Friday, November 27, 2015

Desert Dancer - Coming to DVD on December 1st

Freida Pinto Stars in DESERT DANCER – Arriving on DVD December 1st, 2015. Mark your calendars now...a hot new release just in-time for the holiday season and gift-giving!

Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of Iran’s volatile 2009 presidential election, this powerful film follows the incredible true story of renowned international dancer Afshin Ghaffarian. At a time when dancing is forbidden, Afshin (Reece Ritchie, Hercules) and some friends, including the beautiful Elaheh (Freida Pinto, Slumdog Millionaire) risk their lives to form an underground dance company. Inspired by banned online videos of timeless legends like Michael Jackson and Rudolf Nureyev, Afshin and Elaheh embrace their passion for dance – and for one another. With palpable tension, breathtaking choreography and spectacular cinematography, Desert Dancer is a story of extraordinary courage, love and the fulfillment of dreams.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment - Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™, Digital HD and VOD. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 20th Century Fox, a 21st Century Fox Company.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Boost Curb Appeal With Home Improvements

Your home is your most valuable asset, so it's important to keep it in good condition. A well-maintained home makes a good first impression and increases your property value. Take a look at some simple exterior home improvement ideas that will enhance your home's appearance and boost curb appeal.

Front Door

By changing the look of your front door, you can create a stunning entrance to your home. If you have an old door, give it a fresh, new contemporary look with a bold paint color that compliments your home's existing materials. If you prefer a traditional style, install a beautiful wooden door in a rich wood stain like walnut or mahogany. Keep your new front door looking its best with regular cleaning to remove dirt and fingerprints and keep the door hardware polished.

Paint

If your home's exterior needs a face lift, give it a stylish update with new paint. Your home's siding and trim takes a beating from sun and rain, often resulting in chips, cracks and peeling paint. New paint and regular maintenance can quickly transform the look of your entire home. Before you paint, repair or replace any cracked or damaged siding, trim or shingles, then add a fresh new color that will give your home great style and curb appeal.

Shutters

Adding shutters to your windows is a great way to boost visual interest. Shutters add depth and character to any architectural style. Movable shutters can also help to control ventilation and light and add extra security to your home. Shutters come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials including wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass. Synthetic materials and protective resins will give your shutters a durable, low-maintenance finish.

Outdoor Walkways

You can create a beautiful inviting entrance with a custom walkway in natural stone, brick, flagstone or concrete. Enhance the walkway with borders of shrubs, plants or colorful flowers that add visual interest and softness to hard surfaced materials. You can choose from native plants that conserve water or fragrant plants with wonderful aromas that welcome guests. Complete your walkway with pathway lighting will add safety, soft ambiance and beautiful curb appeal.

If your home is looking a little shabby or needs repairs, consider simple home improvements that can give your home updated style and beautiful curb appeal. To learn more now about home improvement ideas, contract a local contractor in your area.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

How to Save Money on Breakfast Foods

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day and it's now also quickly becoming the most expensive. The avian flu is contributing to record-high egg prices, with increases of over 130 percent in parts of the country. Meanwhile, cereal has surged by 20 cents per pound, a significant rise that outpaces all grocery costs over the last five years.

Cereal and eggs are a big part of an American's diet. In fact, 90 percent of U.S. consumers buy cereal and eat approximately 250 eggs each every year. Unfortunately, that means these price hikes will take a big bite out of a family's already tight grocery budget.

To keep you and your family's favorite breakfast food on the table without scrambling up your finances, review these savvy grocery shopping tips.

1. Buy in bulk.
Both eggs and cereals are better buys in bulk, depending on how quickly your family consumes them. Parents can save an average of 60% on popular cereal brands like Frosted Flakes, while premium brands like Kashi fetch savings of 25% compared to grocery stores. For those incredible eggs, a 24-pack of organic eggs from Costco costs about $6.99, compared to $4 to $5 for a dozen organic eggs from traditional grocery stores.

