Book Blast: Unplanned Motherhood (with $100 Giveaway)

 
Unplanned Motherhood

Unplanned Motherhood is a non-fiction collection of short stories written by moms and dads about their funny inspirational or motivational journey as a parent. Unplanned Motherhood is based on the web series created by Lena Sledge.

Unplanned Motherhood is a comedy web series for perfectly imperfect families, starring Lena Sledge as Layla, a wife and mother of five that gives parenting advice on her real life mommy blog. Her unique parenting style contradicting with her perfect parenting advice lends to a distinct brand of humor. With each episode we see Layla teaching her kids life lessons as she discovers more about herself and the advice she gives to her readers. Unique to this web series is the actual blog that Layla writes where she gives the perfect parenting advice and after many of her posts, follows the tag line; to see how I really handled the situation watch this week's episode.

This web series is special because the viewers of the web series and the readers of the real life blog get to interact with Layla and let her know if her advice is on the money or share their own parenting advice.

To follow the Unplanned Motherhood blog go to www.lenasledge.com. Stay tuned. Unplanned Motherhood debuts March 28th!!!!

If you'd like to submit a short story to be included in the book Unplanned Motherhood, send 500 words or less tosonnybrookfilms@yahoo.com. Short story must be clean, family friendly as well as funny, inspirational or motivational.

 

Facebook * Youtube

 

Sneak Peek:

   

Unplanned Motherhood Cast

Starring Morgan Hamilton as Sonny, Stefani Colvin as Brooke, Grayson Kilpatrick as Deacon, Aidan Heuer as Spoon, and Ari Heuer as Ari.   Episode 1:    
Author Lena Sledge 

Lena Sledge is an awarding winning author. Her first book, a collection of short stories called If I Had My Way, won the 2012 African American Literary Award for Best Short Story/Anthology. Her short film, Grandma's Hands, won 3rd place at the River City Film Festival in March 2014. Her most recent project, a comedy web series called Unplanned Motherhood debuts on March 28th on Youtube. Lena Sledge has collaborated on many literary projects as well as tv and film projects. She offers advice, resources, and tips on writing, navigating the independent film industry as well as reviews and highlights about upcoming books and authors. Lena Sledge also enjoys photography, you can view some of her photography work on her website as well as Flickr.

Youtube * Facebook * Twitter * Website

Flickr * Pinterest * Blog * Goodreads * Amazon

     

Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/21/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Movie Trailer Tuesday - 10 Years

Welcome to "Movie Trailer Tuesday - my weekly blog feature where I share movie/dvd recommendations by posting a quick blurb and movie trailer for you to check out. 

Have you watched any good movies recently? Feel free to share in the comments below...

A 10-year reunion brings together a group of high school friends. Most of them have went their separate ways and not seen one another in many years. They spend the night catching up and reliving old memories - some of which are a little awkward and unpleasant.

I actually loved this movie. The plot doesn't really go anywhere other than showing us all of these different characters and personalities and giving us a peek into their lives (or at least the lives they decide to portray for the reunion). There's a nice ensemble cast of actors including Channing Tatum, Rosario Dawson, and Justin Long, just to name a few.

Rated PG-13 (I kind of thought it could be an R rating) for language, alcohol abuse, some sexual material and drug use.

 

6 Awesome Instagram Accounts to Follow

I was a little late joining the Instagram bandwagon but now that I'm on, I really love it. It's a little addicting, browsing through everyone's photos, getting a peek into their day and seeing the interesting stuff that folks like to post. You can find just about anything from fashion and beauty, to nature and travel, to home decor, shopping, lifestyle, pets, and more! You can even follow celebrities if that's your thing.

Today, I thought I would share a few of my very favorite Instagram accounts to follow. After you check them out, feel free to comment below and tell me some of your faves that you follow. Also, I would love to connect with you, so I invite you to leave your own Instagram ID as well.

1. dreamywhiteslifestyle - Rustic, French farmhouse-inspired living. Lots of great photos and they are indeed, very "dreamy" and lovely.

2. folkmagazine - Featuring authentic "made in America" lifestyle topics such as food, nature, and travel. This account posts the most enchanting photos. They all seem to have a folksy, ethereal quality and I immediately feel more cool and hip just by looking at them.

3. inspiredbycharm - Here you'll find lots of great decorating, baking, and entertaining inspiration from lifestyle blogger, Michael Wurm, Jr. (he shares some terrific cocktails!). He has a great eye for design and makes it all look so effortless. Plus, he just seems like a friendly, down-to-earth guy.

4. seersuckerandsaddles - This style maven lives in my home state of Kentucky so I gotta give her a shout-out. She has an impeccable sense of fashion and I literally go ga-ga over every outfit she puts together. Seriously, if I had an unlimited clothing budget (and weighed about 20 lbs. less) this is exactly how I would want to dress every day. Simply stellar!

