Enter to win a Personalized Puzzle from Piczzle!

 

Piczzle creates beautiful puzzles from your treasured pictures. They come in all kinds of sizes from six pieces to 2,000 pieces. Read A Small Village's Review HERE and see the awesome job they did on her daughter's new born photos.

WHY MAKE A PICTURE PUZZLE?

• Preserve cherished memories with family and friends
• Share your sentiments with a thoughtful, personal and fun experience
• Create a joyful gift with photos and words

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

One lucky winner will receive a personalized photo puzzle from Piczzle. Contest is open to US and Canadian Residents, 18+ (Contest ends Oct. 8, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional.  Please enter the giveaway form below. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation nor products for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "A Small Village Blog" received products from this sponsor to facilitate her review, no other compensation was received. All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

Welcome to the QwikWord Swag Giveaway!

Hosted by: Queen of Savings

Sponsor: QwikWord

Qwikword is the first social media platform that offers compelling visual stimuli and engages users with one-word immediate reactions.

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

One lucky winner will receive a Choice of QwikWord T-Shirt, Unisex Cap or Umbrella. Contest is open to US Residents, 18+ (Contest ends Oct. 14th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional.  Please enter the giveaway form below. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

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Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation nor products for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

Unlike some rotating brushes that require the purchase of a new device or attachment for each and every skincare need, the Spa Sonic Face and Body Polisher comes with four bonus attachments – a small brush for the face, a large brush for the body, a pumice pad for rough areas, and a facial sponge for microdermabrasion and the application of skincare products.

Four removable rotating brush heads provide a deep clean from head-to-toe:

	Small Brush: The small facial brush is made of soft bristles, specially designed for tender facial skin and to reach every contour and groove of the face. For exfoliation, apply desired cleanser to brush or to skin before use. Gently move the brush across skin in a circular motion.
	Large Brush: The large body brush is recommended for use on the entire body. To use, apply soap or cleanser to the body and gently move the brush over skin’s surface in circular motions.
	Facial Sponge: The soft facial sponge gently massages skin to stimulate skin cells and improve skin’s elasticity. The sponge furthers the absorption of skin care products used to prevent and erase fine lines and dark spots while also tightening pores. After exfoliation and/or cleansing, dip the sponge into the preferred skin care product and apply.
	Pumice: Immerse feet in warm water for several minutes, then wipe dry. Apply pumice to rough spots in a circular motion. During rotation, pumice efficiently exfoliates rough skin cells and reduces calluses. The pumice stone can be used on any rough parts of the body such as knees and elbows.

This is perfect to add to your daily routine. Also makes a great gift for this holiday. Check out the link to my review here: http://jennieyuen.blogspot.ca/2014/01/spa-sonic-skin-care-system-face-and.html

The kids are back in school, summer vacation is over, and I had the chance to finally caught up with my reading on the latest novel. I've always enjoyed mysteries.


In small-town, Appalachia, one's family history is common knowledge to all. When that history includes a torrid love affair and a jealous murder it becomes legend -- and Gia Andrews will stop at nothing to discover the truth and clear her family's name. A spellbinding debut that has already received much praise, Kimberly Bell's "The Last Breath" is a slow-burning, searing portrait of a family trying to put the past behind them so they can forgive and learn to love each other again.

Gia Andrews chases disasters as a humanitarian aid worker. It’s not just a job, but a lifestyle that has helped keep her away from her own personal ground zero for the past sixteen years. After her father was convicted of killing her stepmother, Gia fled and sought a new life away from her home town in Tennessee. Now, her father has been released and has returned home to die of the cancer he’s lived with for years. Wrestling with returning to Tennessee and filled with uncertainty about her father’s guilt, Gia reluctantly resumes the role of daughter to the town’s most infamous murderer. It isn’t long before the death threats begin and protesters are on the front lawn invading their privacy, forcing Gia to relive her past.

