lady celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with Fiesta Latina on October 13, 2009. The music event was the third, thus far, in a series of White House performances. To date it has celebrated jazz and country.  The next scheduled music event will feature classical music.

Fiesta Latina 2009 featured songs by Marc Anthony and his wife, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, Singer Tito “El Bambino”, Los Lobos, Thalia and many others. Also in attendance were George Lopez, Eva Longoria and Jimmy Smits.

It was an amazing evening of fun for all. Thalia was even able to coax President Obama through a few dance moves while she sang “Amor a la Mexicana”, which I think translates to Love of a Mexican Woman. 

What do you think about President Obama’s dance moves (beginning around 3:10)? I have to say I love the fact that Thalia shook the First Lady’s hands and said “With all due respect” before commencing to dance with her husband. It was a very respectful and classy move.  

Click HERE to view the Official White House slideshow.

Click HERE to view a transcript of the President’s remarks.

If you’re a basketball fan, like my little one Prince, you will not want to miss this FREE event.

The New York Knicks are holding an Open Practice this Saturday, October 17, 2009, and fans are invited to attend! It will be held at  Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus in the northern Bronx.  Fans and Fordham University students will be allowed in at 11:15 A.M.; however, the players will not begin practicing until noon.

NOTE: As with all FREE events, the earlier you arrive the better your seat selection so do plan accordingly!

Click HERE to view the invitation.

Click HERE for directions to Fordham University.

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!

I recently received notice from a friend that El Museo Del Barrio (Translation: The Museum of the Neighborhood) will be hosting a FREE event to celebrate the re-opening of their new facilities!  

For those of you unfamiliar with the museum, El Museo Del Barrio is “New York’s leading Latino cultural institution”, located on New York’s Museum Mile. The museum, open to all,  is a wonderful  institution that showcases  Latin America  and the Caribbean.  Per their site:

The event starts at 11:00 A.M. and finishes at 9 P.M.  They will have an entertaining day for families and singles alike, full of tours, readings, and salsa dancing! For those with children, I’m excited to say they will have face-painting, children’s storytelling, crafts and my teen’s favorite the “Graffiti Wall of Fame and local murals”!

Click HERE to see the invitation.

Click HERE to visit the museum webpage.

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that saved ca$h!

I was unaware of the singing talents of Priscilla Renea until the day she performed at the W Atlanta – Midtown Hotel, for the Blogalicious Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.  Thankfully, Mignon Renee, who blogs at Intellectual Soul ,was seated near me. She explained a bit more about this young artist who rose to fame with YouTube videos of herself singing and playing guitar.  I was intrigued, then delighted, when I heard her sing Dollhouse and Worker Bee.

I did some research when I arrived back in New York and below is what I discovered.

• Priscilla Renea began posting YouTube videos of herself in 2007.
• Her performances led to her being featured on the MTV show Say What? Karaoke.
• She now works with Capital Records.
• Her first album, called Jukebox, will be released on December 1, 2009.  

Below is a short clip of Priscilla Renea singing “Worker Bee”. Enjoy!

You can purchase Dollhouse, the single, for 99¢ by clicking HERE

You can also pre-order the album,Jukebox, with Price Guarantee* by clicking HERE.

*Order now and if the Amazon.com price decreases between your order time and the end of the day of the release date, you’ll receive the lowest price.

I haven’t been feeling well these past few days so I didn’t catch this one as quickly as I would have liked, especially because the boys and I want to watch this film.

The movie, Where The Wild Things Are, is based on the book by Maurice Sendak. You can view a brief synopsis and trailer below.

Click HERE for various state screenings. Act fast because this one is GONE in New York! So bummed!

Enjoy!

I love this short film! Its a wonderful reminder of how we can bounce back from anything!

ENJOY!

Whip It, rated PG-13, is set to open nationwide on October 2, 2009. The movie based on Shaunna Cross’ book Derby Girl, stars Drew Barrymore, Ellen Page and Kristen Wiig, in a coming of age movie set in Texas.   The media is touting it as a hodge podge of  ”Adventureland,  Juno and  Bring It On.”  Definitely, an eclectic mix!

There are currently FREE screening available in various locations but don’t delay as these go quickly. The tickets are given on a first come, first serve basis, however, they always give out more tickets than seats!  For that reason, you should plan to arrive at least an HOUR before the actual screening.

Below is a brief synopsis I copied from Spout:

Click to go directly to the Fox Searchlight – Whip It – Official Site to view their trailer and read more about the movie.

Click HERE to receive TWO free tickets. Have more than 2 members interested in seeing the flick? Have them sign up too!  Just act fast as these tickets go quickly!

Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that cash!

Do you recall Ashley Dupre and Client 9? How could you not? She was the vixen who brought down Eliot Spitzer, a political giant.

She’s inspired laughs on the David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel shows, but now she wants to inspire with her music.  Below is her newest release, “I Feel So Alive Without You”. Hmmm is it just me or does the song appear to be directed to someone in particular?

Anywho, let me know what you think of her new release!  Do you think she has what it takes to make the public forget her climb to fame?

Click HERE to view.

Have you seen the Red Chair Confessionsvideos on YouTube? I was hooked after the first video. Its like a mini soap opera

I’ve seen two before I came across this last one. In each video, the same woman, a mother, confesses to doing something that she should not have done. Yet she never fully comes out and says what it is she has done. Its driving me crazy trying to figure out what it is!

In the first video she goes to Confession. She confesses to a gulity pleasure but never admits what the pleasure is. In the second video, she goes to a therapist. She has relapsed and done the same thing she did in the first video. She says she had withdrawals but rushes out before she acknowledges what she has done!

Based on her attire, she appears very conservative . She speaks eloquently, yet she always sounds guilty. Its actually becomes more pronounced in each video.  You can tell the secret is affecting her (and me!).   Based on her appearance,  I don’t think she has done anything that would put her in jail but I’ve learned to never judge a book by its cover! I should know better, especially since I worked in the District Attorney’s Office before I moved over to Corporate Law. 

This last video is different from the other two. In this video, she is actually speaking to me, to us, directly, before her son interrupts her.

Hmmmm…   

My first guess is she has gone into debt because of a shopping addiction (closet in background is full to the brim). Or maybeshe has started gambling and has gambled away the family’s money! But then again, she has that scarf on her neck, could it be a GASP hickey?!

Help put me out of my misery! What do you think is Momma’s Little Secret? I don’t think I can wait till next week for the BIG reveal!

In my home, we used to have a television in every room which meant that everyone went to a different room to watch their shows. Two years ago I decided things had to change.  In a stroke of madness genius I gave away three of our televisions! We now have one television that is connected to cable in our living room and one in the boys room so that they can play video games in their room.

This has turned out great cause it helps me monitor what they watch and keeps my electric bill down! It also helps us bond. During the day, I watch some shows with the little one but once he goes to bed (8:30 pm), Big K and I get to watch truTV  together.

I enjoy The Smoking Gun Presents on Thursdays at 9pm because it amazes me what people would do to earn a few bucks (OK I checked they can earn $12,000+!). I have to admit it makes for great TV, especially because the stories are real! Whoever invented their slogan ”The stories are real, the effect is actual” hit it right on the nose! It seems like I cringe, scream, laugh and hit Big K whenever we watch the show! This probably explains why he refuses to sit on the sofa with me and instead sits on the floor a few feet away!   

Check out the  truTV video below to see some street lugers in action. I have to warn you, it will cause you to  gasp, cringe and than talk to the screen as you watch, so watch with caution!    

I’m excited to say I have  a FREE Movie rental code from Redbox! If you aren’t familiar with Redbox, click HERE to read my previous post.

The Redbox free Monday rental can be obtained by using coupon code T46T3Q7. The code expires on September 7, 2009, at midnight CST.

To receive advance notice of Redbox codes, click HERE to subscribe via e-mail or SMS texts. 

Now I am off and running to get my FREEBIE! As I run, I will try to decide if I should rent “Obsessed” for myself to view after the boys go to bed or “Race to Witch Mountain” a family movie. What about you? Which movie do you plan on renting?

Its been sometime since I have been able to find a movie screening that is available in various locations but I am happy to say that I finally succeeded!

