Disclaimer: I received tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Harlem Globetrotters are synonymous with excellent basketball skills, tricks, and fun. The 2024 show is as magical and delightful as the show I saw when I was a kid. The Globetrotters are still some of the most skilled players I've ever seen, and their showmanship can't be beat. We were able to attend with friends and kids (of all ages) had a fantastic time. It was so much fun to see the show through the eyes of the children who had never seen the Globetrotters before.
I love these three photos - after scoring, he was standing on top of the hoop. Then the ref told him to get down. So--of course--he goes THROUGH the net.
Part of the great show includes bringing kids on the court to do various things. This little girl was so shy but her face lit up when he put the spinning basketball on her finger.
We LOVE Globie - the Harlem Globetrotters Mascot
Final Score Globetrotters 90, Generals 86
Be sure to check out the 2024 World Tour schedule and get your 20% off tickets with discount code USFAM - and enjoy the show!
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2024 WORLD TOUR - PRESENTED BY JERSEY MIKE'S SUBS
Have you ever gotten to see the Harlem Globetrotters live? They put on the best show and play a full basketball game with trick shots, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. It's good, clean, family fun and something everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
From the promoter:
Where, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!? happens all the time! Don't miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan FUN! See the Globetrotter stars LIVE as they DRIBBLE, SPIN, SLAM, and DUNK their way past their relentless rivals, the Washington Generals! You'll be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, and BIG LAUGHS with unrivaled opportunities for pre-game, post-game and in-game fan engagement!
Disclosure: I was provided tickets in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a fantastic evening! We've seen the Harlem Globetrotters before, but they never disappoint. It started during warmups when they were already having a competition to see who could hit the most shots from the 4-point line. Then one player (Crash) started doing over the head backwards shots from the 4-point line.
For us "old-school" fans, it was so exciting to see "Sweet" Lou Dunbar is still coaching the team. I remember watching him play for the Globetrotters when I was a child. It was fun to watch him interact not only with the players but also with the kids in the crowd.
Globie is the mascot and he comes out during quarter breaks to entertain. The one handed spin amazes me. He lays on his side and spins around in circles on one hand.
Some of the shenanigans make me laugh until my sides hurt. Here's a player casually sitting on the top of the backboard. Assisting on shots when needed.
My family loves the Harlem Globetrotters. We've seen them in the past and the kids are always enthralled from start to finish. They love to watch the trick shots, the showmanship, and the skill of the Globetrotters and the Washington Generals. We are so excited they will be back in our city in 2023. We've got our tickets - and now you can get tickets too. Save up to 20% using the code USFAM. It's a great discount for a basketball game and show made for kids from 1 to 101.
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike's is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world\'s winningest team! In 2023, every fan is getting in on this action...that means YOU, so get ready! It's GLOBETROTTER game time!
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD TOUR Tickets are now on sale!
Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM
Bringing world-class basketball showmanship to arenas all over the U.S.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
THE CASE FOR HEAVEN is a new film showing exclusively on Pure Flix starting July 15, 2022. THE CASE FOR HEAVEN is based on the new book by best-selling author Lee Strobel, who wrote The Case for Christ. I had the opportunity to preview the movie and it was even better than I had hoped it would be.
We are taken through some of the history of near-death experiences (NDE) and how they can be proven/disproven. From there, we get to meet and hear from people who had a NDE and from those who have studies NDE. I was so fascinated by the stories and the way scripture was dove-tailed into the stories. Lee Strobel has never been afraid to tackle controversial subjects, and this is no different. I appreciated hearing both sides of the argument. For those who don't know, Lee Strobel is a best-selling author and former atheist turned Christian apologist.
Synopsis: We all want to know what happens after we die. In THE CASE FOR
HEAVEN, best-selling author and investigative journalist Lee Strobel explores the
evidence for the afterlife in order to address man’s biggest fear: death. Inspired by
his own brush with death, Strobel searches for answers to the most profound
questions we all have, about heaven, hell, and Near-Death Experiences. Featuring
interviews with experts and skeptics, THE CASE FOR HEAVEN will challenge,
encourage and inspire as Strobel dares to probe the most important question. If
there is a heaven, can we prove it?
Lee Strobel says, "Viewers will be surprised, captivated and encouraged by 'The Case for Heaven,' a
beautiful and compelling film. It will dispel many of their misconceptions about the
afterlife. I’m thrilled with the enthusiastic reception the documentary has received
so far – and I can't wait for an even wider audience to experience it." I think everyone will enjoy seeing the interviews with best-selling author John Burke, world-renowned pastor Francis Chan, the late Evangelist Luis Palau and more.