As Gia gets closer to uncovering the truth, she finds herself torn between the story her family and neighbors have believed in all these years, and the story she believes is real. Returning home proves more than a challenge for Gia; none of her siblings want anything to do with the man who has yet again made front-page news of their tragedy and this may be the only chance she has to rebuild relationships that absence and turmoil have strained. As her past unravels, Gia resolves one way or another to discover the truth about her father and face all of its devastating consequences.

What I enjoy about this novel is the suspense (I always love a good suspense) and how I can feel the emotional sense about what Gia Andrews is going through - in her life and how she sees the people around her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Kimberly Bell grew up in eastern Tennessee, in a small town nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians. Her four years at Agnes Scott College, Atlanta, were a quick pit stop on her quest to see the world. Kimberly's books are set in the South, where she eventually settled. Her suspenseful stories are filled with characters as colorful as the setting, featuring hard-to-love fathers, hard-won love, and they are balanced with a while lot of laughs.

You can follow Kimberly on Facebook, Twitter @KimberlySBelle, and GoodReads.

WHERE TO BUY: "The Last Breath" is now on sale (September 30, 2014) and is available for purchase at local retail bookstores, Chapters, Barnes & Noble, and amazon.com.



Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the mentioned book from the PR firm/publisher in exchange of my review. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Starring in the edgy, provocative and highly anticipated
USA Network TV series "Satisfaction," beautiful, blonde KATHERINE LaNASA (THE CAMPAIGN, Longmire, Big Love, JAYNE MANSFIELD'S CAR) plays the deliciously hard-edged, smart, sultry, high-end Madame, "Adriana," opposite Matt Passmore ("The Glades") and Stephanie Szostak ("The Devil Wears Prada"), in this Sean Jablonski ("Nip/Tuck") produced hour-long drama, which centers around a couple who find themselves at a critical midpoint in their marriage.  The show will begin airing Sunday, October 19th on SHOWCASE.  LaNasa's combination of brains, sex appeal and her captivating performance in the much talked about, already controversial summer series, and promises to steal the show from the minute she walks on screen.  She will be this summer's stand out star, not only for USA Network, but for television audiences across Canada!

This talented beauty, whose real life husband is Grant Show ("Melrose Place, "Devious Maids") and former husband, was Dennis hopper, recently made a huge splash on the silver screen starring as Will Ferrell's on screen wife in the hit movie THE CAMPAIGN.  She also starred in the critically acclaimed TV series "Longmire," as 'Lizzie Ambrose,' Sheriff Longmire's love interest as well as on the hit TV show "Big Love" as Ginnifer Goodwin's bitchy HSN boss.  Her most recent primetime TV stint was a starringrole as 'Sofia Bowers' on NBC's "Deception."   A leading lady on the big screen as well, with starring roles opposite Robert Duvall and Kevin Bacon in the Billy Bob Thornton-directed feature film, JAYNE MANSFIELD'S CAR and opposite John Cusack in the gritty indie film THE FROZEN GROUND,about real-life serial killer Robert Hansen (played by Cusack).

A former professional ballet dancer and interior designer, LaNasa wears many hats, and when she's not busy in front of the camera, she's most likely hunting down vintage souvenirs to add to her growing collection or working on interior design projects for her company Casa LaNasa.  As if that wasn't enough, she also just gave birth in March to baby girl Eloise McCue Show.

Without a doubt, LaNasa is a bona fide superstar and is quickly becoming one of Hollywood's leading ladies.

 Blogger Opp: Vacation Package Giveaway Event

Attention bloggers:  This is a free/paid blogger event hosted by Adventure to Domesticland. Link is free when you post about the giveaway on your blog and a thank-you for participating in the event.

PARTICIPATION DETAILS

* Prize Packages:

There will be one winner everyday! Winners will be emailed the day they are picked. A running list will be posted on my site and be updated daily (or as often as I can). Each winner will be able to choose from the following packages:

❤ Viva Las Vegas: 4 day and 3 night accommodations at a 3+ star hotel on the strip in Las Vegas, NV for 2 adults! (25 years or older) and a $500 dollar Funbook! (with cash, chips, meals, tokens & show tickets!)