The Informant, Rated R, is based on a true story of  ”the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in U.S. history” and features Matt Damon and many others. Its scheduled to be released nationwide in late September; however, if you use the codes listed below you will be able to see the movie beforehand!

When you enter the code you will receive 2 admission tickets. The screenings are on a first come basis even for those with tickets. To make sure you are able to see the movie, arrive an hour earlier than stated as these events tend to fill up quickly.

Based on the trailer it appears to be a comedy. Click HERE to see the trailer. Since the movie isn’t appropriate for children, it looks like a good date night flick and best of all its FREE. Make it even better by going out for dinner and use my all time fave Restaurant.com. If you use it, you can take 50% off w/every $25 Gift Certificate order by clicking HERE and using code MENU, which means that you pay only $5! Note, code is good thru 9/8/09, however, you can use the certificate up to a year after purchase.

I included the links below. I have entered the codes already but included them in case you have any problems with the links. Also, when I find FREE movie screenings that are not showing in various states I tend to post them on my Facebook account and do not always post them on my blog. To make sure you don’t miss these freebies sign up by clicking HERE.

CHICAGO – Click HERE
Monday, September 14th
7:00pm
Code: ONIONMAZ5

AUSTIN – Click HERE
Monday, September 14th
7:30 pm
Code: ONIONWKU1

WASHINGTON DC – Click HERE
Monday, September 14
7:30PM
ONIONPW1A

NEW YORK – Click HERE
Thursday, September 17th
7:30 pm
Code: ONIONABK8

MINNEAPOLIS – Click HERE
Monday, September 14th
7:30pm
Code: ONIONK5

DENVER – Click HERE
Monday, September 14th
7:00pm
Code: ONIONS0TJ

Chesapeake, VA – Click HERE
September 10, 2009
7:30PM
GOFOBO code: INPASS9L8B

 
Enjoy and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

Which is your favorite? Mine is the one with the liquid 

The boys and I recently had the opportunity to go see the New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky at Madison Square Garden. It was an awesome game and an even better family event!

I am not a sports fanatic. In fact, I barely knew the difference between defense and offense (sad I know) before the August 14 game. Yet that evening I had a blast! I clapped and jumped to my feet when I saw everyone else do the same. At one point, I got caught up in the excitement, mistakenly jumping up for the wrong team! Thankfully, Big K yanked me back down before anyone could notice! =)

During the intermission, we enjoyed Maddie and the Dunkyard Dogs. The boys really enjoyed the tricks and acrobatics.  Above is a short video I was able to take.

DJ Sofie Fatale mixed some music for the crowd. She definitely had everyone dancing in their seats and in the aisles! It felt like a concert, especially when they turned the cameras on the crowd!  We were able to see ourselves on the big screen. The kids were loving that!

I was able to get a video of Prince while he was rooting for the Liberty team. In this video, they shot a 3 pointer (they actually had to explain this to me afterward). I tried to take it while Prince was unawares but that didn’t work. He’s a ham, as you can see by the video.

The New York Liberty team lost that evening but you wouldn’t have known by the crowds energy or my boys’ smiles.

I would like to thank  @HilaryShaev for making it possible for us to see the Liberty team play, as well as  @CarissaRogers for bringing us together during #gno!  The boys and I were unable to make the original game selected (see previous post HERE), but @HilaryShaev made it possible for us to go to another game.  Thank you again. We had a blast!

**********

To see the New York Liberty team schedule click HERE.

Click HEREto receive 25%  off Liberty tickets on Ticketmaster, enter promo code TM25.

or

Click HERE to receive 20% off Liberty tickets priced  at $15, $34.50, $39.50, $64.50, plus $10 parking for the August 30 and/or September 1, 2009 games.

If you decide to go, let me know what you think!

 In honor of Harlequin’s 60th Anniversary, Barnes and Noble is giving away 16 FREE downloadable Harlequin books! The Harlequin books are from different categories. Although they all  feature romance they range in genres. You will find some from the super romance category, suspense books or even the Nascar series. You can download one or all. The option is yours!

To download your FREE Harlequin Books click HERE.

Happy reading!

I love getting magazines for FREE. I not only read and save information that I believe will be helpful later on, but I also use it to wrap presents, as book covers for the boy’s school books (required now) and even to create home decorations*!

The magazine showcases Hispanic success stories and also contains articles on entertainment, education, fashion, business and more!

Its a wonderful magazine for Latinos and non-Latinos alike, that will keep you up to date on Latino culture and trends.

Click HERE to get this freebie!

*I will do a future post explaining how to use magazines for home decorations. We will use the pictures from your favorite magazines so stash some of the ones you like!

Jo Ann of Bronze World recently inquired if I would host a Question and Answer session with Raul Ramos y Sanchez, the award winning author of AMERICA LIBRE. Of course I said YES! There was no way I could pass up probing this author’s mind!

Before I bring on the Q & A, let me bring you up to speed on the author and book.

Raul (Can you believe we are on first name basis?!) is Cuban born, but has resided in the US for many years. He is a talented and gifted writer, director, producer and businessman. He has also been featured in various television, radio, print publications and social media sources. Click HERE to learn more about this multi-faceted author.

AMERICA LIBRE, the first of a trilogy, is set in the near future. In this future, Latinos have grown in population but not wealth. They struggle to feed their families, obtain jobs, and maintain a sense of dignity in a harsh and unjust world. Tensions escalate when cops accidentally shoot an innocent Latina during a drug bust. A revolution eventually ensues, escalating into a Civil War. Over his wife’s protests decorated ex-Army Ranger and family man, Manolo “Mano” Suarez, decides to join the melee. While trying to bring about change, he encounters a beautiful Latina radical. Mano eventually realizes that the battle he is facing is not only in the streets but within him! Will he choose love of family and country or the beguiling and beautiful Latina and revolutionists? Read this page turner to find out!

Blog Q & A

1. As a romantic, I have to admit I am very interested in the love story between Mano and his wife. He’s her knight in shining armor, a devoted family man and a hard worker. What made you portray him as such?

2. Mano is later tempted by a beautiful Latina. I have to ask, why did you give her features which are not normally considered Latino (ex. natural, not from the box, straight blonde hair)? Doesn’t this promote the myth that Latinos prefer non-Latino features?

3. The books love’s story is not just between Mano and his wife but also between him and the United States. When he meets the beautiful Latina and the revolutionists he doubts all that he held sacred and true. Without spoilers, do you believe that love can conquer all? How did this influence the outcome of the book?

4. Although I have focused on the book’s love story, it is also an action packed thriller. It brings attention to immigration plights that are either unknown or pushed beneath the rug. Did you intend to bring the reader’s attention to the dissatisfaction found in many of today’s Latin communities? If so, could this not cause more harm and discord?

5. I recently discovered that your book may be made into a movie! How Latinalicious is that?! Are you considering any particular actors/actresses? Would you consider unknowns or only established artists?

6. I love the fact that you were featured in USA Today and Latina Magazine, as one of the top summer reads. It brings me great pleasure to see that you are accepted by what others consider “serious” and “light” readers, as well as mainstream and Latino communities alike. That is quite an accomplishment! Felicidades/Congratulations! With that said, do you feel like a trendsetter?

Raul, it’s been a great pleasure having you here on Latina On a Mission. You are truly a “Latino On a Mission” that is inspiring and empowering so many around you! Sigue pa’ delante!/Keep on keeping on!

I also need to thank Jo Ann of Bronze World for making this possible! Gracias Jo Ann!

You can read the first chapter of AMERICA LIBRE by clicking HERE. Enjoy! And don’t forget to let me know what you think!

When you watch TV are you a screamer or a grabber? I’m both! My friends and family HATE that about me! They try to get me to watch TV by myself  because I can get pretty bad.

truTV is one of the shows that can and does bring out the worst in me! It features real events, not reality, just actuality. truTV is hilarious. Its cringe worthy. Its mesmerizing. Its  real events that will cause you to react! I call it  modern day life on steroids. We know these things happen, they just don’t happen to most of us. Watching their shows makes me gasp, then scream, then grab my teen’s arm. I also shake him as if he could somehow do something! Even with all these intense reactions, I can’t turn away.

