Enter to win a $50 target Gift Card {Giveaway}

Welcome to the $50 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

Brandon's Adventures, Giveaway Goddess, TomboyAngel, and several other awesome bloggers are joining Beachbody Coach Christine Horchak for an awesome $50 Target Gift Card Giveaway! The summer will soon be coming to a close and Back to School will be in full effect! Spend it on school supplies, clothes, groceries, whatever you want! Enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post for your chance to win!

About our Sponsor!

Hello, my name is Christine. After my first pregnancy I gained 60lbs and really struggled to find a way to get it off. Due to the challenges all new moms face as well as having my husband deploy for the next year, 5 months after my son was born, I became very depressed. I found it extremely hard to get myself motivated to want to workout and to lose that weight.

Then there he was, Shaun T, the man behind Beachbody's Insanity workout, motivating me and telling me I could do it! I decided to ordered the program and it literally changed my life. I dropped all of that extra weight doing the Insanity workouts and it was right before I welcomed my husband home from his year long deployment. I felt and looked better then I did when we got married and I was so excited for him to see the new me.

Now here it is a few years later and I again found myself in the same situation. Baby number two, not the weight gain I had with first, but an uncomfortable weight gain none the less. And, as before, my husband deploys to Afghanistan for 10 months. So the depression of being alone with now 2 kids and trying to lose weight strikes...I again turned to Beachbody. This time I signed up as a coach because I knew how awesome their products were and I wanted to help others along with trying to help myself. This was the best decision I have ever made! I started the new 21-day fix program along with drinking Shakeology, and successfully lost 10lbs, now I moved to doing Focus T25 and PiYO. I have also made such good friends with people who have consistently motivated me to stay on track with my goals and for that I am so thankful!

I am still on my weight loss and fitness journey but I was able again to welcome my husband home from this deployment to a lighter and firmer me, and that is truly the best feeling! I would love to help those who are wanting to get in shape and lose weight like I did. I have been at that place where it can be hard to get started and sometimes you need someone with the right tools to motivate and point you in the right direction. Let me be your coach and let's do this together!

GIVEAWAY

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a $50 target Gift Card courtesy of Beachbody Coach Christine Horchak! Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends August 11th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize (or another winner will be chosen). Enter below. Good Luck! 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Brandon's Adventures" Blog is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way.

Recap on Jones Park Fun Day Event

When I heard that there was going to be a event at Jones Park, it reminded me of the similar event we attended last year. This year, Jones Park Fun Day happened on Saturday, July 26th from 12pm to 3pm located near 37th Avenue and Commercial Street (parallel to Victoria Drive) in Vancouver. We went over there after having lunch at a nearby restaurant.


At the park, there were games, crafts, music, balloon animals, and more. From far away, we heard music and people hula dancing. The first thing we did when we got there was go to the craft table.

Here's Little Brandon making a photo frame.




Brandon made a Pokemon button pin.



Then we headed over to the South Van Policing Community Booth. Brandon got to spin the wheel to win stuff. I filled out a survey and received a free pen. While I did that, hubby took little Brandon to the Fire Engine and met the fire chief who gave Brandon some stickers.


The line up for the balloon animals took a bit long. Hubby stood in the line while Brandon and I stepped over to the other side of the playground to explore what other activities were available.  There was also a bouncy castle, BBQ, hot dogs, and food, but we had to pay for those. I didn't buy anything because I didn't want to spend anything.


The organizer mentioned prior to the event that Queen Elsa from Disney "Frozen" would make an appearance, but we didn't get to see her even tho we were there for almost the entire time. However, we did see the policing community's squirrel mascot. We took photos with him.


I forgot to bring sunscreen, but good thing there were few nice big trees to give us enough shade. Finally, after waiting a long time and 30 minutes left, Brandon finally got his balloon animal before heading home.



Little Brandon had a great time. Volunteers were quite organized and helpful. Thanks to the organizers for a fun day at Jones Park.

BubbleGum Booster Seat Giveaway

Welcome to the BubbleBum Booster Seat Giveaway!

