AquaBall Holiday Giveaway

AquaBall, the zero-calorie, sugar-free, and preservative-free children's beverage know for packaging featuring Disney's Frozen, Disney Princesses, Marvel's Avengers and Disney Classic Characters for its Berry Frost, Fruit Punch, Grape and Strawberry Lemonade flavors is hosting a very nice holiday giveaway.  You'll want to check this out because not only are they giving away a great prize for kids, but also some things moms and dads will appreciate winning as well.

There's a prize pack just for dads with useful and fun tech items from Logitech and Ultimate Ears.  I especially like the headphones for online video game play.

A lucky mom will win a prize pack with a limited edition Laura Mercier cosmetic set, stained glass birthstone dish, and a nice scarf featuring the quote "I love you more today than yesterday, but far less than tomorrow."

Plus there is a prize pack just for kids that includes a space scooter, bell helmet, and Light Stax block set.

Get your entries in because this giveaway ends at 3pm (ET) / Noon (PT) on December 15, 2017.  CLICK HERE and fill out the entry forms for each of the three themed contests (Dads, Moms & Kids) located on the AquaBall blog for a chance to win.  Good luck!

Michigan Bloggers Holiday Paypal Cash Giveaway

Happy Holidays! I know everyone can use a little extra cash in their pocket to spend this time of year, so I've teamed up with some of my favorite fellow Michigan-based bloggers to give you the chance to win some PayPal Cash.  Complete the rafflecopter entries below by following each blogger on Twitter and one lucky person will receive $45 in PayPal Cash to help with holiday season expenses or whatever else you may want to spend it on. The giveaway ends on 12/4/2016 at 11:59 pm and is open to US residents, ages 18 and older with a valid Twitter Account.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Metro Detroit Mommy will be notifying the winner and awarding the prize.  Good luck everyone!

Apple Pie Wine from Oliver Winery & Vineyards

** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review**

My son and I were privileged to be able to participate in the Commissioning Ceremony for the U.S. Navy's newest ship, the USS DETROIT.  While naval vessels are often named after cities it is a rare occasion for the commissioning of a ship to actually take place at its namesake city. So it was a special moment to be a part of the ceremony that took place along the Detroit riverfront.  After attending the commissioning and taking a tour of the ship, we headed home with a souvenir ... a nice set of glass tumblers to commemorate the date.

After a long day out and about, I pulled out a bottle of Apple Pie Wine that Oliver Winery & Vineyards had sent me to try out and shared it with my wife while relaxing for a bit.  On a brisk fall evening, this Apple Pie Wine really makes for a refreshing beverage.  The wine isn't cidery tasting but rather has a smooth apple juice taste to it with a nice touch of cinnamon and nutmeg.  Considering the saying "as American as Apple Pie" we found it a fitting drink to raise a toast in our commemorative tumblers to the crew of the USS DETROIT in honor of our Navy's newest ship heading out to sea.

Oliver Apple Pie Wine isn't made from grapes with ingredients added to provide apple flavoring. It is actually made from fresh pressed apples. 100% apple wine with no concentrates! Tart apples mixed with vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg really does provide the taste of grandma's apple pie just without the fluffy texture of crust to bite into.  At first I was hesitant that this drink was just a gimmick but after tasting I really was impressed.  Oliver Apple Pie Wine really exceeded my expectations and is an enjoyable drink to partake in.

Apple Pie Wine retails for $8 and contains 10% ABV.  It is available for a limited time at select retailers in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Rhode Island, Texas and  Wisconsin.  Plus it is available at the Oliver Winery Tasting Room or can be purchased online at oliverwinery.com

Oliver Winery and Vineyards in Bloomington, Indiana has developed a reputation for crafting satisfying wines that capture the flavor of high quality fruits.  Their Apple Pie Wine continues that fine tradition.  Bring a bottle to your holiday gatherings and pour a round of apple pie for your family to enjoy.  Enjoy something out of the ordinary and you won't be disappointed.

