Warner Bros. summer blockbuster Man of Steel hit theaters over the weekend and leaped to the top of the box office in a single bound. Man of Steel won the weekend opening with $113 million in box office revenue. Now you can win a Man of Steel t-shirt (size adult medium) and a Man of Steel Keyring to show off your love for Superman as your favorite super hero.

The giveaway is open to the contiguous 48 US states only. The giveaway ends at 12:00am on 6/25/13. The winner will be chosen via the Rafflecopter widget and then emailed about their win. The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize via email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received compensation for hosting this giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine.

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We eat at a lot of counter service restaurants on our Walt Disney World vacations. Sometimes we want a change from burgers and chicken fingers and now if you are dining at Epcot you can check out Les Halles Boulangerie Pattisserie in the France pavilion. Les Halles opened in January and I have had the opportunity to eat there a few times since it opened. Les Halles has become my favorite counter service restaurant to eat at when dining at Epcot.

Located in the back left of the France pavilion, Les Halles has a varied menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, savories and desserts. The beverage menu includes coffees, wine, beer, sodas, tea and a strawberry smoothie. I love the Croissant Jambon Fromage (ham & cheese croissant) and a strawberry smoothie. My husband enjoys the Jambon Buerre (ham & cheese on a baguette).

The wide winding queue line moves quickly and when you get to the front you can go to the left or right, both sides are the same.

The food and service at Les Halles are both very good. The seating area is small and some of the tables are for standing not sitting. I don’t know about you but my feet enjoy the break when I get a chance to sit and eat while dining at Epcot or any of the other Disney Parks. Also, the restrooms in Les Halles are single stalls and there is often a line.

If you are looking for something new and different check out Les Halles when you are dining at Epcot.

Join Mouse House Memories

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2. In your post mention that you are linking up to Mouse House Memories at TheMomMaven.com.
3. Optional but appreciated. Use the “Mouse House Memories Badge” at the top of this post  in your post, sidebar or blogroll and link back to the main Mouse House Memories post http://themommaven.com/2013/01/mouse-house-memories-2013/.

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I am always on the lookout for great recipes and lately I have seen several versions of orange cream poke cakes flying around the internet. Instead of making all of them and deciding which I liked best, I took what I thought were the best parts of each of them and created my own. Guess what? It worked! My Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is delicious, light and easy to make.
 

I am in love with this frosting and I will be using the pudding and Cool Whip frosting in other recipes as it gave the cake a light fluffy topping with a bit more substance than just Cool Whip alone. I brought the cake to my small group and they loved it and said it was a perfect summer dessert. I brought slices into work where they also got rave reviews and Pastor asked me to make it for the next church picnic.

I hope you enjoy my Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake recipe and share it with your friends on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook by using the sharing buttons below.

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When my boys were young they took many craft classes and camps at Michaels. They always had a lot of fun and made some very cool items that I would never have attempted at home. My kids are too old for kids crafts classes now but I wanted to make sure you know what is available at your local Michaels store ao that you can have a crafty summer.

This summer Michaels is offering Passport to Imagination every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-noon for 7 weeks beginning June 17th. The program, for children ages 5 and up costs only $2.00 a day! Each week will focus on a different continent in this fun, educational and affordable summer program. Some of the crafts the kids will make include a Grand Canyon craft, an origami tulip, a wind sock, textile weaving, a pyramid with mummy and mask, a Chinese dragon and a clown fish mobile.

You must pre-register your child(ren) for each session by calling or stopping by your local Michaels store to register because space is limited. Want to get your kids excited about having a crafty summer? Show them this Passport to Imagination video.

For more information visit Michaels.com or stop by your local Michaels today.

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Sunday dinner is often a crazy time for our family but now that we are in summer camp crunch time it is even crazier. Most of us return home from church between 12-12:15pm, Aaron, who works at a different church 2 Sundays a month arrives home between 12:30-12:45pm. All 3 of my kids and some of their friends are on the leadership team for YEX camp and they have different leadership meetings and rehearsals on Sunday afternoons at 1:30pm and have to leave the house by 1pm to get across town. This leaves little time for a traditional Sunday dinner. This week we tried something new, a quick chicken dinner with Tyson Homestyle Chicken Fries.

