GIVEAWAY: Blu-ray/DVD of "Beethoven's Treasure Tail" Family Comedy

The wonderful folks at Universal Studios Home Entertainment are gearing up to release "Beethoven's Treasure Tail" on Blu-ray/DVD and they have graciously provided a copy for giveaway before it's even released!

You may remember this lovable St. Bernard from your own childhood (I know I grew up watching "Beethoven" and "Beethoven's 2nd"). "Beethoven's Treasure Tail" is his newest adventure and this family comedy will be released on 10/28/14. 

Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment

SYNOPSIS:

"Get ready to howl with laughter in this all-new family comedy starring America’s favorite St. Bernard, the one and only Beethoven! After a doggone disaster of a movie shoot, the big-hearted pooch and his trainer, Eddie (Jonathan Silverman, Beethoven’s Big Break), are heading home when they get stranded in a small coastal village. When Beethoven befriends a local boy (Bretton Manley, Ted), he helps him find a pirate map to lost treasure and together they em-bark on an adventure that brings the whole town together. Co-starring Morgan Fairchild (Flamingo Road), Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), it’s a heartwarming “tail” about finding fun wherever your nose leads you."

Enter below for your chance to win! Complete each task to earn additional entries! Hurry - giveaway ends at midnight on 10/28! Good luck!

Bonus: Here are some fun activities for the kids! 

Beethoven Coloring Page

Beethoven Maze Activity Sheet

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New Quarter Means New Fundraiser for Local Bay Area Family

First off, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated in my online fundraiser benefiting I Matter Too! It was amazing to see people spreading the word about such a great organization!

Now that we're on to the final quarter of the year, it's the perfect opportunity for ANOTHER online fundraiser!

Emil and Angie Baltic are a local Tampa Bay area family with two biological kids - Owen, 4, and Emma, 2. They feel that God has now called them to adopt a little boy in Haiti and I want to help. Sometimes it can be difficult to listen when God calls us to do something and when it comes to something like adoption - which has its own obstacles, expenses, and challenges - completing that task only becomes harder.

From 10/1/14 - 12/31/14, in an effort to help them raise the money they need to bring their new son home and care for him, I will donate 100% of my author profits from all online sales of my children's books to their adoption fund.

Please help me to raise money and awareness to benefit this wonderful family by purchasing a book. Be an adoption advocate - share this campaign with your friends and family! Remember, Christmas is coming and these books will make wonderful gifts or stocking stuffers!

Both books can be purchased at www.kdbrown.tateauthor.com. They can also be purchased through other online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.





For more information on the Baltic Family's adoption and to learn about other ways you can help, please visit www.balticadoption.com.

Thank you and God bless!

Carol Hiscano: A Tribute to My Grandmother

Carol Hiscano was an incredible woman. Strong, funny, smart, and feisty - she was my grandmother and I was proud to know her. She recently passed away unexpectedly. True to form, though, she was ready and it was just tough luck if the rest of us weren't. I sure did love that about her.

My grandfather, Augie Hiscano, had already gone to the Lord and she was ready to see her sweetheart again. It wasn't lost on me that her passing occurred shortly after the ninth anniversary of his death. Now, there was a couple you could look to for hope and assurance in everlasting love. Augie and Carol Hiscano were high school sweethearts who stood by each other's side through everything. They were friends, equals, and completely in love to their last breaths.

My grandparents, Augie and Carol Hiscano, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

I'm torn between so many emotions as I grieve this enormous loss. I'm sad because I miss her terribly. She hadn't yet gotten to meet my youngest child, Parker, but she had seen plenty of pictures in the short time their lives overlapped. 

I can't help but wonder whether his arrival had something to do with the timing, as well. You see, my son, Parker Augustine, born at the end of March, was named after my grandfather. I wonder whether his birth - keeping the memory of her beloved husband alive - helped her to leave this world behind knowing he would live on in his youngest great-grandchild (and, of course, in all of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids). I also believe it helped that, since my sister-in-law had given birth to her beautiful baby boy a few months before, the birth of Parker marked the end of those great-grandchildren currently in utero.

Did she decide she was sick of waiting for her grandkids to make the trip to Miami so she could see all of those great-grandbabies? Knowing her, she may have just decided a bird's eye view would be more efficient. In any case, I know she's watching over all of them now (and laughing often).

Aside from the sadness, though, I also find myself filled with a great deal of peace. Knowing that she's back with her husband after all these years makes me smile. I doubt she needed to be told to head into the light; she probably skipped through the pearly gates eager to meet him again.