5. meganrunionmcr - If you like fashion and bling and all things girly, glamorous, & sparkly, then this will make you happy. Very feminine and chic!

6. glitterguide - More girly glitz and glam! So much pretty eye-candy to see here.


You can find me on Instagram here. Remember, leave your own Instagram ID if you feel so inclined.

Address Your Heart with Campbell's Heart-Healthy Recipes

This post is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company. All opinions expressed are my own. 

As a mom, I want to do all that I can to keep my family happy and healthy. Sometimes, though, this can be a challenge when we get caught up in our busy schedules. I just try my best to help my kids have a healthy lifestyle while also setting a good example by taking care of myself.

Being "heart healthy" tops the list when it comes to taking care of ourselves. A few things that I do to help keep our family in tip-top shape include encouraging  regular exercise, providing lots of fruits and vegetables in our diet, and utilizing reduced sodium foods whenever possible.

I'm always on the lookout for healthy recipes to serve my family. My teenagers can be picky, so these dishes have to not only be healthy, but tasty as well. Campbell's wants to help with that. By visiting AddressYourHeart.com you can find tips, healthy recipes, and more.  Here are a few of the recipes that I thought would be a hit at our house...

Tilapia and Vegetable Casserole
 


Turkey Meatloaf



Pizza Primavera with Cauliflower Crust



Creamy Turkey & Vegetable Lasagna



Broccoli Cheddar Rice



You can also get some great money-saving coupons. Check it out and let me know which recipes caught your eye.

Disney's Maleficent Trailer Now Available

I am sharing the following movie trailer courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. No compensation of any kind was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. 

I am thrilled to share Disney's new trailer for Maleficent, which hits theaters everywhere on May 30th.

Yes, I did get chills watching it. Angelina Jolie is so good at being bad.

Check it out and let me know what you think...



Like Maleficent on Facebook
Follow Maleficent on Twitter
#Maleficent

The Truth About #Maleficent Has Been Revealed!

I am sharing the following information courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. No compensation of any kind was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.


You may remember last week I shared a cool movie poster for Maleficent and invited you to follow along on Twitter, as something big was coming. Well, it is here!

The curse has been broken and Maleficent once again has her wings!

Check out this video where the truth about the dark fairy is finally revealed...


 

Maleficent comes to theaters everywhere May 30th
Follow along on Twitter
#MaleficentsWings
#Maleficent

Movie Trailer Tuesday - Love Is All You Need

Welcome to "Movie Trailer Tuesday - my weekly blog feature where I share movie/dvd recommendations by posting a quick blurb and movie trailer for you to check out. 

Have you watched any good movies recently? Feel free to share in the comments below...

After completing chemo treatments for cancer, Ida comes home only to discover that her louse of a husband has been cheating on her. Always one to defend him and just take whatever life throws her way, she tries to deal with it as best as possible. But then, on a trip to Italy for her daughter's wedding, Ida begins to bond with Phillip, the father-of-the-groom, and starts looking at things in a whole new light.

Meanwhile, the bride-and-groom-to-be have their own problems to work out -- like do they really even want to go through with this wedding? And, there's a pesky and obnoxious sister-in-law who has her sights set on Phillip and wants nothing more than to sink her claws into him.

This is a really lovely romantic comedy. That being said, it does have a serious side and deals with some pretty heavy issues such as infidelity, cancer, and closeted homosexuality. I found myself laughing out loud and just as easily shedding a few tears.  The Italian scenery is stunning (I think I need to live in a romantic villa on the cliffs of the coast of Italy...*SIGH*) Romantic and heartfelt performances all around.

Parts of the film are in Danish with English subtitles.

Rated R for sexuality, nudity and language

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May your blessings outnumber 

The shamrocks that grow, 

And may trouble avoid you 

Wherever you go. 

~Irish Blessing~

Muppets Most Wanted opens in theaters March 21st

Visit the Official Site

Like The Muppets on Facebook

Follow The Muppets on Twitter

Follow The Muppets on Instagram

#MuppetsMostWanted

Walking with Dinosaurs The Movie (Free Activity Sheets and Giveaway)

~This Giveaway Is Now Closed~ 

I am sharing this information as a member of the Fox Home ENT Insiders Blogging Program. I will receive a free Blu-ray copy of the movie mentioned below. No other compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. 

 Walking with Dinosaurs The Movie 

Coming to DVD and Blu-ray March 25th

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and BBC Earth Films invite you to bring home Walking with Dinosaurs The Movie, an awe-inspiring adventure 70 million years in the making, now stomping in just in time for Easter.