Must be 21+ to drink this alcoholic beverage.  Please drink responsibly.  Don't drink and drive!

Skylanders SuperChargers Christmas Carol

With the kids off school for Winter Break, they've been having some fun this week playing their Skylanders SuperChargers video game.  Their game play has had a bit of Christmas spirit added to it with the special holiday edition Skylanders SuperChargers character we recently picked up for them as a reward for doing well on some tests at school.  Missile-Tow (see the holiday themed pun ) Dive Clops has a candy cane themed coloring to the character.  Plus he can slow enemies down with candy-coated missiles in the game.  If you are still looking for stocking stuffers or want to pick up something to add a bit of holiday spirit to your child's Skylander SuperChargers experience, you can find Missile-Tow Dive Clops at Best Buy or Game Stop.

With Christmas just a few days away, I also wanted to share this fun animated Christmas Carol from  Skylanders that has a great 1950's rock and roll, hot rod vibe to it.  SuperCharge your holiday with this high-octane Christmas Carol from the video game's cast of characters in the Skylands!




CLICK HERE for more information about the Skylanders SuperChargers video game.

Season's Greetings from The Secret Life of Pets

The last few times we've gone on family outings to the movie theater we've seen this great trailer promoting an upcoming animated feature film called The Secret Life of Pets.  This trailer has really gotten my children excited about going to see this movie and they ask almost every weekend if we can go see it -- sorry kids it isn't arriving at theaters until next summer.  Though as a holiday treat, the makers of the film have released a funny Christmas themed trailer that gives an extra look into The Secret Life of Pets.


From the humans behind the Despicable Me and Minions films, The Secret Life of Pets is the fifth fully animated feature film collaboration by Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures.  It is a comedy about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day.  The Secret Life of Pets features the animated feature film debut of the talents of comedy superstars C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart plus co-stars Ellie Kemper, Lake Bell, Jenny Slate, Bobby Moynihan, Hannibal Buress and Albert Brooks.

Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max's life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke.  They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners.

This really looks like an original and funny movie that children and kids-at-heart of all ages will enjoy.  Our family will absolutely be going to see it after The Secret Life of Pets arrives at movie theaters across the United States on July 8, 2016!


For more information, visit thesecretlifeofpets.com

Happy Holidays everyone!!!

SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER

Ho-ho-hold on tight for holiday hijinks in this hilarious family comedy starring WWE Superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, WWE Diva Paige and AnnaLynne McCord.  After losing his job, a slick-talking businessman is given the chance of a lifetime -- to be Santa's second-in-command.  But to earn the coveted position, he'll have to wage an outrageous battle against a scheming elf who wants the gig for herself!

May the best elf win!  Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and WWE Studios present outrageous holiday fun when SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER arrives on DVD and Digital HD on Tuesday, November 17, 2015.  To help kick-off the holiday season, A Geek Daddy has a DVD of SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER to give away.  Must be a U.S. or Canadian resident over 18 years old and submit one or all of the following entry methods to earn up to 3 entries prior to 11:59 pm EST on Monday, November 16, 2015:

UPDATE: Congratulations to Heather from Long Beach, California who won the movie

E-MAIL (1 ENTRY)
E-mail thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com your name and mailing address. Email subject line should be SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER

TWITTER ( 2 ENTRIES)

Follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and tweet:

Ho-ho-ho @Geekdad248 I've been nice this year so please have #ageekdaddy blog send me Santa's Little Helper on DVD  #SantasInsiders #ad

All valid entries will be assigned a number in the order they are received and one number will be  selected to determine the winner using random.org.  E-mails will only be used to contact the winner and deleted following the selection of a winner.

SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER is rated PG and is 90 minutes long.  The DVD is stocked full of behind-the-scenes featurettes that include:

Ho Ho Ho - In SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER the "Ho Ho Ho" is Santa's right hand man.  But what exactly does this job entail?  Cast and crew talk about the "Ho Ho Ho's" duties and what really goes on behind-the-scenes of Santa's workshop when the deadline for the big day is looming. Introducing 

Paige - WWE Diva Paige has had quite a year.  She debuted on Monday Night Raw just over a year ago and in that time has been WWE Divas Champion twice, become a star on the E! hit series Total Divas, and will now be acting in her first ever movie!  Through interviews with the cast, the director, and of course Paige herself fans will get an in-depth look at how she prepared for and successfully executed her role as Eleanor.  

Holiday Cast & Crew - A fun behind the scenes look at the cast and crew talking about what the holidays mean to them and the greatest gifts they ever received.

DISCLAIMER:  A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Fox Home Entertainment is responsible for fulfillment and delivery of the prize.  By participating in this contest you waive any liability towards A Geek Daddy Blog or its publisher that may arise from your involvement with this promotion.  If you win this prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Prize will be delivered by UPS or FedEx so no P.O. Boxes are allowed as mailing addresses. A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation but did receive a review DVD for the blog and the prize that is being awarded to one of our readers for this contest.  A Geek Daddy Blog is hosting this contest as a benefit to our readers.
#SantasInsiders

Care Bears: Mystery in Care-a-Lot

** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review**

Celebrate Halloween with the Care Bears by watching their Mystery in Care-a-Lot DVD with your little ones.  Enjoying this time of the year doesn't have to involve getting scared out of your socks to have a spooky good time.  As a Care Bears #ShareYourCare Ambassador, A Geek Daddy was provided the Halloween-themed DVD Mystery in Care-a-Lot to review and I can honestly say my twin 6 year olds thoroughly enjoyed watching it.  In fact after it was over they asked if they could watch it again!

The Care Bears: Mysteries in Care-a-Lot DVD consists of three episodes from the 2012 Care Bears television series Welcome To Care-a-Lot.   One of the stories focuses on nightmares, another on being scared of monsters, and the final adventure involves a wish leading to unwanted results.  All of them contain positive messages about dealing with fear and spreading good cheer.

In the first story "Nightbears", Sweat Dreams a Care Bear with the ability to bestow good dreams on all the residents of Care-a-Lot becomes possessed by the ghostly "plainbow."

The plainbow causes all of the Care Bears to begin having nightmares instead of pleasant dreams.  For example, Grumpy Bear finds himself locked in a dream where he is surrounded by pleasant smiling flowers singing happy songs.  To put it in a parent's perspective consider riding It's A Small World at Disney World over and over and over again and you can see the turmoil Grumpy is in.

The Care Bears work together to overcome the fear of these nightmares and use their abilities to create a rainbow that pushes the plainbow away curing Sweat Dreams of her curse.  With the plainbow chased away it is back to pleasant dreams for the Care Bears.

The next adventure is called "Sleuth of Bears" and involves the Care Bears being scared by the legend of the "Scare Bear."  When the details of a ghost story begin to occur in real life all of the Care Bears begin to let their imagination run wild and get spooked.  Tenderheart Bear tries to calm everyone down but than the Scare Bear actually appears and chases the Care Bears down!

The Care Bears using some common sense and detective skills overcome their fears of monsters and ghosts  to discover a long-held secret and a really naughty prank.  The story has a message of don't let superstitions, fears and your imagination get the best of you.

The DVD wraps up with "Welcome to Grump-a-Lot" that has a hastily made wish come true much to the chagrin of its maker.  A frustrated Grumpy Bear wishes that all of the Care Bears would just disappear.  Well that is what happens when a "grumpy storm" hits Care-a-Lot and blows away all of the Care Bears leaving Grumpy alone and realizing that you need to be careful what you wish for in life because it just may come true.  He than sets out to clean up the mess and get his friends back.  Does he succeed?  You'll have to watch the DVD to find out!