Augie and Carol in their younger days.

Coming from a small family, the loss of someone, especially someone so strong and vibrant, makes a huge impact on all of us. She, like her sweetie, was larger than this life. It's no wonder I often forget she isn't with us in this life anymore. Only when I stop to think about it - or catch myself about to call to tell her some funny story - does it fully hit me.

While it's human nature to dwell on our regrets (I should've made the trip to visit more often and I wish she had been able to meet Parker), it's important to focus on the positives. While it had been too long since we'd seen her (almost a year and a half), she had gotten to watch Bailey grow. And while she didn't get the chance to meet Parker, she had already seen a multitude of pictures in his short lifetime.

September 7th is National Grandparents Day and while my kids are still fortunate enough to have all of their grammas and grampas around, I will love, miss, and remember mine. Let's all take a moment to hug those still with us and to cherish the memories of those who have passed. Rest in peace, Gramma.

Online Benefit for I Matter Too - Helping Orphaned, Abused & Neglected Children

Do you want to help those in need, but feel like you don't really get the opportunity? Here's a simple way to give back to the community and help kids while adding some new children's books to your library!

I Matter Too is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that mentors and tutors orphaned, abused, and neglected children through the love of Jesus Christ.

Since 2007 when Stacia Hepburn founded it here in Tampa, I Matter Too has been partnering abused and orphaned children 4 years old and up with adult mentors and tutors to provide the support and attention every kid deserves. Each mentor/tutor travels to their students and helps guide them through spiritual, emotional, and academic avenues in order to serve as a positive influence, friend, and role model.

Through its volunteers, fundraisers, events, and kind donations, I Matter Too is always working hard to improve the lives of children who need love and support.

In an effort to help raise money and awareness for this great organization, from July 1st through September 30th, 100% of my author proceeds from all online sales of both children's books, "Four Lucky Leaves" and "Hi, God", will be donated to benefit I Matter Too.

As parents, we understand how vital it is that our children know they are loved. Every book purchased will benefit I Matter Too in order to help in the growth and support of those kids who may not have someone to remind them of just how special they are.

Please help me to raise money and awareness to benefit this wonderful cause by purchasing a book. Be an advocate - share this campaign with your friends and family!

Both books can be purchased at www.kdbrown.tateauthor.com. They can also be purchased through other online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

For more information on I Matter Too and to learn about other ways you can help, please visit www.imattertoo.com.

Thank you and God bless!

GIVEAWAY: Signed Copy of "Four Lucky Leaves" Children's Book!

Enter below for your chance to win a signed copy of my children's book, "Four Lucky Leaves"! Contest runs from 6/13/14 through 6/20/14. Good luck!

“A four-leaf clover in a world of threes sometimes felt lonely, left out in the breeze.”

When a four-leaf clover is bullied for being different, he tries to change his appearance in order to blend in. Convinced his extra leaf has doomed him to remain an outcast, a new friend makes him realize that sometimes the only way to fit in is to stand out.

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Review: Dragonfyre Apothecary - Natural & Organic Skin Care

I recently received Dragonfyre Apothecary's entire line of DragonBaby and DragonMama products for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the products free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.

When I received Dragonfyre Apothecary's DragonBaby and DragonMama line of skin care for review, I was pretty excited to see what they were all about. Their products are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients and I felt comfortable using them on my kids. Overall, I was genuinely impressed with each product and would highly recommend them to moms everywhere.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each product and why they get two enthusiastic thumbs up (or at least as enthusiastic as the thumbs of a mom with two kids under 3 can be).

Blazin' Bottoms Fanny Creme

As the mom of a toddler who loves fruit, I have a lot of experience with diaper rash creams. (If you haven't experienced the fiery red butt that accompanies eating a lot of acidic fruit, you've been warned.) I really like the Blazin' Bottoms Fanny Creme because you only need to use a little bit. It comes in a pump bottle which is great for one-handed use - especially since you're probably using your other hand to wrangle a screaming, struggling tot. What I really like about this creme is that it pumps like a lotion, but goes on more like an oil. It absorbs quickly so it's not still glopped on at the next diaper change. It's fast-acting, too. The rash usually clears up after a few applications (rather than days with some other creams).