Summer, her friend Katelyn and I arrived home first so I popped the chicken fries in the oven while the girls got the dipping sauces for chicken ready. We had ketchup, ranch dressing and BBQ sauce as dipping sauces for chicken. Ron and Jordan arrived home next and Jordan took over the cooking duties. He cooked the chicken fries about 3 minutes longer than recommended because he wanted them nice and crispy. We had lunch set up as a buffet since our table doesn’t seat the 6 of us at once.

We all ate our fill 6-12 chicken fries each before Aaron arrived home from work. We popped a dozen chicken fries in the toaster oven to re-heat them and Aaron was able to eat while the girls cleaned up. Our quick chicken dinner was cooked, enjoyed and cleaned up and the kids were out the door to their meeting by 1:00pm! Not only were the kids out the door on time but everybody enjoyed the meal, that never happens at our house. We will definitely be eating Tyson Homestyle Chicken Fries again when we need a quick chicken dinner.

Have you tried Tyson Homestyle Chicken Fries? Leave me a comment and let me know. If you want to see all of my photos from this shop you can check out my G+ album. You’ll want to like Club Tyson on Facebook and Twitter for product information and giveaways.

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The Rules

1. Make sure the link is to the giveaway post, not the home page of your blog. Links to home pages will be deleted.
2. Put the end date in the title of your giveaway.
3. Link to an image of the prize, not your blog button.
4. If you post a giveaway enter at least one giveaway someone else posted. This is just one way to play nice with others :-)

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This morning Jordan and I headed to Busch Gardens in Tampa for their new attraction announcement. All the online buzz said it would be some kind of a tower drop ride which would replace the Sandstorm ride which closed last week. We joined Busch Gardens passholders and lots of other media in the Moroccan Palace Theater for the big announcement.

From Busch Gardens

For more than five decades Busch Gardens® Tampa has delivered some of the world’s most exciting thrills.  Rides like Cheetah Hunt®, SheiKra®, Montu® and Kumba® have set the stage, and Busch Gardens is ready to drop big news.

In spring 2014 Busch Gardens Tampa is taking guests’ experiences to new heights with Falcon’s Fury^TM, the first drop tower of its kind in the world.  Additionally, with no connecting structures, it will be the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America.

No bird can match the speed of a falcon in its hunting dive. The falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds of 200 mph. Designers were inspired by this bird of prey during the development of the new attraction.

Falcon’s Fury will stand at 335 feet and take riders soaring 60 mph straight down. Located in the Timbuktu™ area, Falcon’s Fury will be visible from any location in the park and even across the Tampa Bay area.

At the ride’s highest point Busch Gardens has added an element of surprise.  Like its bird of prey namesake, riders will pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive position. An instant later they’ll plunge 60 mph at 3.5 Gs straight down with speed and power like they’ve likely never experienced before.

Construction in the Timbuktu area of the park has already begun, and Falcon’s Fury is scheduled for completion in spring 2014.  For more updates about Falcon’s Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa, go to FalconsFury.com or drop in to BuschGardensTampaBlog.com.

The attraction announcement began with a video and then Jim Dean, Busch Gardens Park President, dropped down to the icy stage from the ceiling above. He then shared with us the vision and general info about the ride. You can watch the entire 7 minute announcement on this video.

Personally, this is not a ride I would ever ride, but I’m sure some of you are brave enough to try. Leave me a comment and let me know if you would ride Falcon’s Fury.

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As a mom of 2 college age boys, one of whom is leaving home for the mission filed in August, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of Tim Hoch’s book, “50 Rules For Sons“. We have done our best, with God’s help to raise two very responsible, loving and giving young men whom I couldn’t be more proud of but parenting sons isn’t easy. Now at ages 18 and 20 I know they will soon be out of my house for good and it never hurts to send some words of wisdom with them out into the world. “50 Rules for Sons” is exactly that, a book of wisdom, that started as a letter from a father to his high school graduate son.

In the first half of the book, the 50 rules are listed quickly, independent of any explanation—a format that appeals to the younger, 140-character generation. At the end, Tim gives the back story to each rule, explaining his personal life experience that makes the rule so relevant.