Prince and I are the “did you see that” type of people who slug or grab the person near us when we get excited. Big K, on the otherhand, is a “yeller” who yells at the people on the show as if he could change the outcome. Run! Close the door! He’s coming! Move out of the way! He yells all this and more.  My younger brother has already told us he refuses to watch anything with us. He claims we don’t let him enjoy the program. I think we actually make it more enjoyable. Wouldn’t you agree? I mean its not good, unless it can solict a reaction. Don’t you agree?

I do have to warn you some of the shows are not appropriate for younger kids, like Forensic Files. I think these would definitely cause nightmares in the young ones. truTV also has several shows that can be seen by everyone, like the World’s Wildest Vacations Videos. This is one of our favorites. It can cause the most reaction from my family. While watching this show we become the people we categorize as “did you see that”, “yeller” and everything in between!  The show is  HILARIOUS! My favorite clip can be seen by clicking HERE. Its a sample of what  you see on the program. This clip caught them when they were on a date. I mean seriously, can you imagine going on a date and having the man react like that?!  Hilarious!

FYI: If you live in NYC, truTV is on Time Warner Cable channel 79.  Check out their site for the the truTV effect, including shows, schedules and truTV videos. 

Just remember watch truTV with caution, because when the stories are real, the effects are actual! Ultimately, thats what makes entertainment! Wouldn’t you agree?

the truTV effect

Sigh.. He was amazing! He was passionate, entertaining and so attentive. He made me sing and jump with joy as no other has ever done. I screamed his name until I was hoarse. The next day all I could think of was H.I.M. John Legend.

There was just one problem … I had to share him with a multitude of others!

I know, I know, why would I want a man like that you ask?  Maybe I am a glutton for punishment or just a dreamer but I truly believe our eyes locked. How you ask? Well with my camera of course! I’m sure you will agree after you check out my pictures that I was right!  
 

1.        2.

(1)When JL first came out he  was so bashful, he couldn’t even look me in the eyes. (2) When he finally did, I saw stars and so did he! 

3.         4.

(3) He was smitten. I knew it because as he sang the passion oozed out. (4) Finally, he came toward me. I was melting! 

5.         6.

 (5) He knew. He knew it was too much for me. He gave me some space. (6) The hour finally came. I had to run but I left him a reminder, one of my 4 inch heels.

I know you’re just as shocked as I am, aren’t you?! But its real I tell you!  My friends and little brother are my witnesses. They were there with me.

And last but not least this picture is for all the naysayers!

Now do you believe me?! 

Sorry for the late notice, however, I didn’t hear about these till a short while ago! Hope some of you are able to take of advantage of this family friendly movie. It looks like the young ones would love it!

Shorts (2009) Trailer

If you’re interested in attending below are the locations, as well as times and dates for the FREE “Shorts” screening. Act fast as these freebies tend to go quickly!

Santa Clara, CA August 15, 2009 at 10:30AM
Enter CODE: BEZALR6318
Click HERE to enter code.

Olathe, KS August 15, 2009 at 10:30AM
Enter CODE: 708RF9SKY
Click HERE to enter code.

Omaha, NE August 15, 2009 at 10:30AM
Enter CODE: N5UST0MUKP
Click HERE to enter code.

New York, NY August 15, 2009 at 10:30AM
CODE: PL0L1ZS2N0
Click HERE to enter code.

Las Vegas, NV August 15, 2009 at 10:30AM
CODE: 8EBVAJQ2QT
Click HERE to enter code.

Chicago, IL August 15, 2009 at 10:00AM
CODE: AGSZ4QRTBS
Click HERE to enter code.

Hanover, MD August 15, 2009 at 10:00AM
CODE: 2AQ0NZVL2R
Click HERE to enter code.

As always, don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

I love going to live events, particularly concerts! I feel no pain when I spend on an event that will create some wonderful memories between myself and my boys or with family and friends. However, with the market as it is I have begun to search out ways to enjoy one of my favorite past times without breaking the bank.  I’m happy to say that I was able to get a good deal on John Legend, Demi Lovato and Wisin & Yandel tickets (Yes, we enjoy a variety of music)! 

I’ve discovered that Citibank offers a wonderful way to get concert tickets without breaking the bank! You will need the first six digits of a Citibank card.* 

Marc Anthony (Love HIM!)
Saturday 08/22/09 at 8:00 PM
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
4 tickets for $99
Click HERE

Kelly Clarkson (I’ve seen her perform and she is FABULOUS!)
Tuesday 10/06/09 at 8:00 PM
Hammerstein Ballroom
New York, NY
Prices vary

Click HERE for Citibank offers.

You can also purchase  $99 or less four packs by Live Nation. They are offered nationwide for various concerts. Click HERE to view.

Now go enjoy yourself! Those memories you create will be PRICELESS!

Scott Westerfeld, a New York Times best selling author, is offering one of his earlier books for free. The book, called the “Uglies”, is the first in a series. It also includes the first chapter of Leviathan, his newest book.

Below I pasted and copied the review from Amazon.com.

Playing on every teen’s passionate desire to look as good as everybody else, Scott Westerfeld (Midnighters) projects a future world in which a compulsory operation at sixteen wipes out physical differences and makes everyone pretty by conforming to an ideal standard of beauty. The “New Pretties” are then free to play and party, while the younger “Uglies” look on enviously and spend the time before their own transformations in plotting mischievous tricks against their elders. Tally Youngblood is one of the most daring of the Uglies, and her imaginative tricks have gotten her in trouble with the menacing department of Special Circumstances. She has yearned to be pretty, but since her best friend Shay ran away to the rumored rebel settlement of recalcitrant Uglies called The Smoke, Tally has been troubled. The authorities give her an impossible choice: either she follows Shay’s cryptic directions to The Smoke with the purpose of betraying the rebels, or she will never be allowed to become pretty. Hoping to rescue Shay, Tally sets off on the dangerous journey as a spy. But after finally reaching The Smoke she has a change of heart when her new lover David reveals to her the sinister secret behind becoming pretty. The fast-moving story is enlivened by many action sequences in the style of videogames, using intriguing inventions like hoverboards that use the rider’s skateboard skills to skim through the air, and bungee jackets that make wild downward plunges survivable — and fun. Behind all the commotion is the disturbing vision of our own society — the Rusties — visible only in rusting ruins after a virus destroyed all petroleum. Teens will be entranced, and the cliffhanger ending will leave them gasping for the sequel … –Patty Campbell

The book came out to rave reviews! It received  4 1/2 stars out of 5 on Amazon and is a best seller. The free downloadable book can be read as a pdf on your computer, on Sony e-Readers or Kindles! Perfect for our tech savvy young adults! Click HERE to download your copy.

Click here for Pretties (Uglies Trilogy, Book 2) and Book 2: Specials (The Uglies)

Click HEREto see a Bibliography of Scott Westerfeld’s book.

Enjoy!

I found out about Alycia Nicole, an artist from Santa Barbara, CA, from a girlfriend of mine who grew up with her. She raved so much, I had to listen to the tunes myself and find out a little more about the artist and her music.

Alycia Nichole is an Indie artist who grew up singing in Santa Barbara, CA. She sang in her church choir, eventually becoming a soloist. Along the way she was inspired by many artists including Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, two of my faves, as well as several others. Their influence is evident in the undertones of  Alycia Nichole’s sounds and intonations. Yet its also different, unique.  Her songs are moving and inspirational. They hold you up and lift you higher. They help you rise! She has an energy and sassiness that comes across in her music. Her enthusiam is evident in her songs, particularly ”Starlight”, one of my favorites. Its an eclectic mixture of  R & B and Neo-Soul.  

I also discovered that Alycia Nicole is a Finalist in WYCLEFS “More Bottles remix” Contest on Twitter. In support of this inspiring young artist, I ask you to vote for her and help her acheive her recording dream. 

You can view her audition HERE.

You can vote for her HERE.

You can follow her on twitter HERE.

You can vote once a day till Friday, August 7th so vote, vote, vote!

As quoted from Alycia Nichole’s site “ONE LOVE and THANKS in ADVANCE.”