Head-to-Tail Baby Wash

This wash also comes in a pump bottle which is always a plus in my book. It has a light scent and works well for cleaning your little one's hair and body. Since you don't need to use a lot, you'll find it really goes a long way toward lasting. I use this baby wash on both my toddler and my newborn and I still have plenty left.

DragonBaby Body Creme

Baby lotions are really hit or miss. I've found some that have made me sorely regret slathering my child in what turned out to be a stinky second layer. This body creme is great because it has a pleasant scent that won't overwhelm you or your baby. It's also light and non-greasy and absorbs into the skin quickly.

DragonScales Tea Tree Salve

This salve is recommended to help baby's dry, itchy skin. I actually just used it for the first time on my two month old son and it's really helping. It rubs on smoothly and while there is a scent (I couldn't quite place it, but I imagine it was a combination of the shea butter, chamomile, and other natural ingredients contained in it), it wasn't unpleasant. Since he's so young, I'm hesitant to put creams or lotions on his face. However, since all Dragonfyre Apothecary products are made using only natural and organic ingredients, I felt more comfortable applying this salve to his forehead.

In addition to these great products for baby, they even threw in some pick-me-ups for mom! It was definitely a treat getting to try out some wonderful moisturizers and balms myself.

DragonMama Belly Bump Balm

Since I was already pregnant with my second child (and sporting a full-on mid-section zebra print) by the time I tried this Belly Bump Balm, I don't know whether it helps to reduce stretch marks. What I do know is that it's wonderful for moisturizing and alleviating the annoying itchy belly that accompanies pregnancy. Plus, the scent of lemongrass was relaxing and left me wanting an Italian ice! The great thing about this balm is that it's not just for the belly; it can be used anywhere that needs some extra moisture. To be honest, I used it on my feet (their residual dryness a lingering gift from my days as a waitress) and on my knees (which have been severely dry ever since my daughter started crawling). I've tried plenty of other lotions, creams, and balms for those areas and none have worked as well (or as quickly) as the Belly Bump Balm. I'm a big fan!

Moiste Facial Moisturizer

The Moiste Facial Moisturizer and Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum (see below) are the epitome of a great power couple. Try them separately and try them together. They're amazing! The moisturizer is a light and airy lotion that doesn't feel at all greasy when applied. One of the main reasons I've never been a big fan of facial lotions is because they tend to leave me feeling greasy, dirty, and weighed down. Not this one. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling clean. There is a noticeable difference in the dryness of my skin on days when I don't use this moisturizer. Combined with the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum your skin will feel soft, smooth, and hydrated. Don't have the serum? It also works great on its own.

Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum

Like the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum is a light and non-greasy anti-aging serum which promotes collagen synthesis and cell regeneration. It has a faint, but pleasant, scent, and it absorbs quickly. While I'm still a ways from worrying about lines and wrinkles (I just turned 30, after all), I love this serum and use it daily for the benefits of its hydrating and cleansing effects. When combined with the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, it's a real treat for your skin!

For more information or to purchase these great items for yourself, visit their website at www.dragonfyreapothecary.com. You can also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!

I'm Back!

Before you judge me for, well, disappearing from the blogging world, you should know I had my second child recently. Hooray for babies! So long sleep! Here I am now trying to catch you up.

Parker Augustine was born a healthy 8 lbs 7 oz and 20" long.

First off, I just want to say how much I love nap time. It's a magical time filled with possibilities, hopes, dreams, and promises. Finally, the little ones are tucked in for an afternoon siesta and the world is suddenly your oyster. You can do anything! Pee alone! Indulge in the snacks you can only eat in secret (unless you want to share half with an adorable tot saying, "Please? A bite?"). Do the laundry! Clean the dishes! Or, in my case, open your laptop for the first time in over a month and catch up on some much needed writing.

It's hard to believe, but my newest addition, Parker, is already 7 weeks old and I'm back at my second full-time job (the first being mommyhood). How did that happen so quickly? And for that matter, how in the world is my oldest about to turn 2?

I thought I had learned a lot about being a parent from my first child, but I'm learning all sorts of new things as a second-time mom. For one thing, your ninja-like reflexes really step it up a notch when you're changing a boy's diaper. The score is still in his favor when it comes to direct hits, but I'm holding my own in the dodging department.

Another thing I'm finding is that I'm much more relaxed this time. With my first, I would leap (literally) over furniture to get to my crying baby when she was hungry. Poor Parker has become known as my "just a second" baby since the patient little guy has to wait at least that long for everything. It's not that I love him any less, but I'm usually tied up pinning his sister to the floor for diaper changes or chasing after her when she sprints off down the sidewalk. I'll get into all of that another day, though.