If you have younger children at home where you want enjoy Halloween as festive rather than scary occasion this DVD would be a good selection for the family to watch together.  My kids were giggling and chuckling through most of the DVD and they just adore the Care Bears.  There are some scenes though involving nightmares and the Care Bears being chased down by the Scare Bear that may be too intense for some toddlers and young preschoolers but for the most part the featured shows on the DVD are very lighthearted and cheery with more of spooky vibe than a scary tone.  Care Bears: Mystery in Care-a-Lot gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval because it was a Halloween themed show my kids really enjoyed and didn't end up keeping me up all night afterward having to deal with kids scared by nightmares.

The DVD is 66 minutes long and includes an ultraviolet digital download option so it can also be watched from a smart phone, tablet, laptop or personal computer. Care Bears: Mystery in Care-a-Lot retails for $9.29 on Amazon.com. Stay up to date on all the latest news about the #CareBears by visiting www.CareBears.com, following @CareBearsFriend on Twitter or liking the Care Bears Facebook page.

PlayStation Television Ad Captures Nostalgia That Makes Fans Passionate About Star Wars

It's an exciting time to be a Star Wars fan!  A hit television series, Rebels, just kicked off its second season, brand new Star Wars video games are hitting store shelves (Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars Saga & Electronic Arts' Battlefront) and of course a new movie, The Force Awakens, premieres in theaters across the United States on December 18, 2015.  While there has been a lot of buzz about the trailers for the movie, I have to say that this television advertisement for Sony's PlayStation really has been the most impressive marketing piece I've seen so far as it really captures the nostalgia that fans have for Star Wars which really is "The Force" behind the ongoing success of the brand.  If you haven't seen this ad yet, check it out!



That orange '70/'80s era carpeting so hits home for me in the scene with the kids playing with their Kenner Star Wars action figures.  These new additions to the Star Wars saga are arriving at a great time for my family as my kids are just at the right age for me to share my passion for these characters and stories with them.  Things are a bit different now though as when I was their age I had pretend lightsaber duels with my friends using flash lights like in the PlayStation advertisement but now my kids have high tech light up light saber recreations that make sound effects when you joust them together.  Some things don't change though as just like his dad who took a Empire Strikes Back lunchbox to school my son carts a Star Wars: Rebels one to first grade with him every morning.  My daughter opted for a FROZEN lunch box but she does have a cute Chopper plush she hangs from her school backpack.

I've been a fan of the comic books, novels, toys and movies revolving around George Lucas' original trilogy of films since watching them as a kid when they originally came out.  My kids aren't as much into those characters but love the new generation of characters in the Star Wars: Rebels animated shows.  We really are looking forward to watching The Force Awakens when it arrives at theaters and sharing in enjoying it for the first time together as a family.  Who knows maybe The Force Awakens will become the favorite part of the Star Wars saga for all of us?!



So what are you looking forward to the most in the upcoming Star Wars film?  For my kids it is getting a better peek at BB-8.

While for me it is seeing the return of "old friends" on the silver screen.

Oh yes and I'll admit we've purchased the Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars video game and pre-ordered Battlefront for our PlayStation4 so we will definitely be in a Star Wars frame of mind when the movie opens!

MGM Family Classics Make Great Stocking Stuffers

Still in need of a few stocking stuffers before the Christmas holiday?  Picking up a few home videos from MGM's library of family classic movies could just be what you are looking for.  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, All Dogs Go to Heaven, The Pebble in the Penguin, Legally Blonde, The Princess Bride, and The Secret of Nimh are all great options for a movie night that parents can feel comfortable with their children watching and that will entertain the whole family.  Plus DVDs and BLURAYS are just the right size to slip into a stocking hanging over the fireplace for Christmas.

In celebration of MGM's 90th anniversary and to promote these movies as great holiday gift ideas, we've been provided two of A Geek Daddy's favorite childhood movies, THE PRINCESS BRIDE and THE SECRET OF NIMH, to giveaway to one luck reader.  For a chance to win this home video movie prize pack you must be a US or Canadian resident over 18 years old and enter prior to 11:59 pm EST on Sunday December 28, 2014:

UPDATE: Congrats to Wendy B from Alaska who won the MGM movie prize pack

Entry: E-mail thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com your name and mailing address.  Email subject line should be MGM FAMILY CLASSICS.