Queen Latifah is working on a new film this year. It will be a romantic comedy, centered around basketball, called “Just Wright”. A portion of the movie will be filmed at the IZOD Center in New Jersey, with the Nets President and some Nets players. The producers of the movie are also looking for a few extras to cast in the film and I have all the Latinalicious info here!   

On Wednesday, August 12th, Thursday August, 13th, and Friday, August 14th the producers are inviting interested NON SAG ( Non-Union Screen Actors Guild members) women, men and children to attend a Casting Open Call! You can attend all days or one specific date; however, to participate, you must be able to stay the whole day, from mid morning until night. If you are selected as an extra you will be paid  $79.75 for completion of 10 hours of work and get to mingle with Queen Latifah and Nets players. 

In order to attend you must rsvp by e-mail to fans@njnets.com no later than Wednesday, August 5th! In your email, include the following information:

- Name
- Age
- Phone number (home and cell)
- Email address
- Days available to shoot
- Can you receive text messages?
- Will you be able to travel to East Rutherford, NJ (must arrange your own transportation to shoot)
- Are you SAG (Screen Actor Guild)*?
- Are you a US Citizen or have a valid passport, Greencard, Work Visa? (Everyone must have a social security number)
- Please attach a recent candid picture of yourself (please make sure it is not too large)

Exact information regarding wardrobe and parking information will be sent to everyone who is selected to work as an extra.

Suerte/Good Luck!  And don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

Oprah is giving away a FREE book,  Let the Great World Spin, by Colum McCann. The book, featured on Oprah’s 2oo9  25 best summer reads, sells in stores for about $25. The free book is available until August 5, 2009, 10:59 p.m. EST to registered Oprah members. If you are not registered, you are asked to register, for FREE, before downloading the book.

Below is the book’s blurb obtained from Oprah’s website.

It’s 1974, and a man is dancing on a tightrope between the towers of the World Trade Center—risky business, but as Colum McCann reveals in Let the Great World Spin (Random House), so is simply living day to day. This novel, with its web of disparate but connected characters—including a God-battered Irish monk, a swashbuckling prostitute, an artist with a guilty secret, a mother grieving her war dead—is an act of pure bravado, dizzying proof that to keep your balance you need to know how to fall.

Click HERE to go directly to the free giveaway page.

The Time Traveler’s Wife is a romantic drama, starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Banarated. It is rated PG-13 for some sexual content.  Below is a brief trailer.

Screenings are being offered nationwide. Tickets are given on a first come, first serve basis so act quickly to secure your own set of tickets!

Click HERE to register and obtain passes. Enjoy!

I’m so excited! For three Saturdays in August, from 7am to 1 pm on the 8th, 15th and 22nd, New York City will close several streets to cars! It will give people a chance to get out and about AND its a fun FREE  event.

NYC will also provide free bike and skate “rentals”, free fitness classes, musical performances, dance lessons, kid’s activities, and so much more! Prince, my youngest, is sure to love the New York Knicks Groove Truck appearance on August 15th. Especially because everyone will have a chance to win Knicks prizes by participating in skill competitions,  XBOX 360 video game tournaments, as well as free throw and 3-point shooting contests. Honestly, for Prince the prize will be getting to play all the games

Click on the video below for more information. Enjoy!

The weather in NYC has been pretty dreadful lately. There have been plenty of thunderstorms and even hail. Yes, you heard me HAIL in the summer! The only silver lining is that its perfect for Redbox movie nights!

Movie rentals can add up if you’re not vigilant so I try to search for Redbox codes before heading to the nearest Walgreens. If you aren’t familiar with Redbox, click HERE to read my previous post.

 I’m happy to say I hit the jackpot with the below codes (as of July 29, 2009). I do have to tell you that the codes do not work in all locations. In fact, a code that works in NYC may not work in another state or vice versa. I added them all below so you can try different codes. If one doesn’t work, try another one. I tried three before getting my free rental!

• 060902306
• 09LUVER02
• 10130312506
• 115698ME
• 123GOGETER
• 123TOGETHER
• 240000442
• 2SFWSGP
• 32207
• 3J2THQ3
• 3PZRC6P
• 3WG4QSV
• 473345N
• 4CW33N
• 4CWWKFH
• 4HYVEE5
• 4J7LF6
• 4KRJRMR
• 5HYVEE5
• 5R6D5T5
• 665F442
• 6A43JK
• 6SN6757
• 6W2C7P7
• 72TTKJZ
• 7HE79B
• 7HY27VE
• 972YKL
• 9863
• ALYSSA
• ANGELGIRL
• APRILSNOW
• BREAKROOM
• BREAKSTART
• BT73H9
• BUTTMUNCH009
• C65QFP4
• CAREBEAR
• DVD4FREE
• DVD4ME
• DVDATWAG
• DVDFORME
• DVDFREAK
• DVDFREE
• DVDONME
• DVDONUS

 As always, don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

I’m so excited to have found complimentary tickets to  JULIE & JULIA (Rated PG-13). The tickets are only available in New York City and San Francisco, but if you leave me a comment with your state I will keep an eye out for screenings in those states! Every ticket holder will also receive a coupon for one medium/regular popcorn and one medium/regular soda or bottled water.

The site states this freebie requires a Citi Visa card; however, the last time I obtained tickets to UP the movie it accepted my TD Bank Debit Visa, so go ahead and give it a shot! I’ve also heard through the grape-vine that it should be open to all Visa card holders. I’m hoping they were right!

Complimentary tickets for screenings at the below locations will be available starting July 28 at 11:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT. Make sure you enter your request as soon as it begins as I think these tickets will go quickly!

Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00ET
AMC Loews 84th Street 6
2310 Broadway
New York, NY 10024

Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00PT
Century 9 San Francisco
Westfield Shopping Center
835 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94103

Below I included a brief synopsis of the movie:

Meryl Streep is Julia Child and Amy Adams is Julie Powell in writer-director Nora Ephron’s adaptation of two bestselling memoirs: Powell’s Julie & Julia and My Life in France, by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme. Based on two true stories, JULIE & JULIA intertwines the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends…until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible.

Interested? Sure you are!  Click HERE to go to the page and don’t forget stash that extra ca$H!

The Ugly Truth, a romantic comedy, featuring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler, is set to hit theaters on July 24, 2009. However, YOU, my Latinalicious reader can see it before it hits the theater and for FREE if you live near the following areas:

• Scottsdale, AZ
• Edina, MN
• Harrisburg, PA
• Orchard Park, NY
• Philadelphia, PA
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Las Vegas, NV
• Tucson, AZ

If you want to see the movie’s official trailer, click HERE. But get your tickets first because this movie will sell out quickly!

Sadly it’s not near me so please leave a comment letting me know if its worth spending some hard-earned cash to see this movie! As an incentive, I ‘ll even throw in a coupon for FREE popcorn with the purchase of a Coca-Cola drink. Did I entice you?! Hope so!

Click HERE to get FREE tickets.

Click HERE for FREE popcorn.

Now don’t forget to stash that extra ca$h!

Dolores O’Riordan,  an Irish Alternative/Rock /Indie singer and songwriter who used to play with The Cranberries, has created a new album called “No Baggage” that is set to be released on August 24, 2009.

However, YOU, my Latinalicious readers, can download one of her songs for FREE by clicking HERE.

You will need to supply your e-mail address (hopefully the one you created just for freebies) to receive a promotional code that you must than enter to download the song.

FYI: I don’t think the free song from her new album is one of her best. I prefer “The Journey”, pity they didn’t give that one instead. You can listen to “The Journey” by going to her MySpace page. Click HERE to go to it. I do, however, like the musical intro on the free song. It sounds like a Spanish drumbeat. I also have to admit whenever she sang the word “stupid” I just wanted to laugh. Anywho, let me know what you think!

Scared – A Novel on the Edge of the World from Children’s HopeChest on Vimeo.

Intriguied? Interested?  Great! Now get it for FREE by clicking  HERE.

Note: In order to receive the book you must send an e-mail to three others telling them about the book. You will also receive periodical e-mails from the author once you agree to download the book. The author is hoping to raise awareness of his book in this manner. You can always unsubscribe after the initial e-mail message and keep the book for FREE.