❤ Fabulous Florida: 3 days and 2 nights of accommodations for 2, winners chooses city in Florida! Location Choices: Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Miami Beach, New Smyrna, Orlando, Palm Beach, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg

❤ Take A Break: 3 days and 2 nights of accommodations for 2, winners chooses destination! Location Choices: Bronson, Mo - Cancun, Mex - Gatlinburg, TN - Honolulu, HI - Lake Tahoe, CA - Las Vegas, NV - Mazatlan, Mex - Napa Valley, CA - Palm Springs, CA - Pocono Mtns, PA - Puerto Vallarta, Mex - Scottsdale, AZ - White Mtn, CA

* Event dates: October 1st - 31st, 2014

* Eligibility: Contest is open to US

* One FREE Link (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest) with announcement post (OR $5 to participate)

* Optional additional Paid links available for $2 each.

* Email Subscription, RSS or Feedburn links for $3.

* Picketfence, Daily Vote or Daily Comments for $5.

* Agree to post the giveaway HTML on the date the event begins and promote at least 4x a week

* Please feel free to mention Jennie Yuen from "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" referred you! Thanks much!

~ SIGN UP HERE ~

OK. Say you have a meeting at the office and just got back from lunch that had quite a bit of garlic. You just chewed the last piece of gum, but can still taste the garlic and probably have garlic breath. Now what? Wish you had OraMD Breath? The spray bottle is perfect to keep in your pocket, or purse, or even leave in your desk at the office.


Many people do get bad breath (not just from food). I had the opportunity to try the OraMD Breath spray bottle. The first time I used it, it was so strong that it had a bitter taste and I had to rinse. After using a few more times a few days later, I got used to it. It is very effective and immediately eliminates bad breath. The ingredients contain no chemicals - only natural products such as pure almond, spearmint, and peppermint oils.

Features & Benefits:

• one spray completely eliminates embarrassing bad breath
• kills the cause of bad breath
• ingredients clinically proven to kill periodontal bacteria
• leaves a really fresh, clean feeling unlike anything you’ve experienced
• no chemicals, sugar, alcohol, or anything artificial
• same formulation as OraMD Original
• endorsed by Dentists Worldwide
• about 60 sprays per bottle

Note: OraMD breath is recommended for ages 13 and older

The company also manufactures other health products. Visit the links below for more info:
Visit Trusted Health Products Website (See my review here)
Trusted Health Products on Facebook
OraMD on Facebook (See my review here)
Shake the Crave on Facebook
Shake the Crave website (See my review here)

{ GIVEAWAY }

For a limited time, the manufacturer is willing to offer my readers one FREE bottle. They said they would love to have our readers try out Breath and agreed to send one bottle FREE if our readers would pay a minimal shipping and handling charge. This is a one-time only offer! Click here to get your FREE bottle now! 

Enter the giveaway contest below if you would like to win a bottle (company pays for shipping).
THREE (3) lucky winners will receive a bottle of OraMD to try!
Contest is open to U.S., Canada, England and Australia Only, 18+ (ends October 27th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). All entries will be verified. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Good Luck!

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Disclosure: I received a sample of the above mentioned product from the PR Firm/Company in exchange of my honest review. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. 

Extended Stay America recently named Lauren Wyler America's Top Away From Home Cook for her recipe for Baja Fish Taco Tortas with Smoky Cilantro Slaw (see recipe and photo below) in their national recipe contest, be sure to check out the video below. Lauren won $5,000 and her recipe will also be featured in the Away From Home Cooking Cookbook with recipes, tips and tricks from the Food Network's Sunny Anderson. This new cookbook will feature delicious recipes that are affordable and easy to cook whether you are travelling or at home.