Hosted By: Sweet Southern Lovin

Cohosted By: Life of a Southern Mom

Sponsored By: BubbleBum

BubbleBum is the first ever inflatable booster seat. Founded by Grainne Kelly, out of pure frustration and concern for her own kids safely while traveling. This car seat is very light weight and perfect for kids ages 4-11. It easily folds flat and can be stored in a matching travel bag to make carrying around while traveling so much easier, since it inflates in only 20 seconds (by mouth). The BubbleBum is perfect for: Carpool, when you have 3 carseats in a row, taxis, holidays, rental cars, grandma’s car, and so much more. The options are endless. There are even positioning clips on each side that will hold the lap portion of the seat belt in place. The BubbleBum is available in 4 fun colors; purple/lime, black/silver, neon pink and neon yellow. What color will you pick? Michelle over at Sweet Southern Lovin had the opportunity to review the neon pink BubbleBum. Check out her full review by visiting here.

FEATURES:

• For children ages 4 - 11, 40 - 100 lbs
• Inflatable, foldable and portable - great for travel, car rentals, taxis, tight "3 across" fits, carpools and caregivers
• Easily fit three car seats across the back seat with BubbleBum because it's 13" wide.
• Rated a "Best Bet" Booster by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Winner of many awards including the The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
• When deflated, it easily fits in a handbag or backpack.

GIVEAWAY

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a BubbleBum Booster Seat in the color of their choice (RV $29.99)! Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends August 7th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize (or another winner will be chosen). Enter below. Good Luck!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Brandon's Adventures" Blog is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way.

Summer Community Children's Party

This year, we attended the Sizzling Summer Community Children's Party (funded by the Vancouver Foundation) on Saturday (July 19th) that was organized by a friend's friend who applied for the Neighborhood Small Grants. It was held at Clinton Park in Vancouver. I told my husband about it and we drove there right after we finished our errands. They had this event last year, but I missed it because we were away on vacation.  This is their 2nd annual Community Children's Party. We made it this year.

The weather was a little bit cool that day. It rained in the morning, but later in the day it started to get better. The sun was starting to peek out when we got there around 2:30pm. The weather held up with some sunshine off and on.


There were games, crafts, free makeovers, food, and lucky prize draws. I love the craft table where we had a chance to make recycled art and flower pots using magazine pages.


The event was well-organized with a group of volunteers. I was happy to see my friends and also met a few new friends. Little one had a lot of fun in the sandbox and playground. They had the BBQ near the playground with hotdogs, salad, appetizers, and snacks to share with everyone and the kids. Everyone had a great time!

Lovable Labels Back to School Pack Giveaway

LovableLabels Back to School Packs are on sale and for this month of July, you'll receive an early bird pricing of $39.95 (ends July 31, 2014). You will also get FREE standard shipping within US and Canada if you purchase this month! If your kids are going back to school in September, it's not too far away.

WIN IT!

Click HERE to enter the giveaway and for more details!

Rio 2 Blu-Ray + DVD Combo Pack Giveaway

Welcome to the Rio 2 Blu-Ray +DVD Combo Pack Giveaway!

Hosted By: Life of a Southern Mom

Co Hosted By: Sweet Southern Lovin

Sponsored By: Fox Home Entertainment Insider

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment takes you deep into the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest for the most fun you’ll have all summer long. Not only will kids get nearly an hour and a half of bonus features on the RIO 2 Blu-ray, but they’ll also get their groove on with two downloadable bonus songs from the RIO 2 soundtrack: "I Will Survive" and "Poisonous Love". For even more fun, every Blu-ray comes with 15 exclusive levels for Angry Birds Rio™ and Music Machine Sing-Along and Dance-Along songs for a whole family party! Jennifer at Life of a Southern Mom had the pleasure of reviewing Rio 2 on Blu-Ray + DVD Combo Pack with her family. Visit here to read her full review and also download printable coloring sheets and activity sheets.

GIVEAWAY

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a Rio 2 Blu-Ray DVD Combo Pack! Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends July 31st, 2014 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize (or another winner will be chosen). Enter below. Good Luck!