Today is about jumping back in and doing the only thing you really want me to do - posting pictures of adorable babies. So stay tuned for more posts in the coming weeks!

Don't forget to come out to Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Brandon mall this Saturday, May 17th from noon to 2:00 p.m. for an author book signing event. I'll be there along with several other local authors so come in and say hi (and maybe buy a book or two!).

Product Review: ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY

*From time to time I may review a product, service or business on this blog. With the exception of occasionally receiving a product free of charge, I do not receive any form of compensation for these reviews. The opinions expressed are my own.

ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY 

I recently received the ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY set for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the game free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.

If you've ever indulged in a game of Angry Birds on your smartphone or tablet, you've probably found yourself hooked. There's also a good chance you've secretly wished you could actually get your hands on those snickering pigs when you've blown up the dynamite and watched enormous towers crumble around them leaving nothing more than a few black eyes and an obnoxious smirk. With ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY, you can finally do more than just imagine flicking those little oinkers.

Photo Courtesy of Hasbro

The set includes a racetrack, two karts (one exclusive to this set), a telepod, obstacles, piggies, and stickers. Assembly is required, but it didn't take very long to put together.

Each kart has a starting position and players push a button to send their characters racing down the track toward a treasure chest and its guard - a particularly fat-headed pirate pig. As racers zoom past the first set of pigs, they blast those floating heads with TNT (and possibly get a little too much enjoyment out of it).

Avoid the pendulum or it'll slow you down and give your opponent a wing up on the competition. Be the first player to blast through the finish and send that booty-hogging (get it?) buccaneer back where he came from.

The fun doesn't have to stop there. Download the free Angry Birds GO! app and teleport your kart into your mobile device. Once in the app, place your kart on the clear telepod base over your camera and press the app's teleport button to send it into the game. The trick (which I only learned after several failed attempts) is to first make sure your camera is set to forward-facing; otherwise it won't work. I would've liked the instructions to include this little tidbit since I wasted a good bit of time trying to figure it out.

Since my daughter (a year and a half) was more interested in making the pigs bite her finger than watching them race, I borrowed my buddies, Gavin and Anthony, to play. (Note: this game is not recommended for children under 3 as it contains choking hazards. I let Bailey play under supervision because she's clearly more of a hazard to the pigs.)

Gavin gearing up for another round.

Gavin enjoyed the raceway set and had fun knocking the pigs down, but he wasn't as interested in the app. He had no trouble resetting the pieces each time and had fun racing the karts over and over. Anthony, on the other hand, played both ways, but preferred the app portion of the game.

While Gavin was ready to play again the next day, he needed an adult's help rebuilding the platform. If your kids are younger, you may need to build it for them each time they play - just something to consider.

The game is recommended for ages 5 and up and retails for $29.99. It can be found at major stores like Toys R Us, Walmart, and Amazon.

LifeChoices Women's Care - Pregnancy Support

As an expectant mom, there are few things about pregnancy that are more exciting than getting to peek inside and see what your little acrobat is up to. Since many doctors only perform a couple of ultrasounds during a healthy incubation, I jumped at the opportunity to get a free sonogram from a local women's care clinic.

LifeChoices Women's Care, part of the Florida Pregnancy Support Services program, is an amazing resource for pregnant women who need help, support or just someone to listen. Located in Lutz, Florida, they provide free services such as pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, and counseling and they understand that for some women, pregnancy is both exciting and difficult.

"Offering free limited OB ultrasounds gives women in unplanned pregnancies the opportunity of bonding with their babies at a very early start of their pregnancy," said Ana Hidalgo Stooks, Executive Director at LifeChoices Women's Care.

Through counseling, they provide the support many don't have when it comes to an unplanned pregnancy. Others may be struggling financially and LifeChoices offers a helping hand throughout their journey.

They have a Mommy Boutique filled with baby and maternity clothes, diapers, wipes, and more. With their Earn and Learn program, women can watch informational and instructional videos to prepare for pregnancy and motherhood. Moms-to-be earn "Mommy Bucks" each time they complete one and can then spend them in the boutique to purchase necessities that can otherwise be expensive.

When I heard they were looking for ultrasound models during the training of new RNs, I scheduled my appointment right away. The staff members (mostly volunteers admirably donating their time and expertise) were friendly and professional and I was blessed with almost an hour of viewing time as my little one waved and rolled. It was wonderful.