Baja Fish Taco Tortas with Smoky Cilantro Slaw

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups shredded cabbage mix

• 2 Tablespoons ranch dressing
• 1 teaspoon chipotle hot sauce
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pit removed
• 4 Tablespoons salsa verde
• 1 lime
• 1 pound cod
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 torta or bolillo rolls, split in half

PREPARATION:

• In a medium mixing bowl combine the shredded cabbage, ranch dressing, hot sauce, chopped cilantro and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir until the slaw is well mixed.
• In a small bowl place the peeled avocado, salsa verde and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a fork, roughly mash and mix together.
• Cut the lime in half. Take one of the halves and cut it into wedges to serve with the finished tort as.
• Heat 2 Tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. While the pan is heating sprinkle the cod with the cumin, ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. When the oil is hot, add the fish to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes. Flip the fish and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily and is opaque. Remove the pan from the heat and squeeze the half of lime over the fish.
• To assemble, place the halved torta rolls on each plate. Spread each of the torta bottom evenly with the avocado spread, divide the fish evenly between each and then top each with the slaw. Serve with lime wedges.

For simple meals wherever your travels take you, check out the Away From Home Cooking website for great ideas.

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }
 Are you ready for your chance to win 1 of 5 Away From Home Cooking Cookbooks? Just enter using the Giveaway Tools Widget below and be sure to show Extended Stay America some love on facebook and twitter. Good luck!

Contest is open to US only, 18+ (ends October 8th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional.  Please enter the giveaway form below. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!
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Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation nor products for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts" is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

I just learned about this community that offers various opportunities for bloggers.

Mommerce.com is a Mom Marketing and Advertising Network and is the #1 way for Mom, Frugal, Lifestyle Bloggers and Brands to connect! Join now and learn about exclusive offers, product reviews, Campaign ads, sponsored opportunities, and more!

Sign up here

The popular buffet restaurants Ryan's, HomeTown Buffet, and Old Country Buffet are introducing limited-edition copies of The Big Book of Savings, filled with more than $75 in discounts. The coupon books are available for purchase for $10 at any of the 324 family restaurants, and is available for just $5 for senior guests (age 60 and above).

Each coupon booklet features 25 coupons. Offers include discounts on breakfast, lunch and dinner, and feature BOGOs, "Two Can Dine" offers, specially discounted meal pricing, and more. Coupons may be redeemed at any of the restaurants and are valid through November 26, 2014. Offers may not be combined, but guests may purchase an unlimited number of books while supplies last.

For more information about the coupon booklet, visit online at www.Ryans.com, www.HomeTownBuffet.com, or www.OldCountryBuffet.com. While online, sign up for Crave ConnectionSM or the Birthday Kids Club to receive for free exclusive offers, discounts and advance notice on promotions. Members also receive a free meal on their birthdays.

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

FOUR (4) lucky winners will each receive a copy of The Big Book of Savings Coupon Booklet!  Contest is open to US Residents only, 18+ (ends October 24th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional.  Please enter the giveaway form below. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation nor products for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. This blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

 Blogger Opp: $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Attention bloggers:  This is a free/paid blogger event hosted by Reviews 411 & Up All Night Blogging. Link is free when you post about the giveaway on your blog and a thank-you for participating in the event.

PARTICIPATION DETAILS

* Prize: Amazon $50 Gift Card

* Event dates: tba

* Eligibility: Contest is open to US only

* You MUST be a member of the Up All Night Blogging Group in order to participate. You can become a member at https://www.facebook.com/groups/upallnightblogging

* Free link (Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest only) with announcement post (or pay $10 waiver fee)

* Optional additional links are $1 each.

* YouTube, StumbledUpon, Instagram, BlogLovin, Networked Blogs ($3 each)

* Agree to post the giveaway HTML on the date the event begins and promote at least 3x a week

~ SIGN UP HERE ~

A simple solution for flawless hair...

I had been trying different shampoo/conditioner and have been using Pantene shampoo a couple of years ago (on and off). I was recently introduced to Pantene Pro-V's new Ultimate 10. My first reaction when I opened it was the scent. I thought it smelled wonderful. It wasn't too overpowering and it smells fresh.



PANTENE PRO-V SHAMPOO

The shampoo smells nice. It gave my hair a really nice clean feel with no residue. I like how it is gentle enough for use on permed or color-treated hair as sometimes I color my hair. The shampoo is very creamy and not runny. It coats my hair nicely. Pantene is formulated with antioxidants that is gentle, reduces protein loss, and keeps hair strong.