Filmed with the latest in cutting edge 3D technology, Walking With Dinosaurs The Movie taps the masterminds behind visual hits like Avatar, using Cameron Pace Fusion 3D technology to fully immerse viewers while recruiting animation house, Animal Logic (The Matrix Trilogy, 300), to bring digital dino magic to life by creating photorealistic dinosaurs based on paleontological research from world experts retained by the BBC. 

Synopsis: 
The gigantic voice talents of Justin Long (Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise) and John Leguizamo (Ice Age franchise) take you on a thrilling prehistoric journey the whole family will enjoy! In a time when dinosaurs rule the Earth, the smallest of the pack — a playful Pachyrhinosaurus named Patchi — embarks on the biggest adventure of his life. As he tries to find his place in a spectacular world filled with fun-loving friends and a few dangerous foes, Patchi will discover the courage he needs to become the leader of the herd...and a hero for the ages.

The film’s run time is approximately 87 minutes and is rated PG for creature action and peril, and mild, rude humor.

I can't wait to check this one out! The Blu-ray has special features where you can learn about the dinosaurs and their habitats. Fun and educational, as well as something the entire family can watch together.

Here are a few FREE activity sheets for you to enjoy...

GIVEAWAY

One lucky Alas 3 Lads reader will win a free Blu-ray copy of Walking with Dinosaurs The Movie

*This giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older. Entries will be accepted until 10:00 pm EST on March 22, 2014. At that time, one random winner will be selected from all eligible entries. Please make sure I have valid contact information for you in case you are the winner. Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment on this post telling me one of your favorite Dinosaur movies or tv shows. Or, you can simply say you want to win and who you would like to share this movie with.

Optional Extra Entries:
- Subscribe to Alas 3 Lads via Email. Must be confirmed subscription. Leave the email address you used for subscribing in a comment below.

- Follow me via Instagram. Leave your username in a comment below.

- Tweet 1x daily. Leave link to each tweet in comment below. You can use the Tweet button at end of post or the following message...

 I want to win Walking with Dinosaurs The Movie c/o @FHEInsiders and @alas3lads http://alas3lads.blogspot.com/2014/03/walking-with-dinosaurs-movie-with-free.html - #WalkingwithDinosDVD

Avalon Book Blast with Giveaway

Avalon: Web of Magic 

Three very different young teens, Emily, the shy one, Adriane, the outsider, and Kara, the power shopper, are all drawn to a secret place deep in the woods where they discover a portal to another world. Wondrous animals have emerged from the portal, desperately seeking the magic that will keep them alive. Though the animals are peaceful and good, what follows them through the portal is twisted and evil and bent on destroying them all. The Fairimentals have chosen these three fourteen-year-olds to protect the magical animals. To save them and their world, the girls must overcome their differences and band together. They begin a perilous quest to discover Avalon, the lost, legendary home of magic, little knowing the terrible dangers they will face along the way.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Author Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts adores magic, adventure, animals, and music. Rachel is an devoted campaigner with animal rights and protection of wild places organizations. Rachel’s has been reading ever since she could first carry a book and enjoys getting lost in a fantastic story. Rachel has been a writer as well as a editor her entire career. Rachel says the majority of concepts for her stories and characters appear on lengthy hikes. She brings a little notepad, just for jotting down thoughts. Afterward at her house Rachel builds on the ideas together with feline friends, Attila and Raider. She also is in love with music, playing the piano, flute, as well as learning to play guitar. Avalon: Web of Magic is Rachel’s very first series of novels.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Magic Animal Sweepstakes

Win a Kindle Fire in Emily’s Pet Palace Sweepstakes!

You can earn magical badges and win amazing prizes like signed posters, t-shirts, bracelets and plushies of your fav Avalon animals by: a. Signing up (email is used only to notify you if you are a winner) b. Uploading pics of your bonded animals to Emily’s Pet Palace c. Comment and Rate other Mages’ pics and invite your friends to join. The more you upload and participate, the more badges you earn.

Complete your collection by finding the final two rare Avalon badges for a chance to win the special grand prize of a Kindle Fire!

   

Blast Giveaway 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/2/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Poster and Twitter Handle Launch for Disney's Maleficent

I am sharing this information courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. No compensation of any kind was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Check out the new movie poster for Maleficent

Doesn't Angelina Jolie look positively wicked-good! 

MALEFICENT releases in theaters everywhere on May 30th! I can't wait!

In the meantime, be sure and join me in following along with @Maleficent on Twitter. I'm hearing that something big is coming...