Disclosure: I was allowed to preview this material in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Is anyone else a huge fan of the Wiggles? We fell in love with them when my oldest (now an adult living on his own...) was a toddler. We found them by mistake before they ever hit Disney Channel and have been singing and wiggling ever since. When I heard about their newest endeavor, Super Wiggles, I knew I had to watch the DVD and hear the new songs.
For Wiggles fans, I promise this CD and DVD will not disappoint. It's the same Wiggles magical musical style with the Wiggles and the Fruit Salad TV Wiggles. You can purchase your copy right now by clicking here.
THE WIGGLES LAUNCH SUPERHERO THEMED
ALBUM AND VIDEO SPECIAL
From the Producers - Calling all superheroes! Your friendly neighborhood Wiggles — Anthony,
Lachy, Simon and Tsehay — have joined forces with the Fruit Salad TV Wiggles — Evie, Kelly,
Caterina, and John — to celebrate the everyday heroes in our community, with a new album
and video special.
Featuring 22 new and original songs, Super Wiggles showcases the newest members of
Wiggle Town through catchy new tunes, including "Hey, Tsehay,” "I’m Evie, I Wear Ballet
Shoes” and "I’m John, I’m Strong.”
The album and video special introduces friends such as the wonderful Super Granny; Super
Ballet Man Chengwu, who demonstrates his amazing dance skills; and the multi-talented
Paloma the Mermaid.
As founding member and Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said, “The Super Wiggles remind us
that not all heroes wear capes and that superheroes are everywhere, from teachers, to the
lollipop person, to even the garbage truck driver. Who knows, you may even be a superhero
too?”
Want to hear some of the new songs (I especially loved the Super Granny and The Friendship Song). You can take a listen here.
Would you like a chance to hear the new songs from the Wiggles? Enter my giveaway below for a chance to win a CD and a DVD of the Super Wiggles. Winners must reside in the US.
Disclosure: I was allowed to preview this film in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tyson's Run is releasing March 11th, 2022 in theaters nationwide. I was very excited to see this movie as the main character, Tyson, is a teenager on the autism spectrum. As a mom of a teen on the autism spectrum, I wanted to make sure the autism mom voice was heard. I was amazed by the sensitivity shown in the movie--even when dealing with tough themes.
The movie's main focus is Tyson trying to get the approval of his father. I think everyone has felt at one point or another as if they didn't measure up to the standard set by their parents. Tyson is no different, but his autism does sometimes bring a large spotlight on potential disapproval. Some of the scenes where Tyson is trying to make his way and show his father his potential were a little tough for me to watch as I have seen this happen sometimes with other families of teens with autism. It was raw and it was real, but I think others need to see that glimpse into the world of autism and special needs. With autism rates now 1 in 44, we are at a point where everyone knows someone with autism.
The portrayal of the bullying that happens to kids with autism and other special needs was difficult to watch, I appreciated the movie showing the second half of the story. We found that when our son was bullied, there was almost always a kind-hearted person who saw beyond the autism to truly see our son as the wonderful person he is. Those people may not have become best friends with our son, but we knew they always had his back. It is my hope that each of us strives to raise a kind and caring child (like Shannon in the movie) who will stand up for injustice and show kindness.
The movie features the song If you Believe. It is an original song recorded by four-time Grammy Award-winning Gospel Singer Yolanda Adams. It is beautiful and fits the movie perfectly. This movie overall was one I'd like to watch again and again. Finding a family friendly movie is not always easy but this movie about determination, grit, and faith fit the bill perfectly.
When fifteen-year-old Tyson attends public school for the first time, his life is changed forever. While helping his father clean up after the football team, Tyson befriends champion marathon runner Aklilu. Never letting his autism hold him back, Tyson becomes determined to run his first marathon in hopes of winning his father's approval.
With the help of an unlikely friend and his parents, Tyson learns that with faith in yourself and the courage to take the first step, anything is possible.
Movie Trailer
Giveaway:
Thanks to Momentum Influencers and Tyson's Run. One lucky winner will receive a $20 Amazon giftcard. Enter using this form.
Season Two of Vindication has been released on Pure Flix. The Pure Flix original series comes back in season two with more gripping stories and events that challenge the viewer to think beyond themselves and see some of the bigger picture. While I've watched the entire Season 1 and Season 2, I was asked to report on Season 2, Episode 10 "The Chief."