May you be inspired!

AMC  Theaters is offering $1 movies from June 17 – August 5 during their Summer MovieCamp promo.  Movies start at 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday and can be purchased up to one week in advance, which I highly recommend!

Below is the movie schedule:

July 15: Horton Hears a Who
July 22: The Spiderwick Chronicles
July 29: Nim’s Island
August 5: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

As an added perk, food for kids during this period is only $3 for a kid-size drink, kid-size popcorn, and a kid-size snack. You can also upgrade the kid size snack to a regular sized candy for a dollar more, which means that you no longer have to sneak in that CVS candy-Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone 
 
Click HERE to find a participating AMC theater near you.

Just a note, proceeds from these movies will benefit Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute.

Cafe Bustelo has joined with Tiempo Libre to give you one free song from their new album Bach in Havana. The free song is Tu Conga Bach. You can also listen to four of the album’s songs for free! The four songs are (1) Tu Conga Bach, (2) Fuga, (3) Air on a G String, and (4) Clave in C Minor.

Click HERE to listen and get your FREE download.

You can also purchase the CD, Bach in Havana, by clicking HERE
Or download the MP3 by clicking HERE.

ADAM, starring Rose Byrne and Hugh Dancy, is a romantic comedy set to open in theaters on July 29, 2009.  Below is a sneak peek.

Click HERE to sign up for two FREE pre-screening tickets available in Los Angeles, New York, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and San Antonio.

Happy viewing and don’t forget to stash that ca$h!

New York can be an expensive place to live and have fun. Temptation seems to lurk in every corner, calling out to splurge, splurge, splurge! Yet you don’t have to break the bank  if you do your homework before heading out to enjoy yourself!

I discovered some Latinalicious places to have fun that are FREE or cheap enough to feel like they are FREE! Enjoy and of course, don’t forget to stash that saved ca$h!

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1. Hudson River Park’s RiverRocks hosts summer concerts that are free!  Concerts are scheduled for the following dates:  July 9, July 23 and August 13. Doors open at 6 PM. Click HERE for info.

2. River Flicks provides free family friendly children’s movies, as well as adult only shows. Family friendly children’s shows are shown on Friday nights on Pier 46. Adult only shows can be seen on Wednesdays. Children’s shows usually consist of new and classic shows, while adult movies are blockbusters from 2008! Click HERE for an event schedule.

3. Bryant Park offers free movies on Mondays. You can bring a blanket, as well as a picnic dinner with wine to enjoy the flick. Or if you prefer you can sit on lawn chairs, provided by the park. The movies start at dusk. The park tends to be popular in the city so arrive early to pick your spot! Click HERE for the movie schedule.

4. Need something a bit more aggressive than a flick? What about a boxing match? You can catch a free boxing match on July 30 at 7 PM (July 31 if it rains). Click HERE for more details.

5. If Broadways your thing, but the costs aren’t, head on over to “Broadway in Bryant Park”. Bryant Park is hosting several popular shows like STOMP, Little Mermaid, Rock of Ages, Naked Boys Singing, Billy Elliot and so many others! Shows run from 12:30PM to 1:30 PM. Click HERE for more info.

6. Ever wondered how Beer was made? Well grab a few friends and wonder no more! The Brooklyn Brewery offers free tours every Sunday at 1, 2, 3 and 4 PM. The event includes a tour and free samples, however, samples will only be given to individuals that are 21+. Click HERE for info.

7. Take a free trip on the John H. Harvey Fireboat. Trips schedules vary but will always leave you wet! Click HERE for a schedule. Note: Seats are limited and should be reserved as there is a limited amount available. FYI: You can also volunteer to work on the boat and learn some new skills this summer. You can train to become “deck hands, welders and riveters”, as well as so much more! Click HERE to read more about volunteering!

This weekend was a very busy AND fun weekend. My mother was able to come over and watch the boys for me – Gracias Mami! – which allowed me to meet with several bloggers for brunch in the city. We had coffee, food, and of course Latinalicious conversation, sans children! Ahhh it was wonderful!

Later on in the evening, I enjoyed dinner with several of my friends: Christina, Brenda and Emily. Thanks Chicas for a great time! We dined at Vero (shown above), a wine bar and restaurant, located on 53rd and 2nd Avenue. We drank Sangria and ate Seared NY Strip Loin of Beef,  Braised Short Rib Soft Tacos, Black Bass Tacos, and my favorite Saffron Arancini, which are fried saffron and mozzarella filled risotto balls. It was De-Li-Ci-Ous!  FREEBIE ALERT:  On Monday nights, Vero’s offers FREE paninis (shown below) with any purchase of wine, specialty drink, or beer, for a savings of $12-13.

After dinner we hopped into a cab and headed over to Radio City Music Hall to see  Juan Luis Guerra (JLG). The scalpers were out in mass for this superstar event! They attacked us as soon as we arrived. Two ladies seated near us actually purchased a pair of tickets from the scalpers, than in the middle of the show another couple showed up with tickets for the same seats! Ha – Drama!! In the end, they walked away without a quarrel and were able to find seats further away from the stage.

Juan Luis Guerra, a Dominican singer and song writer, sings many different styles including Merengue, Salsa, and Bachata. He also recorded a song with Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas called “La llave de mi corazón” (“The key of my heart”), performed as the opening act for the The Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang Tour, sang with Sting,  and earned the distinction of being the highest grossing music tour of all time! He is a popular and diverse artist that has been able to change his beats, staying fresh throughout the course of his career, even including his Christian faith in his songs. Personally, after seeing him in concert, I’ve come to believe that his musical talents do not come across fully on DVD.  He is much better live. 

 That evening JLG sang one of my favorite songs Ojala Que Llueva Café(I Wish It Would Rain Coffee), which I recorded and included below. He also sang several other great songs like Bilirrubina and Como Tu no Hay Ninguna (Like You There Is No Other). The crowd ate it up! They were totally into the concert, dancing in the aisles and singing along with the tunes. In fact, the balcony, where we were seated, was shaking from all the dancing bodies. At one point, I was terrified we were going to fall! You can even see the bouncing in the video below.

I had a GREAT time at the concert and with all the wonderful people I met that day! I was totally wiped out by midnight but  it was well worth it!  THANK YOU LADIES!

I was so excited to go to the circus and hope I can pass along the excitement to others with a FREE Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Ticket!

If you have a child, under 12 months, who resides in the United States, than you can receive a ticket voucher via mail, after you sign up at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus website. The ticket voucher can then be exchanged for any performance to the show! Best of all, there is no expiration date!

If you qualify for the FREE voucher, click HERE to sign up.

If you have a child over 12 months, click HERE to receive a FREE Personalized Commemorative Certificate.

This past weekend I took a drive to Coney Island with my boys. It had been quite sometime since I had visited the area and I have to admit it made me nostalgic.  It brought back some fantastic memories of my youth, when I would hang out with my friends or dates at the amusement park and at the beach.  Back then there was no circus in the area, or at least, not a circus like the Coney Island Boom a Ring Circus!

The Coney Island Boom a Ring Circus  is small enough that you can see the stage clearly from every seat, even if you purchase the cheapest seats, priced at $10. In fact, with the purchase of a ticket, we were able to do so much more than just watch a performance. We were able to get circus lessons, enjoy an Animal Open House, monster trucks, and of course a wonderful circus performance! Definitely a family friendly activity that we are planning to do again since it closes September 7.

My boys and I laughed and gaped at the daring feats and hilarious antics of the clowns, acrobats, motorcycle and bicycle stuntmen, animal shows, trapeze artists and so much more! In fact, they enjoyed it so much that they’re clamoring to go again! Of course,  I gave a resounding YES.  I’ve learned that there are few activities that an 8 year old AND a teen can enjoy together. The circus was one of them, even better, I enjoyed it too! 

Below are some pictures, words can’t  describe the A-M-A-Z-I-N-G time my boys and I had that day; however, you can insert your own after viewing the pictures and video below! 

The elephants in the Animal Open House. Doesn’t the first one look like its smiling?

The Superman monster truck was Prince’s favorite!

The Hat Cart shows you different circus hats.

I loved her trapeze show!