PANTENE PRO-V CONDITIONER

The conditioner also smells nice. I always use conditioner after shampooing. It helps keep hair smooth and detangled.  If you have split ends like I do, my trick is to rub the conditioner at the end or tips of the hair because that is the most damaged part. First time when I used the Ultimate 10 BB Creme Conditioner, I didn't notice much difference with the softness. With Pantene's conditioner, I had to leave it in a little bit longer in my hair before rinsing.





PANTENE PRO-V BB CREME

My hair is usually gets frizzy when it dries after a shower. I don't usually use serum often because it feels greasy sometimes. I tried the new Pantene BB Creme Beauty Balm for Hair and I really like it as it is not greasy at all. It's a leave-in treatment for hair and it gives a nice, healthy look and smooth finish. Hair looks shinier. It's perfect for dry hair like mines and makes quite a difference. You can apply on damp hair or dry hair.



Every head of hair is different, from how often it needs to be cleansed to how deep it needs to be conditioned. But every hair care routine can benefit from a hair treatment boost, and Pantene has plenty of them that are designed to work with your shampoo and conditioner. For instance, their new Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Crème packs 10 solutions into every bottle:

• Repair for Rough Hair
• Strength against Damage
• Silky Softness
•  Brilliant Shine
• Smoothing
• Moisture
• Frizz Control
• Heat Protection
• Manageability
• Tamed Flyaways

Disclosure: I received the mentioned products for review as part of the BzzAgent Campaign. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

This holiday season, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas invites you to bring a personal touch back into the season by encouraging readers to create DIY holiday gifts for friends and loved ones. We at Nielsen-Massey believe that, when it comes to holiday gifting, it truly is the thought that counts, and what could be more thoughtful than a handmade gift?


Whether looking to let a teacher know how much she is appreciated, brighten the mail-carrier’s day, or surprise a coworker, DIY gifts are the perfect way to show how much you care.

We’d like to work with your blog to promote DIY holiday gifts by providing you with gifting tips, great recipe ideas, samples and giveaway opportunities. We also invite you to communicate with us via social media by using the hashtag #NMVHolidays in your posts. We are happy to interact with you by sharing, liking and re-tweeting top posts.

Following are some unique packaging tips to give handmade gifts an extra-special touch:

• Package homemade biscotti, cookies, or even body products in vintage tins or jars. A beautiful container is an additional gift that the recipient can keep long after the handmade gift is gone.
• Instead of using traditional wrapping paper or gift bags, wrap boxes in craft paper and decorate with pens and markers. Wrap jars and bottles in fabric, burlap, or a pretty kitchen towel and secure it with colorful striped baker’s twine.
• Attach a Christmas ornament to the outside of the package in lieu of a traditional gift tag. Ornaments can be treasured for years to come.
• Include a hand-written note or card with the recipe for your gift – it is the gift that keeps on giving!

This recipe for Vanilla Body Scrub from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, included below, is the perfect gift for friends, sisters, daughters, or anyone who deserves a bit of pampering this holiday season. Fragrant Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar gently exfoliates while olive oil moisturizes, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and rejuvenated.

Vanilla Body Scrub

1 cup Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 or 2 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus, etc.


Decorative, waterproof container

Mix ingredients together in a bowl.

Spoon into a decorative, waterproof container.

Wrap in decorative paper.

Instructions for use: Apply a small amount to damp skin while in shower or bath. Gently scrub skin with a soft washcloth. Rinse thoroughly.

If you are interested in making the Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Body Scrub or your own DIY holiday gift, we can offer an 8.5-oz jar of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar or a product of your choice in exchange for your review or article leading up to or during the month of December. Please send us your mailing address and phone number for shipping.

If you choose to host a giveaway, we will send the same gift item directly to your reader in exchange for a review on your blog and tweet or Facebook post on your channels leading up to December. Please consider directing your readers to the Nielsen-Massey Facebook page at Vanillas and Twitter @NielsenMassey.