One email will be randomly selected to determine the winner.  E-mails will only be used to contact the winner and deleted following the selection of a winner.

THE PRINCESS BRIDE (Rated PG)

When the beautiful maiden Buttercup (Robin Wright) hears that her true love
Westley (Cary Elwes) is dead, she reluctantly agrees to marry the loathsome Prince
Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). After Westley returns to rescue Buttercup, the two
begin an epic adventure filled with fencing, fighting, giants, monsters, miracles, true
love and hilarity! Featuring an all-star cast, including Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal
and Christopher Guest, The Princess Bride is an almost inconceivable delight from
Oscar® Nominee Rob Reiner and Oscar®-Winning screenwriter William Goldman.

Own it now by CLICKING HERE.



THE SECRET OF NIMH (Rated G)

Get ready to meet some runaway rodents with an earth-shattering secret! Suspenseful and heartwarming, this beautifully animated odyssey stars Mrs. Brisby,
a mild-mannered mother mouse with a plan to move Heaven and Earth (or at least her house and home) to save her family from Farmer Fitzgibbon's plow! 

Along the way she gets some help from a lovelorn Crow, a busybody neighbor mouse and a fearsome Great Owl. Unfortunately, Mrs. Brisby will need an engineering miracle to hoist her home, and for that she must face a mysterious rat, fend off a ferocious cat and claim a magic amulet! But when Mrs. Brisby discovers the astounding secret of NIMH...it could change her life forever! This timeless tale of love, courage and determination will transport the whole family into an enchanting world where the bravest hearts live in the meekest of mice.

Own it now by CLICKING HERE.

For more information about MGM's 90th anniversary and its catalog of movie classics, visit  http://www.mgm90th.com/ 

DISCLAIMER:  A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Fox Home Entertainment is responsible for fulfillment and delivery of the prize.  By participating in this contest you waive any liability towards A Geek Daddy Blog or its publisher that may arise from your involvement with this promotion.  If you win this prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Prize will be delivered by UPS or FedEx so no P.O. Boxes are allowed as mailing addresses. A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation but did receive a review DVD for the blog and the prize that is being awarded to one of our readers for this contest.  A Geek Daddy Blog is hosting this contest as a benefit to our readers. The opinions in this post are my own.

#MGMINSIDERS

Penguins for the Holidays

Win a MGM Movie Classic "The Pebble & The Penguin" on Home Video

We were watching a holiday special on television the other day that featured some penguins at the North Pole helping Santa Claus save Christmas.  My daughter turned to look at me and said "this is so unrealistic daddy...penguins don't live up at the North Pole!!! They live in Antarctica!" Well I'm glad she is learning when we go to the zoo because every time we go visiting the penguin exhibit is a must see for my kids.  A trip to the zoo is one of our favorite family outings so when I saw this playmobil toy set featuring penguins at the zoo I had to pick it up for a holiday present for the kids.

Since my kids love penguins we'll also be incorporating them into our holiday by enjoying the classic animated movie THE PEBBLE & THE PENGUIN while we have some down time next week with them off of school and my taking some time off work.  This movie which is based upon the real-life habits of Adeli penguins in Antarctica just recently came out on Blu-ray as part of MGM's 90th anniversary celebration.  It features Hubie (Martin Short) a hopeless romantic who is in love with Marina (Annie Golden) the most beautiful penguin in all the land.  The evil penguin Drake (Tim Curry) stands in the way though as he also wants her affections and will stop at nothing to make her his love.  With the help of his new friend Rocko (James Belushi) -- a penguin determined to fly -- Hubie must thwart Drake's plan and win Marina's heart!