Without giving spoilers, I'm going to say it was quite the season finale. I was on the edge of my seat for the episode. There are a lot of sub-themes coming to the climax of this season. Episode 10 is taking on parts of the themes from the entire season--drug overdose, incarceration, racial inequality, sexual assault, and more. While Detective Travis is one of the top two contenders for Chief of Police, there is a lot of politicking going on. Travis has to decide what he really wants in his life. Is he after the promotion and the role of Chief?
The ending leaves us with a cliffhanger of sorts. I won't spoil it but I can't wait for Season 3 to come out. It won't be soon enough for me and I'll be first online to watch.
About Vindication:
Vindication is a unique crime drama series that alters the perception of faith-based entertainment. Detective Travis (Todd Terry, Breaking Bad) has spent 15 years solving cases in the small town of East Bank, Texas. When the addition of an eager trainee upends his routine, Travis is forced to adjust his ways while balancing a growing number of suspiciously consistent cases. At home, tensions between the cynical detective and his devoutly religious wife escalate when their estranged daughter returns home.
GIVEAWAY
Would you like to win a subscription to Pure Flix to watch Vindication (or any of the thousands of shows)? Enter below for your chance to win a 3 or 6 month subscription. (Three months for new subscribers and 6 months for existing subscribers.)
I just watched Season One of the show Vindication on Pure Flix. It features Detective Travis in this faith-based crime and drama series. The first couple episodes I thought it would be individual episodes that were not connected at all other than Detective Travis. While each one is a different crime and different focus, we have returning characters and get to know more about the lives of several families.
So many tough plots were addressed through this season. Everything from PTSD, sexting, drug addiction/rehab, autism, human trafficking/prostitution, and more. These shows were a very easy way to bring up tough subjects with my teen and discuss in an open dialogue. I highly recommend using this series to bring up and dive into tough to discuss subjects.
MORE ABOUT PURE FLIX:
Pure Flix is the leading faith and family-friendly streaming video-on-demand service. With thousands of God-honoring and inspiring movies and shows, you can Have Faith In Your Entertainment again.
Pure Flix was founded in 2005 by Michael Scott, David A.R. clear, and Russell Wolfe. The company initially started as a film studio behind breakout theatrical hits like "God’s Not Dead," "The Case for Christ" and "Do You Believe?" and launched its streaming platform in 2014. In late 2020, Pure Flix the streaming service became part of AFFIRM Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, with a mission to stream God-honoring stories to a new generation through inspiring and faith-affirming TV shows, movies and original series.
Be looking for an upcoming post when I get to review an episode from Season Two and host a giveaway for a 6 month subscription to Pure Flix.
Disclosure:Many thanks to Miss PattyCakefor providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Miss PattyCake has been a beloved character in our home and in our church since the beginning of her ministry. My children grew up with Miss PattyCake and we always found her to be the perfect blend of learning, songs, and fun. Her songs are not only educational in the traditional sense, but they also point towards the Lord and give parents and caregivers an opportunity to share faith in an age appropriate way for preschoolers. I had not seen the Eggstravaganza video before, but I must say I loved it. I will most certainly be sharing with my Sunday School children this year on Resurrection/Easter Sunday.
I'm so excited to share this NEW Resurrection package with all of you for this Easter. The DVD comes with a Coloring and Activity Book that dovetails perfectly with the video to reinforce learning. The material can be adapted and used for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and children through the second grade. Each of the Coloring/Activity sheets has a matching son or Bible verse to help your child learn Biblical Truths and scripture. Be sure to purchase your bundle here.
Disclosure: Many thanks toEntertainment Squadfor providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Dolphin Island is a wonderful movie that brings the message, "Hope will bring you home." This Indee film has all of the power and impact of a major motion picture. It is a family oriented film and I was pleased to be able to share the movie with my family. Be sure to check out the Discussion Guide for more insights and ways to bring the story to life and really dig into the core values. With the values of Courage, Forgiveness, and Faith, you will want to follow the scriptures and clips and really dig deeper into the movie. The movie is now available to purchase and stream through many online outlets. Check out the Watch Now page for all of the options.
