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“The Help” on Blu-ray and DVD

December 4, 2011 By 1 Comment

The Best Movie of the Year will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand, December 6, 2011  The Help – the inspirational summer hit film people cant stop talking about- arrives in homes just in time for the holidays.

I was talking about The Help before the movie came out, and even read the book in anticipation of the movie.  When I went to the Premier the week before it hit the theaters I knew for sure it was hands down the best movie of the year. I actually saw it three more times after that – it is just that good.   As someone who really doesnt even buy DVDs, I knew I wanted this one.

Last week when The Help arrived for review I was stoked.  I immediately took a picture and posted it to Facebook via InstaGram with the note “Movie Night Soon!?!”  Of course because I have the best friends in the entire World, a date was set!  Friday night was officially Margaritas and Movie night – and we had a BLAST.

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society‟s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

One thing I love about The Help, is no matter how many times I watch it – I continue to laugh out loud every single time.  The cast is so perfectly chosen, each character just comes to life on the screen.

The Help stars Emma Stone as the courageous Eugenia “Skeeter‟ Phelan, who goes against the beliefs of her family and friends to find her own voice. The critically praised, emotional performance of Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, a woman who secretly dreams of one day having more than she has been given, offers a deep emotional storyline. The breakthrough performance of Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson, whose sass and tough exterior disguise the pain and fear she faces every day, brings both drama and humor to the film. Bryce Dallas Howard breathes life into the catty Jackson socialite Hilly Holbrook and Jessica Chastain brings charm and humor as Celia Foote, a kind housewife living outside of town who longs to fit in. Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney and Ahna O‟Reilly also provide vivacious performances that round out this all-star female ensemble.

I was bummed that most of the “Extras” are only available on the Blu-ray and naturally we do not have a Blu-ray player since we live stream everything, we have never had the need for one.   I really wanted to see “The Making of” but it is only on the Blu-ray disc.   We did like the deleted scenes though, and Mary J Blige rocks  “The Living Proof” in the Official Video available on the DVD.

The Help Blu-ray DVD Combo is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone on your list.  It is the perfect “Margaritas and Movie” Girls Night In movie!


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The Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival

October 23, 2011 By 13 Comments

The FISH… not the haircut.

Although there were a lot of those too.

Yesterday Mike and Dad and I headed to Niceville for the 35th Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival.

The Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival is more then your average seafood festival – much, much, more! The annual festival in Niceville, Florida always promises a great time for the entire family with big-name entertainment, the highest quality fine art and home hand-crafts, rides, numerous exhibits, and a staggering array of food concessions.

What began as a one day event to honor the mullet and what it has meant to the community and their forefathers as turned into a three day celebration, pulling in huge names like Trace Adkins, Steel Magnolia, and Jake Owen.

During the festival you can enjoy carnival rides, play games, shop from local vendors, watch clown acts, as well as see local performers from all over Northwest Florida… and of course get your fill of mullet – any way you like it.

Mullet is known in many places as a “trash fish” as it takes on the taste of whatever its surroundings.  In most areas, dirty, muddy or polluted waters render mullet inedible.  Thankfully here in Northwest Florida our waters are clean, making our mullet quite tasty!  Mullet has to be caught in a net, as they feed strictly on vegetation, and can grow to be two feet in length… making for a beautiful fried filet.

At The Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival you can try this delicacy in many ways – including fried, broiled, smoked, mullet on a stick, or my fathers favorite, a Mullet Dog:

The last time we attended the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival was in 1992 when a little-known artist by the name of Billy Ray Cyrus had signed up to be one of the entertainers… and then hit it big with Achy Breaky Heart.   Because he was under contract with the Mullet Festival, this enormous star performed in the little town of Niceville (did I mention free!?) to a crowd of thousands.   It was spectacular.

The highlight of the day though was the Fried Oreos.  I have never even heard of Fried Oreos… which is probably a good thing since I am not sure how much will power I would have after tasting these amazing little goodies.   They take plain Oreos, dip them in funnel cake batter, deep fry for 3-4 minutes, and then drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with powdered sugar.  YES they are amazing.

All in all it was a terrific day, and a perfect way to spend a Saturday with my two favorite guys.  I only wished the girls had been with us to enjoy the fun. We will certainly make sure to arrange for them to be with us next year.


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Rembrandt Whitening Collection on Amazon Gold Box Deal Today!

October 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I am completely OCD when it comes to dental hygiene.   Like, fanatical.  I carry a toothbrush in my purse at all times, and given the opportunity will totally duck into a ladies room after eating or drinking anything for a quick brush.   I want my teeth as white as possible and my breath as fresh as it can be.   I have tried dozens of “whitening” toothpastes and even had them professionally whitened. (can you say OUCH!!?  I could not eat for three days!!)  All that to say, I am STOKED to find the Rembrandt Whitening Collection at such a great price!

For 24 hours only, the REMBRANDT® Whitening Collection will be featured on Amazon.com’s Gold Box site offering a discount of up to 50% off the items pictured below:

Freshen up your look for fall with the REMBRANDT® collection to make your smile whiter and brighter! The REMBRANDT® 2 Hour Whitening Kit is clinically proven to visibly whiten teeth three shades in just two hours. Enjoy whiter teeth in just 5 days with premium the REMBRANDT® Whitening Strips that follow the unique curves of your teeth, making the fit more comfortable while the strips stay in place.

Maintain your white smile with the new Deeply White™ collection! These toothpastes and mouthwash work together to provide superior whitening by gently polishing away surface stains and also safely whitening below the enamel to help remove deep stains where they start.Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to shop the exclusive Amazon.com Gold Box deal – a great way to save on these fantastic whitening products right before the holidays!

With Family Pictures coming up for the holidays, I am excited to get this set and make my smile as white as it can be!


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What is your theme for 2011?

December 20, 2010 By 2 Comments

I remember last year reading an article from one of my idols – Mari Smith – about how each year she chooses a one-word “theme” to keep her inspired her entire year. Almost like a one word mantra. She says she chooses one word that “acts as a guide in all my major decisions and shapes my entire year.” How incredible is that?

For 2011 I am choosing my theme to be FOCUS. As I was trying to think of my theme my mind was all over the place with ideas, and it came to me that my problem is – and has always been – FOCUS. I am guilty of having a million great ideas and trying to begin them all at one time – not giving any real, direct focus to any of them – and in turn only getting mediocre results from each. (does this sound like someone you know!?)

I have big goals this year for 2011, as I had this time last year for 2010. Did I achieve some of them? CERTAINLY!  But some of my goals from last year I did not achieve, and I know – without a doubt – it was from my lack of FOCUS.

And FOCUS for me isn’t just for business – but remembering to focus on what is important and not letting the “bugs on the windshield” get in my way of where I am headed. FOCUS for me is not getting caught up in thinking there is an “easier way” or someone else who I can trust to “lighten the load.” FOCUS for me is listening to my heart AND my head – not just to the one who is screaming the loudest at the time. FOCUS is starting a project – and finishing it – before launching into something else. FOCUS is taking time for my family when I am with them, my friends when I am with them, and my Divas when I am with them. Period.

Mari’s word was FOCUS in 2008 and she made the acronym – Follow One Course Until Successful. So that is my plan. Get ready to see some BIG things from Party Plan Divas (and from ME!!) in 2011.

What is your Theme Word for 2011?