2. Stack savings.
Don't settle for sales -- save even more when you stack manufacturer's coupons on top of store sales. For example, King Soopers is currently offering four boxes of Kellogg's or Post cereals for $8, the purchase of which will also score you a free gallon of milk. By searching Coupon Sherpa for Kellogg's coupons, I found a coupon for $1 off three boxes of Kellogg's cereals. Together, I'll pay $7 for four boxes of cereal and one gallon of milk, reducing my cereal cost to $1.75 per box.

3. Compare prices.
Savvy shoppers know to compare prices between grocers before buying cereal, eggs and other food staples. However, make sure you extend your comparison to drugstores, too. For example, Walgreens is currently offering Frosted Mini Wheats for $2.99 each or two for $5, compared to Walmart's price of $3.12 each. Drugstores often have sales on eggs and milk to get patrons through their doors, so keep your eyes peeled for these specials, too!

4. Mix brand names with generic.
The bright colors and flashy cartoon characters leaping from cereal box labels are targeted at children. What's more, top brands are positioned at a child's eye level on grocery shelves, making this the most dreaded aisle for parents! These factors contribute to high costs for brand-name cereal, so try store brands instead for up to 50% savings. To keep picky eaters from complaining, mix branded and generic cereals together and store cereal in well-sealed containers. After all, Fruity O's look identical to Fruit Loops without the packaging!

5. Don't be fooled by colors.
When it comes to nutritious food, the color white is increasingly linked to foods we shouldn't eat - bread, flour, sugar - and some consumers even extend the bias to eggs. However, there is absolutely no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs. A different breed of hen lays brown eggs, are larger and require more feed compared to hens laying white eggs. As a result, brown eggs often cost 25% more compared to white eggs, and consumers just assume the cost difference has to do with more nutritional benefits from earth-toned eggs.

6. Swap boxes for bags.
Bagged cereal can cost $0.40 less per ounce compared to boxed cereal. Cereals contained in bags are not typically name brand, so remember the trick mentioned earlier about storing cereal in easy-to-access jars so kids don't let advertising influence their taste buds. If you find the bagged cereal isn't as sweet, you can always add fresh fruit to give your kids the sugary jolt they love naturally.

7. Make something new.
To reduce the cost of your grocery expense, consider swapping eggs and cereal for other breakfast options. Peanut or almond butter toast with sliced bananas and orange juice will no doubt make your kiddos happy, and parents can feel good knowing their kids are getting good protein, potassium, fiber and Vitamin C. Oatmeal is another breakfast standby and can taste completely different with various mix-ins and be prepared the night before for quicker mornings. Check Pinterest for a plethora of quick and kid-friendly alternatives to your morning meal.

This is a guest post by: Andrea Woroch is a money-saving expert who transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers by sharing smart spending tips and personal finance advice. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Consumer Reports, Forbes and many more. In addition, Andrea's stories have been published among leading publications and sites such as Yahoo!, AOL Daily Finance, CNN Money, Huffington Post, LearnVest and New York Daily News. Check out Andrea's demo reel or visit her website at AndreaWoroch.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

He Named Me Malala on DVD December 15th

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced today the critically acclaimed film “He Named me Malala,” will be made available on all formats; Digital HD, VOD and DVD December 15th, 2015.

From the director of Waiting for ‘Superman’ and the Academy Award®-Winning An Inconvenient Truth comes this highly inspiring and deeply moving documentary about courage, survival, and empowerment. He Named Me Malala tells the remarkable true story of teenage Malala Yousafzai, who was attacked by Taliban gunmen in Pakistan for advocating for girls’ education. Rather than be silenced, Malala emerged as a global voice for the education rights of all children, and in 2014, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize recipient. This intimate glimpse into the life of an extraordinary girl is sure to inspire your entire family!