Annabel is a spunky girl with a lot of heart. She really reminded me of my own daughter. She loves the animals in the preserve her parents founded before they were killed in a tragic diving accident when Annabel was 4. Her best friends are Mitzy the dolphin and her grandfather who quit his job as a professor to come to the Bahamas and raise Annabel at the preserve. They have a very special bond and he truly tries to keep the memory of her parents alive for Annabel. When her other grandparents from New York come around, she is excited to think about visiting them. But they want her to move to New York permanently. The legal battle that ensues may end up tearing apart everyone. When it looks utterly hopeless, Annabel manages to surprise everyone. You'll have to watch to see how.
From the producers:
After losing her parents, 14-year-old Annabel lives with her fisherman grandfather on an island paradise. She is surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky neighbors and her best friend - a dolphin named Mitzy. Everything changes when her maternal grandparents arrive with a shifty lawyer to bring her back to New York. It’s up to Annabel and her friends to figure out how to save the day and prove that love conquers all!
GIVEAWAY
One winner will receive a digital code to view the movie. (North America only). Best wishes to you as you enter.
Can you believe it? Baby Beluga, the beloved song by children's artist Raffi is turning 40 this year. I remember singing this with/to my children when they were young. Raffi was one of the few children's artists that I could listen to over and over without wanting to pull my hair out. And 40 years later, I still love listening to Raffi. I look forward to someday (in the distant future) getting to share his songs with my grandchildren.
Raffi wanted to celebrate with a new video to celebrate little Baby Beluga. Raffi invited parents to submit their child's hand drawn artwork to create this heart-warming music video which features a few animated surprises. The submissions came from children of all ages and ability levels, as well as a few from "BelugaGrads."
And for Baby Beluga fans everywhere, I'm giving away a copy of the original Baby Beluga CD. Keep reading for your chance to win.
GIVEAWAY
Enter below to win a copy of the original Baby Beluga CD
Disclosure: I was given a preview copy of the music to listen to. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the new children's music being released these days. On August 7, Red Yarn is releasing their new album, Backyard Bop. They feature country styles with catchy rhythms to keep kids of all ages engaged and entertained. My favorite song on the new album is "Jump for Joy." It's just plain fun to listen (and jump) to. While my kids are older now, we still enjoyed jamming out. They also thought "Critters in my Garden" was another winning song.
Here's the music video for Critters in My Garden - Enjoy!
From Red Yarn:
I want to see y'all dancing, playing & creating! Post a photo or video of your family’s party on social media with the hashtag #BackyardBop. Tag me - @redyarnpdx on IG or @redyarn on FB - and I'll share it! Once I see everyone's pictures, I'll choose one lucky family to receive a signed copy of the new album plus our other five CDs. Five more winners will get a free digital download.
Would you like to win a copy of the new Backyard Bop Album?
Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
David Chadwick's newest book offers us 12 ways God can help you conquer anxiety. This book is one that he had started to write about two years ago, but it totally relevant today. In Moving Beyond Anxiety, David Chadwick takes us step by step through Identifying Anxiety and Overcoming Anxiety. I read the book through and got so much out of it that I am now re-reading one chapter at a time (trying to read one each day) to really take in all of the information and meditate on how to overcome anxiety.
I find it interesting that David Chadwick started writing this two years ago to expose negative emotion that is a cause of teen suicide. He never imagined that the release of this book would happen during a worldwide pandemic. Each chapter has timely information from a counseling perspective, connects to scripture and gives references. Sometimes there are exercises to practice to help overcome anxiety, and then there are Final Thoughts. The Final Thoughts in my copy of the book are highlighted, underlined and have notes.
The 12 Strategies found in this book are:
● Focus on Faith ● Remember
● Pray ● Sing
● Fast ● Remember Your Body
● Cast ● Develop an Eternal Perspective
● Consider Creation ● Get Good Teammates
● Ponder the Prepositions
● Realize God Do Not Give You a Spirit of Fear
About David Chadwick:
David Chadwick is presently the pastor of Moments of Hope Church in Charlotte, N.C. He has been a pastor for almost 40 years. He played basketball under the legendary coach, Dean Smith, at the University of North Carolina and was a member of the Final Four 1969 team. David also has a graduate counseling psychology degree from the University of Florida and an MDiv and DMin from Columbia Theological Seminary. These post graduate degrees have allowed David to combine therapeutic counseling theories with biblical truth. David is the author of nine books and hosts a weekly talk show on faith and values on WBT in Charlotte, N.C. He has been married to the love of his life, Marilynn, for 42 years and has three children, Bethany, David Banner, and Michael. They have given David and Marilynn seven grandchildren.