I won’t tell you if the bicyclist made it! You’re going to have to see the show

And finally, Big K’s favorite part of the show, the gymnasts! Enjoy!

Interested? If so, tickets can be purchased HERE.

Have you joined Redbox yet?

For those of you unfamiliar with Redbox, let me explain. Redbox is an online website that allows you to rent movies. You can chose and reserve movies online, then pick up your movies at the Redbox location near you. Or if you tend to do things last minute, as I do, you can just swing by the nearest location to select and pick up your movies. The fee to rent a movie is only $1  and best of all there are no late fees! You can check to see if you have a location near you  by clicking HERE.

You can click HERE to receive a FREE movie rental. You will have to subscribe but I think its well worth it! If you do, you’ll receive a heads up on the monthly free codes via e-mail.

You can also sign up to receive free codes on your cell phone via SMS alerts. I did! This way I get the codes automatically AND I can pick up my movie and popcorn on the way home.

Also, as a special treat for my Latinalicious readers, here’s another Redbox code that’s good for a one time only rental on either June 22 or June 23: rbxthxu6   This means you can get not one, but TWO, free movie rentals this week!

Now go ahead, enjoy your free movies and stash that ca$h!

Do you have a young singer between the ages of 5 and 14 in your family? If so, they can enter the Kidz Bop SportsJamz Talent Search in the New York area. If your Latinalicious little one is selected they will be able to perform in Madison Square Garden for the New York Liberty team this summer  and during the New York Knicks 2009-10  seasons! They will also win a fully loaded iPod with KIDZ BOP apps/songs, AND get to be  featured on KIDZBOP.com.

I noted the try out info below! Good luck and don’t forget Ms. Latina when you make it BIG!

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Monday, June 29

Open Auditions for Singers
Boys and Girls between 5-14 years old

Kidz Bop Headquarters
214 Sullivan Street, 4th Floor
NY, NY 10012

Click here for audition requirements and information on how to make an audition appointment.

Interested in finding out more about NYC?  Want to be in the know about NYC’s  best places to eat, sleep, and shop? Or better yet the latest Free events in NYC?  Then you need to subscribe to Time Out New York …  and whats better than FREE? 

Interested? Of course, you are!  So go ahead and click HERE for your FREE 2 year subscription to Time Out New York!

I know its late notice but I wanted to get the word out on an event going on in Times Square. Its a three day festival called Come Out & Play. I discovered it yesterday as I walked home. Of course I had to stop and chat with the organizers to find out why it was causing such a traffic jam!

The event features a variety of FREE activities that can be enjoyed with the family or on a date (what better way to tell if you’ll get along)! My favorite game so far was “Paparazzi”. At the start, a few players are assigned the role of celebrity, while the rest act as the paparazzi. About 40 teams,of 3-4 people,  have to either look for the “celebrities” or hide from the “paparazzi”. The weapon, a camera phone or digital camera, is used to capture weird and unflattering poses of the celebrities (imagine getting caught picking your nose!). Just as in the real world the more unflattering the better the price! To help  the paparazzi,  celebrities are tracked by GPS, in this “cat-and-mouse game of ambushes, paranoia and scandalous photos.”

Young players can participate in the activities if they are accompanied by an adult 21 or older. Games will take place rain OR shine. To find out which games are available click HERE.

I plan on joining the Earpiece game (description below), when I leave church! Hopefully, I’m one of the three left standing.

Three agents are each given an earpiece and must press play simultaneously. Twelve minutes later, only one of you will win. In between, the Controller will voice instructions to each of you as you try to work out the rules of this little game and exactly how you’ll win a future in the agency. You may find yourself making new friends, making conversation, even dancing. Whatever it takes to play.

Hope to see you there!

Last Thursday, June 4, 2009, I was lucky enough to be invited to watch Diane Birch perform her new album, Bible Belt, at City Winery.  Esa noche/ That evening, my friend, Christina, and I arrived at the venue a few minutes before the performance. As we were escorted to our table, we were happily surprised to find that our reserved seating was a short distance from the stage.  In fact, I think Diane Birch and S-Curve Records must have read my mind, or my previous post, because City Winery was the perfect venue for her Special Record Release Show!

As we waited for the performance to begin, we quickly scanned the floor. It was a bit dark so I could not make out many of the others seated around me. I later found out that there were many other wonderful bloggers at the event, although I did not get a chance to speak with them, including Mom in the City, a wonderful blogger who I had the pleasure of meeting at a previous event, StyleMom, Momtrends, Paula Bruno, Rock and Roll Mama, Savvy Auntie, and so many others!

Shortly after we were seated Diane Birch came on stage! It was a wonderful show! Back to back melodies that had the audience tapping, clapping, bobbing their heads, and just enjoying the performance. I have to say that her voice has a soulful quality to it. Although I prefer to not label artists since music can be so personal, others around me compared her to the old school tunes of the 70s, as well as  more contemporary artists like Norah Jones and John Legend.  It was also interesting to find out that she created and composed the lyrics to all the songs on her album and was discovered on MySpace – talk about the power of social networks! 

At one point,  Diane Birch ushered “Whoopi Goldberg” to the stage. Of course I was so excited when I heard “Whoopi Goldberg” was joining her, that I quickly tweeted about it!  Que bochorno/How embarrasing when I later discovered on my way to the restroom that it was not Whoopi but an impersonator with a well placed hat that resembled her so well from a distance! Hmmm no wonder I was able to get so close to her without getting attacked by bodyguards! In the end, I blame it on my dry contacts and I’m sticking to that story!  

I was able to take a short video with my Canon, shown below; however, I have to warn you… it does not do her justice as my video taking skills are sorely lacking and I should have listened to Big K when he told me to buy a Flip!

   
If you were wondering, yes that is my voice in the background hooping and hollering at the end! ¡Esta Latina le encanta gritar cuando esa teniendo un buen tiempo!/This Latina loves to screams, especially when I’m having a good time watching a fanastic performance with wonderful people.

If you enjoyed my amaturish video of Diane Birch’s soulful singing, then you will be happy to know that Diane Birch will be performing again on June 29th at 9.30 pm at Joe’s Pub in New York. Tickets are currently on sale for this event. She will also be performing a FREE show on July 25th at Roosevelt Island, New York. Click HERE for more details on both of these upcoming shows.

If you decide to buy her album, I am happy to announce that $1 from each album sold will be given to one of six charities: Autism Speaks, March of Dimes, Keep A Child Alive, Share Our Strength or Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I thought this was such an amazing way to give back to the community, while rasing awareness for some great causes. Should you wish to purchase the album, please be aware that purchases made via my blog will help Share Our Strength, by stopping childhood hunger, something that no child should ever have to face.

I have to give a big Latinalicious gracias/thank you to Katja and Barbara for introducing me to such an amazing artist!

You can enter to win a FREE PRIVATE PERFORMANCE, with refreshments, in your hometown by adding Diane Birch’s Discover & Donate widget to your blog and/or social networking site by clicking HERE !

 Suerte/Good Luck!

I probably wouldn’t admit this in person but I’ll post it here … when I was younger I used to absolutely love, love, LOVE reading Harlequin books! As soon as I finished one, I would have another one waiting for me. In fact, my mom brought me a mail-order subscription without realizing just how steamy they were. Hmmm maybe thats why I am such a sucker for romance AND the “good” bad guy…

Harlequin, in a marketing ploy that is sure to entice readers, is now offering not one, but SEVENTEEN (17), full downloadable eHarlequin books, valued at $60 U.S. dollars! They may not provide much intelletual enlightment but they will definitely be easier to carry when you’re riding that train next to the funky underarm man on your way to the beach! Not to mention, they’ll keep you out of jail since you won’t be able to clock him over the head with them while asking him to move!

Click HERE to download yours books today

Happy reading!

500 Days of Summer premiered at the Sundance Films on January 17, 2009. It is now opening in various theaters on July 17, 2009. Of course, YOU, my Latinalicious readers, are getting word of this screening before others so that you can attend a FREE screening.

500 days of Summer is an off-beat romantic comedy about a girl who does not believe in true love and the boy who does.  The girl called Summer, hence the title, is played by Zooey Deschanel, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Tom, the boy who falls in love with her. After their break-up, Tom goes through a 500 day period of reflection of their time together, that leads him to his life’s passion.