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Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Brandon's Adventures" Blog is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way.

Sun & Bug Carrier Cover Giveaway

Welcome to the Cozy Cover Sun & Bug Carrier Cover Giveaway!

Hosted By: Life of a Southern Mom

Sponsored By: Cozy Cover

The Sun & Bug Cover from Cozy Cover is the original cover designed to help protect babies from potentially harmful insects and outdoor elements. It was introduced nearly two decades ago and is known around the world for comfort, convenience and safety.

Life of a Southern Mom had the pleasure of working with Cozy Cover and reviewing one of their products. Visit the website here and read her full review.

GIVEAWAY

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a Sun & Bug Infant Carrier Cover (ARV $24.95)! Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends August 7th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize (or another winner will be chosen). Enter below. Good Luck!

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Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Brandon's Adventures" Blog is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way.

Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue

Planes: Fire & Rescue is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous team, including spirited super scooper Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.


I had the opportunity to watch the screening of Planes: Fire & Rescue with the family a couple days before the actual release date.  I didn't expect too much of this movie, but I thought it was quite entertaining. It gives a good message that younger kids can learn about forest fires and how to prevent them. My 5-year-old enjoyed the movie. There were some laughs and tears. The middle to ending was a little emotional because of Dusty's broken gearbox that his friends had trouble finding a replacement.  I think this sequel has improved much better than the first animated film of Planes.

Official Website: www.disney.com/planes

Like Disney's Planes on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPlanes

Follow Disney's Planes on Twitter: @DisneyPictures

Instagram: http://instagram.com/disneystudios

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/disneys-planes-fire-rescue

Tumblr: http://disneystudios.tumblr.com/

Disclosure: I was given complimentary tickets to see the pre-screening for the mentioned film from Disney Studios Canada. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Recap on the Books & Toys Exchange Event

On Friday, July 18th, I helped out a friend who applied for the Vancouver Foundation Neighborhood Small Grants. Her project was the Books & Toys Exchange event where families can join in for some fun exchanging new or gently used books for their children. There was also a craft table where I helped monitor and assist the children with their creativity. It was a great turn out.

It was a busy morning. I helped bring in the boxes of toys and crafts to put on the tables. The event started at 9:30am, but some of the people were there early before we were even ready. I guess they wanted to pick out and exchange the good stuff ahead of the latecomers.

I really enjoyed helping out and giving my support to making this successful. Before I met the organizer, I actually had this idea when I took the "Pathways to Leadership" program at Frog Hollow Neighborhood House. It was a civic engagement project, but I didn't apply for the Grants.

What I would improve is probably set up a 2nd table just for the books beside the used toys. During the event, we had 1 table for both the used toys and books, another table for new toys (where each child picks a raffle with a number matching that particular toy), a table for the sign-in, and a table for arts & crafts.

Below are some photos from the event courtesy of Tina, the organizer.

Lyric Video for "Where No One Goes" From Official "How To Train Your Dragon 2" Soundtrack #HTTYD2

Sigur Rós Frontman Jónsi and Composer John Powell

Release Lyric Video for "Where No One Goes" From Official

How To Train Your Dragon 2 Soundtrack

Relativity Music Group and DreamWorks Animation have released a lyric video for Sigur Rós Frontman, Jónsi, and Composer John Powell's "Where No One Goes." Watch the lyric video now here: http://bit.ly/1qjeTMZ. "Where No One Goes" is off the soundtrack for DreamWorks Animation's "How To Train Your Dragon 2," which was released on June 10th.Following the Oscar-nominated soundtrack for 2010's original, How To Train Your Dragon, featuring collaborations from composer John Powell and Jónsi, the duo returned to the studio to charm audiences once again.

• Go behind the scenes in-studio and read an exclusive interview with John Powell over at TIME here. 
• Purchase How To Train Your Dragon 2: Music From The Motion Picture on iTunes here. 
• Purchase the ZinePak edition of the soundtrack exclusively through Walmart here.
• Purchase How To Train Your Dragon 2 Soundtrack on Amazon here.