#Maleficent

Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap with Micro-scrubber (plus Free Coupon Giveaway)

~This Giveaway Is Now Closed~

I received the free product mentioned below to try out in my home. In exchange for sharing my honest review, I am entered in a gift card giveaway. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap

Dial's latest line of premium soap is a real treat for your hands. It features gentle micro-scrubbers that whisk away dirt while leaving your hands looking and feeling more hydrated. The crisp scents are light and refreshing.

Choose from the following scents: Water Blossoms (crisp floral inspired by aquatic botanicals), Coconut Lime Verbena (tangy citrus), or Yellow Raspberry & Black Sugar (sweet & tart).

I noticed as soon as I lathered up, how moisturizing Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap felt compared to other soaps I've used. While it feels rich and moisturizing, the lather is light - just the perfect combination to leave my hands feeling (and smelling) great.

The soap bottles are slim and nicely shaped. The pretty vibrant colors make them an attractive addition to any room in my home.

GIVEAWAY

I have some coupons to share! Each coupon is good for One (1) FREE Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap.

**If you would like a chance at one of the FREE coupons, just leave a comment below. Tell me which scent you would like to try first.

**You may earn an extra entry by tweeting this post 1x daily. Leave each tweet link in a separate comment below.

*Giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older. Entries will be accepted until 10:00 pm EST on 3-8-14. At that time, I will choose four (4) random commenters to receive the FREE coupons. Please make I have an easy and valid way to contact you. Winners must respond within 48 hours or new winners will be selected. 

(Connect with Dial via Facebook)

Movie Trailer Tuesday - Klondike

Welcome to "Movie Trailer Tuesday - my weekly blog feature where I share movie/dvd recommendations by posting a quick blurb and movie trailer for you to check out. 

Have you watched any good movies recently? Feel free to share in the comments below.

Set in the 1890's during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, this story follows two best friends who set out for the Yukon with dreams of striking it rich. What they find, is a wild and dangerous world full of prospectors and outlaws hoping for the same thing.

This was a miniseries by Discovery that aired on television earlier this year. I happened to catch it in a marathon rerun one weekend and was immediately hooked. It claims to be based on actual events. For any literary fans, there's a very interesting tie-in with author Jack London, whose The Call of The Wild and White Fang works were both set in the Klondike Gold Rush.

Discovery.com has some great behind-the-scenes footage and historical information for Klondike. Visit their website to check it out.

Klondike is not yet available on Netflix. You can find it via iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Instant Video, Sony Entertainment Network, vudu, and XBox Video.

The Book Thief Coming to DVD and Blu-ray March 11th (plus Giveaway)

~This Giveaway Is Now Closed~

I am sharing this information as a member of the Fox Home ENT Insiders Blogging Program. I will receive a free Blu-ray copy of The Book Thief movie mentioned below. No other compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Coming to DVD and Blu-ray March 11, 2014

Based on the beloved best-selling book comes an “extremely moving” (Leonard Maltin, Indiewire) story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her during World War II, Germany. When her mother can no longer care for her, Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) is adopted by a German couple (OSCAR® Winner Geoffrey Rush* and OSCAR® Nominee Emily Watson**). Although she arrives illiterate, Liesel is encouraged to learn to read by her adoptive father. When the couple then takes in Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew hiding from Hitler’s army, Liesel befriends him. Ultimately, words and imagination provide the friends with an escape from the events unfolding around them in this extraordinary, acclaimed film directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey).

For a long time, I have been hearing so many rave reviews about this story. Although I have not yet had the chance to read the book, I do own a copy and have always planned on reading it. I'm so excited to see this film and then follow up by reading the book.

Here's a discussion guide that I'm sure will be a terrific companion to The Book Thief. You're invited to click on each image and print them out for your own personal use.

After you check out the discussion guide, be sure and enter the giveaway at the end of this post. One lucky reader will win a Blu-ray copy of The Book Thief.

The Book Thief Discussion Guide

Giveaway

One lucky Alas 3 Lads reader will win a free copy of The Book Thief on Blu-ray. 

*This giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older. Entries will be accepted until 10:00 pm EST on March 10, 2014. At that time, one random winner will be selected from all eligible entries. Please make sure I have valid contact information for you in case you are the winner. Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Mandatory Entry: 
Leave a comment telling me if you have read The Book Thief and who you would like to share the movie with.

Optional Extra Entries:
- Subscribe to Alas 3 Lads via email. Must be confirmed subscription. Leave the email address used for subscribing in a comment below.

- Follow me via Instagram. Leave your username in a comment below.

- Tweet the following message 1x daily. Leave link to each tweet in a comment below.

Enter to #win The Book Thief movie on Blu-ray c/o @FHEInsiders & @alas3lads - http://alas3lads.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-book-thief-coming-to-dvd-and-blu.html