Please visit the Nielsen-Massey website for more product information and additional recipes, including more DIY gift ideas such as:

• Vanilla Bean Marshmallows
• Decadent Holiday Fudge
• Cinnamon Vanilla Candied Almonds
• Gourmet Blueberry Vanilla Granola
• Sweet and Spicy BBQ Rub
• Chocolate Coffee Biscotti

Disney’s "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" follows the exploits of 11-year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life—a day that begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by one calamity after another. But when Alexander tells his upbeat family about the misadventures of his disastrous day, he finds little sympathy and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. He soon learns that he’s not alone when his mom (Jennifer Garner), dad (Steve Carell), brother (Dylan Minnette) and sister (Kerris Dorsey) all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Anyone who says there is no such thing as a bad day just hasn't had one.


"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" hits theatres Oct. 10, 2014, with a soundtrack that includes an original end-credit song from The Vamps, plus original songs from two of the film’s stars and score by Christophe Beck ("Frozen," "The Hangover"). The six-song EP will be released by Universal Music Canada on Oct. 7, 2014.

British pop rock band The Vamps was called on to write and perform the end-credit song "Hurricane." The group filmed a music video for the song that features a cameo by Bella Thorne, who stars as big brother Anthony's uptight girlfriend Celia in the film. A sneak peek of the video will debut on Disney Channel Sept. 12, 2014, followed by the full video premiere on VEVO. Director Miguel Arteta ("The Good Girl," "Cedar Rapids," "Youth in Revolt") says it was The Vamps' optimism that drew him to the group. "We wanted people to know that it’s okay to have bad days—you can be stronger and better for it," says Arteta. "The Vamps' energy gets that across wonderfully!"

According to the director, Beck’s score sets the pace for the film. "Chris Beck loved the honesty in the film with regard to what it’s like to raise a family and how hectic that can get at times," says Arteta. “He added a genuine life beat to the whole film. When the troubles for the family start, you can almost hear Chris' score going 'Oh noooo!' It feels like honest mayhem in an incredibly fun way."

Dylan Minnette, who plays Anthony in the film, teamed up with Braeden Lemasters to write the song "Surf Surf Don’t Drown," which is performed by Minnette's band The Narwhals and appears in the film as the family rushes to get sister Emily to her play. "I love The Narwhals and ‘Surf Surf Don’t Drown’ was the perfect message for our film," says Arteta. “When the world throws a tsunami of bad luck your way, it’s best to go with the energy and try to rise above it.”

Kerris Dorsey gained recognition in "Moneyball" for her performance of the acoustic song “The Show” in that film. Dorsey, who portrays big sister Emily in "Alexander," wrote and performed the song "Best Worst Day Ever" along with her sister Justine Dorsey. The song can be heard during the credits. "I love Kerris and Justine’s voices," says Arteta. "I heard them play together and knew it would be fantastic to have them on the soundtrack. I’m so impressed with the song they wrote. It has such a feeling of being able to beat the bad odds that life hands you."

"When you are having a bad day, you can feel singled out, as if fate has brought a huge hand down and pointed its finger at you at all day," continues Arteta. "Wherever you look up, there it is, singling you out. We wanted the music in Alexander to have this incessant feeling to it—like this madcap pulse has gotten a hold of you and won’t let up until the family beats the odds and has the wonderful party for Alexander in the end!"

You can pre-order the soundtrack via iTunes here: http://smarturl.it/athsa1

The EP track list follows:

1. Hurricane written and performed by The Vamps
2. Best Worst Day Ever written and performed by Kerris Dorsey and Justine Dorsey
3. We Are The Ones (Own The World) performed by Charles William
4. Surf Surf Don’t Drown performed by The Narwhals
5. Perfect World performed by IDK & The Whatevs
6. Suite from "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Christophe Beck

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner (Canada only) will receive a family pass of 4 for the prescreening in Vancouver/Burnaby area on Wednesday, October 8^th at 7:00pm, SilverCity Burnaby.

Winner will receive an e-pass and must present at guest services where their name will be checked off a list. Contest is open to Canadian residents only, 18+. Contest ends September 29th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law.  Enter to win using the form below. Good luck!

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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.

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