The documentary offers an intimate look into Malala’s life both before and following the attack. The then 15-year-old (she turned 18 this past July) was singled out, along with her father, for advocating for girls’ education. The shooting sparked an outcry from supporters around the world. Malala miraculously survived and is now a leading campaigner for girls’ education globally as co-founder of the Malala Fund.

HE NAMED ME MALALA features Malala Yousafzai, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Toor Pekai Yousafzai, Khushal and Atal Yousafzai. The film was released by Fox Searchlight Pictures, in association with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Participant Media, with National Geographic Channel. The film is produced by Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald and Davis Guggenheim. Executive producers are Mohamed Al Mubarak and Michael Garin from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Jeff Skoll from Participant Media, and Shannon Dill. Inspired by the book I Am Malala.

* Information and photo is courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

6 Jobs That are Perfect for Retirees

Image Courtesy of FreeImages.com
How To Have Fun During Retirement...Read On!

What do school kids and retirees have in common during these dog days of summer? For many, it’s having lots of time and not knowing what to do with it.

“But that comparison begins to breakdown almost immediately, because in a few short weeks, kids go back to school, but retirees have an indefinite amount of time to contend with,” says financial advisor Jeff Bucher, president of Citizen Advisory Group, a firm that engages its community with education and charity efforts.

“Worse still for retirees, many don’t know if they can afford the time they have left, which may not be yielding a satisfying lifestyle. After all the technical details I review with clients and their finances, such as protecting and growing their money, I sometimes offer a bit of unexpected advice: consider your employment options.”

Many people who take his advice often do so more for overall happiness than money, he says. Work gives us structure, purpose and a social network. Bucher reviews many fun options that retirees often find appealing.

• Golf course: This is a popular option since so many retirees love golf. And, if you are a morning person, work at a golf course is perfectly suited for you. Some popular jobs available at a golf course for retirees include golf shop staff, ranger, starters and golf course maintenance.

• Retail: A smiling face and a pleasant disposition has earned many retirees positions as greeters at places like Wal-Mart, but there are other stores that may better fit your personality. That may include cosmetics at Macy’s or the shoe department at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Think about where you like to shop.

• Sporting venue: If you love sports, consider being an usher at a venue. Ushers assist fans to their seats and help answer any questions the fans may have. You might have to walk up and down steps, so if that’s difficult for you to do find out beforehand whether the job involves steps. The job may have perks, such as free tickets.

• Tour guide: A tour guide’s job is to introduce people to places that they are unfamiliar with, which may include wineries, museums and a city’s historical locations.

• Theme park / zoo: If you want to brag about your job to your grandkids, look into the local zoo or theme park. Some of the most popular jobs for retirees at these parks include ticket takers, working at a merchandise stand or helping assist guests at an information booth.

• Your current or former job. This one may throw you for a loop, but it could be perfect. You’ll likely maintain the same salary as the rest of your earning years; it’s something you already know and are good at; and, many people derived much satisfaction from their profession. You may find new freedom in knowing that this job is more optional than before, which may engender a sense of freedom and, perhaps, an outside-the-box mentality.

About Jeff Bucher: Jeff Bucher is president of Citizen Advisory Group and is an Investment Advisor Representative of AlphaStar Capital Management, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. He has a life and health insurance license with the state of Ohio. His membership affiliations include the exclusive Ed Slott's Master Elite IRA Advisor Group™, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), the National Association of Fixed Annuities (NAFA) and the Forum 400. He has earned Top of the Table honors through the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). Bucher is a former standout wrestler at The Ohio State University, where he earned an athletic scholarship and honed his leadership skills en route to earning four varsity letters.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

6 Tips for Shopping on Black Friday

The holiday shopping season is in full swing as retailers announce Black Friday promotions early, in hopes of drumming up a bargain frenzy for this big sales event. Though many Americans scoff at stores for offering early access to these discounts on Thanksgiving, most consumers welcome doorbuster sales with open arms.