Here is a quote from the movie:

Tom: What happens when you fall in love?
Summer: You believe in that?
Tom: It’s love, it’s not Santa Claus.

Interested? If so, avansa/hurry! Sadly all the locations near me are full. As of Sunday night, they did have one NYC area left, noted below, as well as screenings in other states. 

AMC Roosevelt Field 8
630 Old Country RD
Garden City, New York 11530

Click HERE to see if your state has any FREE screenings and leave me a comment to let me know you were able to take advantage of it!

As those of you in NYC know, its hard to find a good beach in the city. The Water Taxi Beach was created to solve that problem! It is a boat created to look like a beach that offers city-dwellers relief from the heat while being close in proximity. This year it will be stationed in a new location, South Street Seaport. So you can shop and tan (safely) at the same time! How hot is that?!

This South Street Seaport beach will have a sandy area for food and sunning but it will be smaller than the other locations located at Governor’s Island & Long Island City. This beach will have ping pong, Skee ball and Mini Golf (9 holes).

They also host some great DJ events in the evening -  shopping, music, sand, and tanning all in one area!

Below is the info I received from a friend on Facebook

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Located at Pier 17

Fulton St (at Water St) Financial District

open daily from 11am until 11pm or later

Subway: A, C to Broadway–Nassau St

J, M, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Fulton St

Water Taxi Beach, South Street Seaport, is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and is located on the north side of Pier 17 with spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Water Taxi Beach, South Street Seaport will cater to families in search of reasonably priced food and outdoor entertainment on an 18,000 square foot location with signature sandy beach, 9-hole miniature golf course, ping-pong tables and skeeball.

Water Taxi Beach, South Street Seaport will provide a new outdoor destination for lower Manhattan residents and will also host birthday parties, family celebrations and corporate events. There will be music at the Beach on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and an evening shuttle connecting Fulton Ferry Landing in Downtown Brooklyn with the two new Water Taxi Beaches at South Street Seaport and Governors Island giving New Yorkers access to a variety of waterfront destinations.

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For more information on the Water Taxi Beach click HERE or better yet check out their blog by clicking HERE. Also note, during July and August there is no day time door charge before 8pm and Sunday’s are always FREE!

I am so loving this song by Diane Birch, a new artist that is debuting her album “Bible Belt”  on Tuesday, June 2.  Her voice is sultry with an edge that pulls you in. Perhaps its the words that resonate in this single Latina’s heart or the fact that I felt this way when I first separated … ahhh at this point I don’t know but one things for sure its been playing on my computer ever since I downloaded it.

I heard it so much that I was able to write the lyrics down! Check them out below than download a free copy of  ”Nothing But a Miracle” by clicking HERE or watch her video below. Just make sure you grab a glass of wine, put your feet up and lean back while you enjoy her sultry tune!

Lyrics:

Getting tired of living
living for a moment
getting tired of hanging on the line
I wake up every morning
and I pull back the curtain
and wonder if its gonna rain or shine

Getting tired of thinking
getting so tired of begging
getting tired of forgetting that there’s twoooo of us
I’m getting so tired without my man
just don’t give a damnnnn

Just tell meeee
Tell my baby why I’m holding on when your love is long gone
I’ve got a good mind
so why you tell me why I can’t say good-bye

Just tell me baby
why I’ve been holding on for so long
and nothing but a miracle
is gonna bring you back
bring you back to meeee now

woah – ooo (my son spelled this word out for me )
ooooo whooo no no

I gotta get myself together
gotta stop telling myself that I couldn’t do no better
Go out and start meeting some new people
I gotta go out and buy myself one of those little black dresses
cause I’m so tired of this T-shirt
so tired of crying off all my make-up
and I’m just so tired of waking up
with a lonelyyyyy heartttt
I’m getting so tired of giving a damn
about a absent hearted man

just tell meeee
tell me baby why I’m holding on
when your love is long gone
I’ve got a good mind

So why you tell me why I can’t say good bye
Just tell me baby
why I’ve been holding on for so long
and nothing but a miracle
is gonna bring you back
bring you back to me nowwwww

Oh I can see it coming down the shadows
coming down the shadows
I can see it
Its coming thru the window
Its coming thru the windows
Oh I can see it I can see it
coming down the ceiling
coming down the ceiling
I can’t escape it
I can’t escape it
Oh I can’t escape it
Can’t escape the fear

Tell me why I’ve been holding on
when your love is long gone
I got a good mind
so why don’t you tell me why
I can’t say good bye
just tell me baby
why I’ve been holding on for so long
and nothing but a miracle is gonna bring you back
bring you back to me nowwww
ohhh nothing but a miracle is gonna bring you back to me nowww
ohhh nothing but a miracle
ohhh no no no
Ohh nothing but a miracle
is gonna bring you back to me nowww

Ohhhh noooo
ohhhh

I found this wonderful freebie on My Good Cents!

Click HERE to download six FREE songs. Enter code: BEAUTYBEAT to receive the downloads.

According to My Good Cents you can enter the code TWICE and receive up to 12 songs, if you click back to the home page and re-enter the code!

FYI: This is also a great gift idea that can be used with one of the many suggestions noted in my previous post on Gift Buying On a Budget!

Sony Wonders Technology is showing PAUL BLART: MALL COP (PG) on May 30, 2009 at 2 P.M. The movie can be seen for FREE at their theater located at 550 Madison Ave. at 56th St, New York.

Below is a summary I copied and pasted from Sony Wonder Technology’s website:

I saw and enjoyed this movie with both of my sons when it first came out. Its a comedy filled with sophomoric laughs that will take you out of your day to day rut and leave you laughing. If you get the chance, I highly recommend it!

You can reserve seats to the movie by calling the Events Line: (212) 833-7858

I love going to Barnes & Noble during the weekend. You can browse through books, grab a coffee and lounge in the store, enjoying their AC and the atmosphere of fellow book readers. I usually go with my sons and make a day of it. Big K gets some free time from me and I go with Little Man to the kids section to have him read aloud to me. Its a great FREE way to spend the day with the boys.

I recently found another Latinalicious deal to add to the mix. Barnes and Noble is offering kids in grades 1-6, a FREE book and a chance to win an Autographed Percy Jackson Novel, when they read any eight (8) books of their own choosing. The children have to write the books they have read on a Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal to receive this freebie. Its offered in English and Spanish (love it) and is valid between May 26th & September 7th, 2009.

Its a great way to get your child to read during the summer. Hope you can take advantage of this offer!

To find out more info and download the Summer Reading Journal click  here —>Summer Reading Program

Happy Reading!

P.S. If you win the Autographed Percy Jackson Novel you can easily sell it on eBay to bring in some extra money. Perfect for that college fund!

I love going to the movies in the summer time. Its the perfect way to beat the heat and do something wholesome with my family.

This year select Regal Theaters are participating in a FREE family film festival. The festival will feature G and PG rated movies.   Movies will be shown on Tuesday and Wednesdays beginning at 10 A.M. The festival will run from June to August 2009.

Click HERE to see which theater in your state is participating and of course don’t forget the popcorn!

Que lo difruten!/Enjoy!

You can download Tori Adam’s new song “Maybe California” Free, featuring Tori’s signature voice and instrumentals. ”Maybe California”, released on May 12, 2009, is a mellow song, sung passionately, about a mother’s strength in a failing marriage.

Click here to get Maybe California by Tori Amos FREE

Happy Listening!

I love animated movies, especially Pixar movies so when I found this I was so excited to pass it onto my readers. Hope you are able to take advantage of it!

UP, from Disney/Pixar, is a PG rated comedy adventure.  It involves a  78-year-old balloon salesman called Carl Fredricksen. Carl, a grumpy old man, finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties literally thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. He unknowingly takes a passenger, the adorable 8-year-old Russell. Lucky for him, and us, that he does!

