Friday, December 30, 2011

Arthur Christmas

I think we have a new favorite holiday movie. We took the monkeys to see Arthur Christmas last month and we all adored it. I wasn't sure what to think going into it since I'd seen limited previews for it, but it was definitely worth checking out. Unfortunately, we saw it in 3D and while that was fun for me, the kids aren't ready to sit through a 90+ minute movie AND wear the required glasses. I have to say I had some concerns too when I saw monkey girl was sitting through it, but didn't want to wear the glasses for much of the movie. That couldn't be good for her eyes so needless to say we won't be doing any 3D movies for a while.

However, back to the subject, Arthur Christmas was such a cute film. There was quite a bit of humor for the adults to enjoy, but it never seemed to take away from the kids entertainment. It starts on Christmas Eve and Santa is getting set to deliver presents. One of his sons is in control of the high-tech operation, complete with commando type elves, and the other son seems to have been relegated to the lesser job of handling Santa's mail. Of course something goes awry when they return to the North Pole and realize a present is still onboard, thus never  being delivered. The mail handler son, Arthur, realizes it's recipient was supposed to be a little girl who had written to Santa and tries to correct the problem. I'll stop there so I don't ruin anything for you, but the story's delightful and the animation is colorful and captivating. I highly recommend it. We'll be purchasing it when it comes out on DVD. I'd try to catch it in theaters if you can though. It gets 4 out of 4 monkey thumbs up from us.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Shutterfly Holiday and New Year's Cards


I wasn't sure what I was going to do about holiday cards this year, but I saw the huge selection of photo cards available at Shutterfly and managed to narrow down my favorites. I love that their search feature allows you to sort by folded or flat, number of photos on the front, size, etc... I have a hard enough time getting one presentable picture with both my children, that I was really happy I could sort by cards with just one picture on the front.

Dadda monkey and I settled on Magical Night because it suited my picture the best. Shutterfly's tools for viewing the finished product with your own photo is fantastic. It's really easy to make changes and immediately view the result. Along those lines, Shutterfly Family Photo Days, is a great resource for taking great family photos. They have a few ideas on how to casually set up photo opportunities. They recommend planning a day out with another family so you can take turns taking family photos in a casual environment where the kids can play and feel more natural. There's even meetup groups you can find for arranging this.


Overall, I'm quite pleased with our cards. They were delivered in a bright orange box so I was sure to see them and get working on them right away. They did a great job placing our photo in the card and the quality is fantastic. 

As a bonus, Shutterfly has agreed to award one of my readers 12 free 5”x7” holiday cards and free shipping, valued at over $25. I know it's really close to the holidays, but you might consider sending New Year's cards.  They have a really cute selection and if you are running behind on sending out cards, New Year's cards would be a great solution.

How To Enter:
(The first step is required for your first entry. Any steps after that reward you with an extra entry.)
This giveaway, and subsequent shipping, is only offered within the continental United States.

1. Let me know if you have ever sent New Year's cards before.

2. Become a follower of my blog, Mommy 2 Monkeys, and leave a comment on this post that you've done so.
3. 'Like' the Mommy 2 Monkeys Facebook page and leave a comment on this post that you've done so.
4. Follow me on Twitter and leave  a comment on this post that you've done so.

This giveaway will remain open until December 21, 2011 at midnight central time. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. I will post the winner on my blog and also email the winner (please make sure your email is visible on your profile or post it in your comment). The winner will have 24 hours to respond to my email or I will choose another winner via Random.org. Good luck!

Disclaimer:

Mommy 2 Monkeys was provided with a sample for the purpose of this review and the opportunity to hold a giveaway for my readers. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.