Whether you're a seasoned doorbuster shopper or planning your first attempt at Black Friday, there's more to this annual holiday sales event than what the stores let on. Read on for six surprising things you didn't know about Black Friday, plus a few tips to help you save money.

1. Black Friday doesn't offer the best deals of the season.
According to a recent survey conducted by FatWallet, over one-third of shoppers believe the best deals of the holiday season happen on Black Friday. While you can score a great price on an off-brand TV, toys are better priced during the first two weeks of December. Meanwhile, Free Shipping Day on Dec. 18 has deeper discounts on apparel, shoes and kitchen goods, according to Rather-Be-Shopping blogger Kyle James.

2. Some products are specifically made for Black Friday sales.
Stores like Walmart and Target advertise deep discounts on TVs and electronics, but some of these items are specifically manufactured to be sold for cheap on Black Friday. These products are of lower quality and may be missing key features. I learned this lesson the hard way - my husband and I splurged on a Smart HDTV during on Black Friday sale, only to find it was missing HDMI inputs, among other things.

3. Doorbuster discounts don't stop at the sale price.
Many shoppers believe sale prices are the lowest price they can receive for products, especially on Black Friday. However, many stores offer additional savings in the form of coupons, if you know where to find them. Stores like Belk and Michaels often include coupons for extra savings in their Black Friday ads. You can also redeem coupons digitally using the Coupon Sherpa mobile app, which aggregates top deals for Black Friday shopping.

4. Online prices fluctuate all day long.
While dynamic pricing isn't specific to Black Friday sales, it's especially frustrating for deal seekers hoping to snatch up top discounts. Dynamic pricing is the practice of changing prices on products throughout the day, week or year to meet competitor pricing. To avoid this, use a price-comparison tool like Invisible Hand, which alerts you when something you're looking at online is better priced elsewhere.

5. You're at risk for getting into a parking lot accident.
In a study conducted by Progressive Insurance, claims doubled on Black Friday between 2010 and 2011, with parking lot claims increasing by over one third. With up to 70 million people shopping on Black Friday, it's no wonder these accidents are so commonplace, especially when you factor in fatigue, dark mornings and limited parking spaces.

6. "Compare at" prices aren't what they seem.
Many stores compare Black Friday sale prices to the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP. However, stores typically offer products for less than MSRP, so the comparison is misleading. For example, Sears offered a Samsung 55" 1080P 120Hz Smart LED HDTV for a sale price of $599.99 last year, comparing it to the MSRP of $1,199.99. However, Sears never sold the unit for this price, and had most recently advertised the TV for $807.49. 

Andrea Woroch is a money-saving expert who transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers by sharing smart spending tips and personal finance advice. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Consumer Reports, Forbes and many more. In addition, Andrea's stories have been published among leading publications and sites such as Yahoo!, AOL Daily Finance, CNN Money, Huffington Post, LearnVest and New York Daily News. Check out Andrea's demo reel or visit her website at AndreaWoroch.com for more information about booking an interview or requesting an original written article. You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook for daily money tips.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Strawberry Margarita Cocktail Recipe


Today we are sharing a guest post recipe with all of you. It's courtesy of Sparkling Ice. Just in-time for all of your holiday parties! 'Tis the party season!

Strawberry Margarita Cocktail Recipe

1.25 oz. SPARKLING ICE Strawberry Watermelon
3 oz. Frozen Strawberries
1 cup Crushed Ice
3 tbsp. Corn Syrup (Optional)
¼ tsp. Red Food Color (Optional)
Add 1.5 oz. Light Rum

Add SPARKLING ICE Strawberry Watermelon, frozen strawberries, light rum and crushed ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into glass. For additional spook, mix corn syrup and red food color together. Dip the rim of the glass into the red mixture and then turn upright to allow the mixture to drip. Garnish with strawberry.

Disclosure: You must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly and ALWAYS use a designated driver.