Disney•Pixar UP invites viewers to see UP, presented in Disney Digital 3-D™ in select theaters, times and date are determined by the offered locations.  For this movie, Visa cardholders may register by entering their cardholder number to see if there is a viewing in their area. If so, you will receive up to four (4) complimentary (Translation: FREE) tickets, to attend the advance screening of UP. You will each also receive a concession coupon, good for a soda and popcorn, when you arrive at the theater, all compliments of Visa Signature.  Note, I was able to register with a regular Visa card.

Barnes and Noble is offering 9 Free MP3  Audiobooks. These are perfect when you are driving, jogging or lounging by the pool/beach. This Latinalicious freebie is valid until May 16, 2009 and can only be used once per customer. Note, in order to obtain this freebie, you must enter your credit card information during checkout, even if these free items are the only items in your order. Discounts are applied at checkout and you will not be charged.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
 

Happy Hearing!

I just entered to win these passes! You can submit your own entry by clicking HERE.

You can also view a list of screening locations, by clicking  HERE

Please let me know if you win these tixs! I would love to hear what you thought of the movie!

Suerte/Good Luck!

The writer of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardolos, has come out with another movie titled, “My Life In Ruins”.  It is currently being offered in a FREE movie screening in various states, including Montreal. You can request up to TWO free tickets per e-mail by clicking HERE or by clicking below on the highlighted RSVP link.

The schedule is as follows:

To view an exclusive  clip of the movie, which ran during the Tribeca Film Festival, click HERE.

Enjoy!

Bank of America is offering ANY member who owns a Bank of America card free access to participating museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens and more on the first weekend of the month.  They even offer members a text or e-mail reminder advising members when the FREE admissions start. How Latinalicious is that!

The next FREE weekend is May 2 & 3. You can get more info on dates and participating museums by clicking HERE.

Que difrutes!/Enjoy!

I received pre-screening information for the movie Fighting on Tuesday night. The pre-screening is on Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 PM, very short notice but definitely worth it.

Fighting, is about a boy , Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum), who comes to NYC from a small town. He does not make enough to survive when he meets a scam artist Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) who shows him that he can make money streetfighting. It is a brutal way to earn a living. He is considered expendable by the rich men who bet on him. In the end, he fights for more than just money, he fights for his very life.

Sounds interesting? Then click HERE to print TWO tickets. Note, you must enter your e-mail address to receive the two tickets. After entering your e-mail address, you will be prompted to print. If you do NOT have access to a printer do NOT enter your e-mail address, as you will be blocked from entering it again.

Now go ahead and enjoy this Latinaliciously FREE event just make sure you get there EARLY. The theatersnormally give out more pre-screening tickets then they can hold! It happened to me at Gray Garden and YES I was totally bummed!!!

I love to save but I also like to enjoy life! I love hanging out with my friends, going to events, and just being ALIVE! I guess its true when they say birds of a feather flock together because my friends are the same way which makes for some exciting times! Don’t worry ladies these lips are sealed!

Some years ago my girlfriend, Millie (Hey girl!), found this great website that allows you to go to events for FREE. Its called Seatfiller. Its a great site where you can register to attend some of “Televisions’  biggest events”!

The events can be black-tie or casual, you get to meet a wide variety of people and of course you get a chance to mingle with the “stars”! They are currently accepting registrants for the Florida: RedCarpet Audience Latin Billboard Awards. The age and dress requirements are posted on their site.

If you can’t make it to that event, I still suggest you sign up – you wouldn’t want to miss any upcoming event near you!

Bueno/Well, have a Latinalicious week, I know I will!!!!

The NY pre-screening of Ghost of Girlfriends Past appears to be sold out but NC still has some openings. If you live near Regal Phillips Place, 6911 Phillips Place Court, Charlotte, NC 28210, click HERE to reserve your FREE pre-screening tickets! The show is on April 27, 2009 at 7:00PM.

Below is a synopsis.

Don’t forget to come back and let us know if its as funny as it seems! Enjoy!

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See Sold-Out Shows! Tickets Available on StubHub.com

I was recently asked why I post so many FREE items when I am writing about saving money. Its simple! If I can get it for FREE, that’s not money I am spending, which means I am keeping more of it in my own pocket!

This freebie is a perfect example. I don’t have any daughters but I ordered the FREE DVD. I can create a Birthday basket with this FREE Precious Places Princess DVD and include other items I have gotten for FREE, like hair ribbons, dolls, etc, or I can use the DVD as a prize in the games I play at my own son’s birthday party, either way I am saving money and so are you!

Click HERE to go to the Fisher Price site and scroll down till you see the “Order your FREE DVD”. The DVD takes about 12 weeks to arrive by mail so order it today!

I love pre-screenings! Getting to see a movie before everyone else gives me a rush but seeing it for FREE just makes me giddy! Weird huh? I know, I know, I get my kicks out of the smallest things. I think I would be considered a cheap date but shhhhhh  lets keep that a secret!

The Soloist is based on a true story. Jamie Foxx plays Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless schizophrenic musician from Skid Row, Los Angeles who has dreams of playing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Robert Downey Jr. plays Steve Lopez, the  journalist, who befriends and helps Nathaniel get “back on his feet”, while making his dreams come true. It is amazing how one person can change another’s life, an inspiration really of the potential we hold inside.

You can read more about the movie and see pictures of the real Nathaniel Ayers and Steve Lopez by clicking HERE.

You can see this Latinalicious movie if you live in any of the following areas:  

Atlanta – AMC Phipps Plaza 14 – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Baltimore – Cinemark Egyption 24 – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Boston – AMC Boston Common – 4/20 7p.m.
Boston – Uptown Palladium – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Charlotte – Regal Philllips Place – 4/20 7:30p.m.
Cincinnati – AMC Newport on the Levee – 4/20 7p.m.
Cleveland – Regal Richmond 20 – 4/22 7:30p.m.
Dallas – Cinemark Movies 17 – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Denver – UA Pavilions – 4/20 7p.m.
Houston – Regal Edwards Grand Palace – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Kansas City – AMC Olathe Studio 30 – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Los Angeles – Arclight Hollywood – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Miami – AMC Ventura – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Minneapolis – Mall of America Theaters – 4/21 7:30p.m.
New Jersey – Clearview South Orange 5 – 4/21 7:30p.m.
New York – AMC Loews Lincoln Square – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Philadelphia – Ritz Five – 4/22 7:30p.m.
Phoenix – Harkins Scottsdale 101 – 4/21 7p.m.
Pittsburgh – AMC Loews Waterfront – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Raleigh-Durham – Regal North Hills Stadium 14 – 4/21 7:30p.m.
Seattle – AMC Pacific Place – 4/21 7p.m.
St. Louis – AMC Creve Coeur 12 – 4/21 7p.m.
Tampa – AMC Veterans – 4/20 7:30p.m.
Washington DC – AMC Mazza Gallerie – 4/21 7:30p.m.

Click HERE to get your tickets. Just click quick cause the tickets are mailed and you need to allow sufficient time to receive them! Now I’m off to see a pre-screening of Grey Gardens with Drew Barrymore. Love that chick, she’s funny as heck! 

Now  go go … click!

Marley & Me audiobook FREE from Audible.com and Garmin. Click HERE to download.

Below is a brief synopsis:

Are you a blogger? If so then you should join Event Chaser, a Razorgator subsidiary! Why you ask?! Pues dejame decirte/Well let me tell you … Event Chaser provides bloggers with free or deeply discounted tickets to live sports, music and theatre entertainment events in exchange for a review of the event. A win win situation- they get cheap advertising and you get free tickets, or close enough to it to make you think they’re free, as well as free advertising for your blog!

2 Tickets to see the Mets vs. Yankees = $300
1 week’s time spent advertising your blog = $500
Signing up with Event Chaser= PRICELESS

A good friend of mine recently lent me this movie. I love Will Smith as an actor. I really believe his movies have gotten deeper as his career has advanced. Don’t get me wrong I love his earlier action flicks and comedies but a movie that makes a movie viewer think long after the credits roll is something an actor should be proud of and Seven Pounds did just that!

Below is an excerpt from the Sony Wonder website:

If you haven’t had a chance to see it now is your chance! It will be showing FREE at Sony Wonder Technology in Sony Plaza at 56th St and Madison Ave  on Saturday, April 11 @ 2PM.

If interested call their Admission Reservations Line: (212) 833-5414.