I highly recommend getting a copy of Moving Beyond Anxiety here. And you can learn more about the book and David Chadwick on his Facebook Page. Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Disclosure: I was given a digital album exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was so excited to share this album with you. I listened to the songs and not only are the tunes catchy and fun to listen to, but the lyrics are words I want poured into my children. With song titles like the cover title, "I am Kind" and "Every one of us Belongs," I wanted to listen. When I heard the songs "I Can Dream" and I knew I had to share this album with you.
When I read about Lindsay to learn more about the compassion and love of children that comes thought the songs, I discovered she has three children with autism. And I knew I had to support a fellow autism mom who is working to be the change she wants to see in the world.
From the Troubrador Label Press Release:
This is the first Troubadour album featuring an artist other than Raffi in decades. Munroe is a lifelong fan of Raffi’s music. In June 2019, she and her youngest daughter attended Raffi’s concert in Worcester, MA. Meeting Raffi backstage, Lindsay was delighted when he said he was a fan of her “Sing Along with Lindsay”videos on YouTube. Over time, Raffi enjoyed hearing Lindsay’s original children’s songs, inspired by her own kids, and he suggested that she record an album. She agreed and was thrilled when Raffi offered to produce it.
Raffi suggested that Munroe’s album include children’s classics like “This Little Light of Mine” and “Frère Jacques,” as well as Raffi’s own signature tunes “The More We Get Together” and “De Colores.” Munroe’s love of traditional folk music is reflected in the tracks “Peace Like a River” and “Bluebird Bluebird.” Raffi’s familiar voice and his playing (guitar, ukulele, electric piano, bongos, and train whistle) enrich this album, and the energetic voices of Munroe’s three children add to the feeling of joining a sing-along with family and friends. Raffi says that Munroe “brings traditional songs to life with charm and a calm energy, just right for kids.”
Munroe is a passionate advocate of diversity and inclusion, whose singalong sessions delight youngsters at libraries and preschools near her home in Massachusetts. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and mother of three children with autism, she found inspiration in the Raffi Foundation’s online course in Child Honouring. Her songs reflect the Child Honouring principles of Respectful Love, Diversity, Caring Community, Emotional Intelligence, and Nonviolence.
Indeed, positivity and hope exude the title track “I Am Kind” and “Every One of Us Belongs.” With her golden voice and singalong melodies, Munroe offers both inspiration and practical tools for all children, including those who are neurodiverse.
As a mom of a young adult with autism, this information wasn't new to me, but I was happy to see it being shared in the press release.
Research shows that music can help people with autism to improve skills in areas such as communication, sensory issues, behavior, cognition, perceptual/motor skills, and self-reliance. Deeply sensitive to special needs children, Munroe speaks directly to those who may need a little encouragement. As Raffi notes, songs such as “Ok to Make Mistakes” and “Waiting Nicely” are “positive affirmations that kids can internalize for those times they might need a melodic reminder that they are indeed capable people. With the current emphasis in education on social and emotional learning and on inclusion, Lindsay’s songs are a gift to the emotional intelligence in the social and playful learning of children in their early years.”
If you'd like to see the weekly activity sheets or listen to a sampling of the new album, please visit Lindsay Munroe's website and download and listen.
Would you like to win a digital copy of Lindsay Munroe's album? Enter below
Rules for the Giveaway:
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.
If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.
Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
Winner must reside in USA or Canada
Winner has 24 hours to respond to winning email or another winner will be chosen.
Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for delivery of prize package and can not be held liable
Disclosure: I received a custom face mask in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you had troubles finding masks that you can get quickly? I know I have been on waiting lists for 3-5 weeks for a mask. When I found out about MaskMarket.com, I was thrilled. Masks ship within 24 hours.
Let me repeat that....
Masks Ship within 24 hours.
Masks are Made in the USA.
Every mask purchased also equals a mask donated.
I ordered the Aurora Borealis Mask, and I didn't realize it has a pocket and comes with a filter. I was impressed. It shipped the very day I ordered it and arrived in 2 days to my location in the midwest. I love it. It fits well and comes with grips that adjust the elastic smaller if needed. I will be using to make my mask fit even better, but it's comfortable and easy to wear. And--let's face it, I want to look good wearing my mask, too. Be sure to check out all of the designs to choose from at MaskMarket.com
Would you like to win a Custom Face Mask? Enter below for your chance to win.
Rules for the Giveaway:
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor MaskMarket.com in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.
If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.
Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
Winner must reside in USA
Winner has 24 hours to respond to winning email or another winner will be chosen.
Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for delivery of prize package and can not be held liable.
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