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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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!

**********

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

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: 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.

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

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).

**********

GIVEAWAY ENDS November 18, 2009 at 11:59 P.M. EST

Giveaway is open to US  residents

**********

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.

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

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!

The Apollo Theater is holding the National Tour for Dreamgirls. The Broadway Musical will run from November 7-December 6, 2009.

The new musical, directed by Robert Longbottom, will feature amazing costumes, great set designs and new/revised songs. It also will feature a very talented cast. Click HERE to read more about the cast. I have to warn you some of the male members are pretty yummy! hehe

The Apollo theater is promoting Dreamgirls by giving away FREE Dreamgirls’ t-shirts when you join Apollo’s e-mail list. To receive your FREE t-shirt click HERE. Just make sure to check the section that states: “Thank you for joining the Apollo Theater e-list! Check box to recieve a free DREAMGIRLS t-shirt .”  Act fast! I”m not sure how long this offer will last!

To find out more about the musical click HERE.

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!

**********

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!

**********

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

********** 

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.

********** 

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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.