Critically acclaimed composer John Powell has contributed original compositions to over 50 film scores including "Happy Feet", "Shrek," "PS. I Love You", "X-Men: The Last Stand", "Rio", "Ice Age: The Meltdown", "The Bourne Identity" series, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "Robots", and numerous others. Powell's outstanding work on 2010's "How To Train Your Dragon" landed him two International Film Music Critics Association Awards (Score of The Year, Best Score for an Animated Feature) andearned him his first Academy Award nomination at the 83rd Academy Awards.

About his time in the studio with Jónsi the second time around, Powell tells TIME, "It was like him and me were having a baby... It was exactly between our two musical natures."

Jónsi, internationally known for being the guitarist and vocalist for Icelandic post-rock band, Sigur Rós, isn't new to the scoring world. In addition to composing the score for "We Bought A Zoo," his original song, "Sticks and Stones" for 2010's How To Train Your Dragon, skyrocketed into a worldwide hit. His new release, "Where No One Goes" off the upcoming soundtrack has already garnered praise from the likes of Pitchfork, Stereogum, Consequence of Sound, Death + Taxes, KEXP, NME, Rolling Stone, Filter Magazine and more.

Relativity Music Group recently released soundtracks for DreamWorks Animation's Mr. Peabody & Sherman, The Croods, Safe Haven, Millennium Films' Olympus Has Fallen and The Iceman as well as Focus Features' Hyde Park on Hudson and Promised Land.


For more information on How To Train Your Dragon 2, please visit www.howtotrainyourdragon.com. You can also follow the film on Facebook and on Twitter through #HTTYD2.

Facebook Photo Contest: Win a Kidorable Ensemble

Kidorable is holding a summer contest on their Facebook Fan Page. Simply email a picture of a child you love sporting a Kidorable product to contest@kidorable.com. Your photo will be reviewed by our panel of professional artists. The winner’s photo will be prominently featured on our Facebook page and website.


Entries will be accepted from Wednesday, July 16 until Friday, August 1. The winner will be announced Monday, August 4 at noon CST.

PS: Keep in mind the following when submitting your photos:

• Please limit your entry to a single photo. If we receive more than one photo, we'll just use the first one only.
• US or Canada shipping address required for contest eligibility.
• File size must be smaller than 1MB.

Transformers BumbleBee Costume Review

Are you a huge fan or know someone who is a huge fan of Transformers. Our family is one of the biggest fans and we've seen all of the movies. During our vacation, hubby found the latest movie series on DVD for a great deal and to complete our collection.

The first Transformers movie was released in 2007. It was about an ancient struggle between two Cybertronian races, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. They came to Earth, with a clue to the ultimate power held by a teenager (played by Shia LaBeouf). See the list of the original movie cast.

Little Brandon was excited that he had a chance to pretend to be his favorite character, Bumble Bee. I'd let him pick out his costume from Wholesale Halloween Costumes.


I chose a size bigger because kids grow into it fast. The costume includes jumpsuit with muscle torso and arms, as well as a character mask. Brandon loves how soft it was and how the padded arms makes him look bigger and strong (like a super hero). I'm sure he'll be wearing this Transformers costume again this Halloween.





PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Surprise your little guy with an outfit from one of his favorite cartoon heroes. The Child Transformers Bumblebee Classic Muscle disguise will make kids want to transform in and out of character all the time. This guise includes a jumpsuit in yellow and black similar to the mechanics of Bumblebee's character. The jumpsuit is pumped with muscles in the torso and on the arms, and the cool character mask takes pretending to new heights with such accurate details. Always getting into danger, Bumblebee can quickly get out of a tight jam and his small stature amongst the other Autobots makes this even easier. He changes between his true form and a yellow Volkswagen Beetle that gets a lot of mileage! Kids are constantly transforming themselves and now they can transform into a heroic Autobot with the Child Transformers Bumblebee Classic Muscle costume.


Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products in exchange for my honest review in this post. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.