They're still looking for pregnant women to serve as ultrasound models, so if you're in the Tampa Bay area and want a free ticket to the best show this side of the womb, call Brenda at (813) 948-7734.

If you're not in need of their services, but want to assist in their cause, they're always accepting donations. Give them a call today to find out how you can help.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.lifechoiceswc.org, call (813) 948-7734 or text (813) 438-3183. Hours: Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. You can also like them on Facebook.

Exciting New Journeys

I know I've been slacking a bit on my blog posts lately, but I have lots of exciting news that should explain my absence.

I'm pregnant with my second child and due in March of 2014! My husband and I have been blessed again and we're so excited to welcome this new addition to our growing family. Getting pregnant this time around was considerably less difficult than the last time. (Click here for the whole story on my struggle to conceive the first time.) 

Make room for one more!

Bailey doesn't completely understand just yet (she's only 15 months, after all), but she does point to my belly and say, "baby", so maybe she knows more than we think.

Following this pregnancy will be exciting since now I'll know when to freak out and when I'm experiencing completely normal (albeit annoying and embarrassing) symptoms.

I'm 12 weeks along now and so far the "morning sickness" (I use quotes because we all know the queasiness doesn't limit itself to mornings) hasn't been as bad as it was the first time around. With Bailey, I was nauseous all day every day for several weeks. I couldn't keep anything down except macaroni and cheese and nothing eased my stomach except lying on my side.

So far with this pregnancy, while nausea has definitely stopped by for some surprise visits, it tends to come on suddenly and dissipate quickly so long as I eat the right snack fast enough. (Note: chocolate pudding is not the right snack. I learned that the hard way when it came back to say hello.)

The fatigue has also hit pretty hard (just ask my husband), but otherwise I'm feeling great and am just excited to find out the sex of the baby. (Not that it matters; we're just praying for another healthy child.)

But wait! That's not all! I'm also happy to announce that my children's books, Four Lucky Leaves and Hi, God, have been published by Tate Publishing! They won't be officially released (i.e., in bookstores) until this November, but they're both available now. Check out my Children's Books page for more info.

Stay tuned for more details about book signings, book readings, and fundraisers in the coming months.

I'm so excited for both of these new journeys and I can't wait to share them with you all.

I'd love to work with you! Any businesses or charities (especially in the Tampa Bay area) interested in hosting book signings, book readings or fundraisers are encouraged to contact me at kdbrown341@gmail.com for more information.

Hey, Mom. I See You Dancing in Your Car.

There are few no-judgment zones in this world. I like to think the inside of my car is one of them. I'm sure I'm wrong and, in fact, can only imagine the number of drivers who constantly judge my front seat off-key karaoke concerts. But the great thing about believing the inside of my car is a no-judgment zone is that I don't care that I'm wrong.

Who wouldn't play the fool just to see this little grin?

I think it's important that all moms feel this way and, really, at least a good percentage of them must. Otherwise, I would be the only parent putting my right arm in and shaking it all about in my seat. I've seen you do this, too. Red lights are everywhere. (Although if you're doing this when your kids aren't in the car, we may need to have a separate talk about that.)

Flailing my hands around and wiggling my butt mid-commute carries its own perks. Am I waving at the driver in front of me? Watching him try to figure it out is always fun. Unfortunately, he doesn't see his sedan as the no-holds-barred safety zone that I do. That's why his arm raises slightly in a daring attempt to return the wave and then drops suddenly as gumption fades into uncertainty. After all, if I'm not waving at him, he doesn't want to look like a fool. No, no, driver. We wouldn't want that.

It occurs to me that the writers of many classic kids' songs had more than childish entertainment in mind when creating accompanying gestures. If not for the potential for parental foolhardiness, why else would there be so much clapping, stomping, and barking? Luckily, I don't shy away from a little embarrassment.

That's odd. It seems none of my potentially embarrassing photos will load properly. Oh, well.

The point is (yes, I was eventually making my way to a point), most parents will do just about anything to get a giggle out of their child. If it means I have to march in place (challenging while driving) so my daughter can see "Father Abraham" come to life, so be it. Every time my hand smacks the window during "Deep and Wide" I'm reminded that nothing is more rewarding than that tiny laugh from the backseat. Besides, there's no substitute for the pride I feel each time Bailey does the hand motions for "The Wheels on the Bus". Just be sure you're practicing safe driving during all live performances.

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