In honor on MGM's 90th Anniversary, A GEEK DADDY BLOG is giving away a THE PEBBLE & THE PENGUIN home video prize pack to one lucky reader because it is one of my children's favorite movies from the MGM library of family classic movies.  For a chance to win this  movie prize pack you must be a US or Canadian resident over 18 years old and enter prior to 11:59 pm EST on Sunday December 21, 2014:

UPDATE: Congrats to Pat S. from Virgina who won THE PEBBLE & THE PENGUIN on Blu-ray

Entry: E-mail thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com your name and mailing address.  Email subject line should be Christmas Penguins.

One email will be randomly selected to determine the winner.  E-mails will only be used to contact the winner and deleted following the selection of a winner.

Still looking for stocking stuffers? Consider buying THE PEBBLE & THE PENGUIN.  Click here to own it.  MGM also has a variety of family friendly movies to select from for holiday gifts such as All Dogs Go To Heaven, The Princess Bride, The Secret of Nihm and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  How well do you know these movies? Can you match these film quotes? So how many did you get right?!
For more information about MGM's 90th anniversary and its catalog of movie classics, visit  http://www.mgm90th.com/

DISCLAIMER:  A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Fox Home Entertainment is responsible for fulfillment and delivery of the prize.  By participating in this contest you waive any liability towards A Geek Daddy Blog or its publisher that may arise from your involvement with this promotion.  If you win this prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Prize will be delivered by UPS or FedEx so no P.O. Boxes are allowed as mailing addresses. A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation but did receive a review DVD for the blog and the prize that is being awarded to one of our readers for this contest.  A Geek Daddy Blog is hosting this contest as a benefit to our readers. The opinions in this post are my own.

#MGMINSIDERS

The Lights Before Christmas @ Toledo Zoo

"Lights Before Christmas" @ Toledo Zoo

A video posted by @geekdad248 on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:17pm PST

We recently took a road trip to meet up with some family friends and enjoy the Toledo Zoo's "The Lights Before Christmas" event.  It really was a festive time as we strolled through the place all aglow which impressed both the kids and the adults in our group.  The zoo really does an impressive job decking out the place for the holidays.  What is nice about this particular display is that the zoo focuses on decorating its existing natural scenery with lights rather than have a large number of designer displays being the focal point of the event.  Of course they have a few animal themed displays that catch people's attention too.

 

 

 

 

Some of the highlights of "The Lights Before Christmas" were a dancing light display that was set to energetic holiday tunes, an ice slide, and checking out the zoo's Big Tree which was named by Travelocity as one of the top holiday trees in the nation.  The Big Tree is a Norway spruce located at the zoo that is more then 70 years old and has grown to be more than 85 feet tall.  Seeing the Big Tree decorated is a site to behold.

While my favorite part of the evening was the dancing light show, my kids highlight of the night was the runs they took down the ice slide.  The ice slide looked somewhat tame from afar but once you got on it you really flew down it.

 

My kids also had a great time taking a spin on the carousel while we were there.  My son wanted to ride the "King of the Beasts" and it was nice they had a few lions lined up together on the carousel so my daughter could ride one too next to her brother.

My wife's favorite thing about the night was this pink and purple lighted tree which she just raved about throughout the night.  She also appreciated that we got to see the zoo's polar bears in their display while we were there.

The rates to attend the event are $13 for adults (age 12-59), $10 for Seniors (age 60+), $10 for children (ages 2 - 11) and children under 2 are FREE.  If you purchase tickets in advance online you can save $1 per ticket.  In addition parking costs $7.  Toledo Zoo Members receive FREE unlimited visits to "The Lights Before Christmas" Monday through Thursday and one FREE weekend visit (Friday through Sunday).

We had a great time at "The Lights Before Christmas" and if you live within driving distance of Toledo I would absolutely recommend a family road trip to enjoy it.  Because my kids had such a blast during our visit, the Toledo Zoo's "The Lights Before Christmas" gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval.

For more information, visit www.toledozoo.org