Tim’s advice covers the serious (Like yourself because most of your life your only company is yourself), and the more playful (Don’t bring home stray kittens). It reminds young men to be strong in their convictions, but humble in life. It encourages them to do good in the world as much as they do well.  He also advises people to always have cash and a toothbrush on hand. Taken from a lifetime of both failure and success, Tim’s words are powerful tools to help sons of all ages and backgrounds grow and mature into their best.

My Favorite Rules

13 “Time is your only commodity. Don’t waste it. And don’t give it to people or projects that don’t respect it.”

24 “If you want to get a tattoo, go to your closet and pick out your favorite shirt. Wear it every day and every night for 2 years. If you’re not tired of wearing it after 2 years, go get your tattoo.”

28 “If the police officer or professor are talking, you’re listening.”

42 “If you see someone who is alone, go out of your way to tell them hello.”

In the back half of the book where Tim expounds on the backstory for each rule I agree 100% with his story about rule number 24 about the tattoo. I am not a tattoo person, I have never seen one on anyone that I have liked but that is my opinion. The basis of Tim’s story is the fact that life is transitory. He says, “Your life is a series of stages, each one of which, if you’re lucky, you’ll outgrow.”

“50 Rules For Sons” will make a great gift for that son turning 16 or 18 or 21, for a high school or college graduate or for the college freshman starting out life away from home.

Disclosure: I reviewed a PDF version of this book but I will be receiving a copy of my own. There are affiliate links in this post. All opinions are 100% mine.

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We have a lot of friends that when we say we are heading to a Disney park they say, “Take me with you.” If I could afford tickets for all my friends, I would bring them and whenever we have been blessed with extra tickets, we use them to bless others. Back in April  when we were headed to the Magic Kingdom with our friends the Wilson’s our friend John wanted to come with us. Unfortunately his work schedule wouldn’t allow it so we promised to text him pictures all day long, which we did. One of the last pictures we took was a family photo in front of the castle. When I saw John the day after our visit he said he wanted to be in that family photo with us so, Aaron photoshopped him in.

A few weeks later we headed to Epcot, again with the Wilson’s and this time we wanted to include John even more so…as an homage to “Flat Stanley” we created Flat John. John had a lot of fun at Epcot. John rode Test Track 2.0.

Saved the World with Captain EO…

Cast Members and characters who “met” John during the day had some fun too!

What would a day at Epcot be without some eating…and shopping!

John had a great time on his trip to Epcot with us. His texts and Facebook messages were full of love and appreciation for taking him along with us. We had fun too dreaming up ways to include John in all of our Epcot fun. Have you ever done anything crazy like this to include someone in your Disney vacation fun? Please leave me a comment and let me know how you share the fun with those back at home.

Join Mouse House Memories

1. Write a post about Disney and add it to the Linky. Make sure you link to the actual post and not to your home page. Links that go to a home page will be deleted. Linky will be open Monday-Sunday of each week.
2. In your post mention that you are linking up to Mouse House Memories at TheMomMaven.com.
3. Optional but appreciated. Use the “Mouse House Memories Badge” at the top of this post  in your post, sidebar or blogroll and link back to the main Mouse House Memories post http://themommaven.com/2013/01/mouse-house-memories-2013/.

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We didn’t make it to the theater to see Oz The Great and Powerful so we have been anxiously awaiting its arrival on Blu-ray. We were even more excited when we were asked to review the movie. Last Saturday night we had a family movie night to watch what is sure to become a family entertainment classic.

About the Movie

A must-own for any home entertainment collection, the Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) of Oz The Great and Powerful brings the epic adventure to life with its vibrantly colorful picture and sound, and boasts a sensational variety of never-before-seen bonus materials including: “The Magic of ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ Second Screen Feature” that provides viewers with an immersive opportunity to journey into the fantastical lands of Oz; James Franco’s personal story of his journey to the land of Oz that is produced and directed by the Oscar® nominated star himself; Golden Globe® nominee Mila Kunis’ makeup metamorphosis which is hosted by Academy Award®-winning makeup artist Howard Berger; A back-stage journey through each of the visual effects process that brought China Girl to life including an interview with Joey King; and much more. Additionally, all Blu-ray and DVD products include a digital copy of the film allowing consumers to watch Oz The Great and Powerful at home, in their car, and/or anywhere they go.

The film is directed by Sam Raimi who helmed the record-crushing “Spider-Man” trilogy, and produced by Joe Roth who fashioned Disney’s billion dollar-plus earning “Alice in Wonderland.” “Oz The Great and Powerful” boasts a stellar cast that includes Academy Award nominee James Franco as Oscar Diggs, the predestined wizard; Golden Globe nominee Mila Kunis  as the tormented young witch Theodora; Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz  as Theodora’s older sister, Evanora, the witch who rules over the Emerald City; and three-time Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams as Glinda, the Good Witch.

Bonus Features

Blu-ray:

The Magic of “Oz The Great and Powerful” (Second Screen Experience) – An immersive Second Screen experience that details all things Oz. From an interactive map full of secrets and surprises, to an inside look at the spectacular world of Oz. All fans need to do is download the special “The Magic of Oz The Great and Powerful: Second Screen” App (which is free and currently available for immediate download at the iTunes Store for iPads) which provides fans with infinite opportunities to remain connected to their favorite film, its cast of characters and to dive deeper into the magical world of Oz. This App provides exclusive access to invigorating and exclusive content including:

• The Enchanting Characters and Creatures of Oz – From Munchkins and Tinkers to good witches, bad witches, and flying baboons, this piece follows each character and creature of the Land of Oz from inspiration to final outcome.
• The Sounds of Magical Oz – What adds fragility to the sounds of China Girl’s footsteps; ferocity to the tornado; or weight to the flutter of Finley’s flapping wings?
• Sleight of Hand: Zach Braff Puppet Theater – Actor, and voice of Finley, Zach Braff introduces viewers to the Finley mockup.
• Mariah Carey Music Video

Bloopers

My Journey in Oz by James Franco – A personal story produced and directed by James Franco.

Mr. Elfman’s Musical Concoctions – An interview with composer Danny Elfman unveils his inspiration in scoring “Oz The Great And Powerful.”

China Girl and the Suspension of Disbelief – This feature uncloaks the several forms of movie magic employed to bring China Girl to life, from the initial artwork and character design, to the on-set puppeteering during filmmaking, and finally, through each stage of the visual-effects process; and includes an interview with Joey King, the voice of China Girl.

Before Your Very Eyes: From Kansas to Oz – Production designer Robert Stromberg takes viewers through the set design of the Land of Oz, from sketching his original ideas on a napkin, through to the final set pieces and the accompanying visual effects.

Mila’s Metamorphosis – Lead makeup artist Howard Berger expands on one of the oldest, most tried-and-true forms of movie magic: makeup design and effects.

Walt Disney and the Road to Oz – It is well known that Walt Disney had a fascination with the Land of Oz since he was a child. See how that fascination grew into inspiration as he began planning for his own adaptation of the stories in the classic Baum books.

DVD:
Bloopers

Walt Disney and the Road to Oz

Our Thoughts

We have never read the Baum books but the story, which is basically how the wizard came to be is very believable. It fits into the world of Oz seamlessly and as and audience we accept the story as truth. We loved the creativity of bot the opening credits and the Kansas section of the story being told in black and white in a small box form similar to the classic The Wizard of Oz movie. The beginning and ending of the movie are both powerful in their own right but the middle of the movie lags a bit. We didn’t totally lose interest but we all felt a dip in the middle of the film.

The sets and scenery are visually stunning. The Land of Oz is absolutely beautiful and sometimes even breathtaking. The costumes and makeup are very well done, especially the transformation of Mila Kunis into the wicked witch of the west. I loved the character of the wizard because he is such a flawed man who proves to be a strong yet caring individual. My favorite thing in the entire movie was the score. It is perfect and I’m hoping Danny Elfman gets an Oscar for his amazing work. I always enjoy the bonus features because I like getting a glimpse into life on set and how the magic was created.

Oz The Great and Powerful will be a great addition to your family entertainment library. The movie is rated PG and personally, I wouldn’t recommend it for children under the age of 10 due to some of the scary and intense scenes. I have some adult friends that are still afraid of the flying monkeys from the original film, well the flying baboons in this film are much, much scarier.

Disclosure: We received a copy of the Blu-ray combo pack of Oz The Great and Powerful for this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

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