Central Texas News

 

 Angels-Sing-Movie-Poster

 

Angels Sing Benefit Premiere 
Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Red Carpet
4:30 p.m. – Movie Showing  
7 – 10 p.m.- After Party 
Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane and The Rattle Inn
Purchase tickets here

See the red carpet, meet the Angels sing cast, including many of your favorite local musicians and enjoy the national debut of this Ausitn-based holiday movie. Drinks and popcorn will be free.

Continue the celebration at The Rattle Inn. Enjoy barbecue by The Salt Lick, margaritas and music by Bruce Robison, Marcia Ball, The Trishas and other cast members. Tickets will be $125 each with a limit of 200 tickets.

Angels-Sing-Movie-Stills

Angels Sing Synopsis

Harry Connick, Jr. stars as Michael Walker, who, as a child, wished every day was Christmas. That is, until a tragic accident crushed his holiday spirit. Thirty years later, Michael still can’t muster any joy for Christmas, despite encouragement from his playful wife (Connie Britton) and well intentioned parents (Kris Kristofferson and Fionnula Flanagan). But when his young son (Chandler Canterbury) faces a tragedy, Michael needs to make amends with his past. A mysterious man named Nick (Willie Nelson) gives Michael a gift that instills in him the courage to find the Christmas joy that he lost.
 
Angels Sing is a comedic, heartfelt fable about the importance of family ties, the power of forgiveness and the undeniable magic of Christmas. Rounding out the cast are Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Eloise DeJoria, Bruce Robison, Sara Hickman and Turk Pipkin.
 

 

Alamo-Drafthouse-Mondo-Gallery-It-Didnt-Rot-Our-Brains -The-Crypt-Keeper-EC-Comics

Mondo, the collectible art division of the Alamo Drafthouse, will celebrate EC Comics & Tales From The Crypt this Halloween with a gallery show that honors one of the greatest horror television shows of all time and its origins in EC Comics, which produced some of the most original and striking horror artwork.  The gallery show will feature original works of art and blood-drenched screen prints and will run from October 25th to November 23rd.

Opening Reception Friday October 25th from 7 – 10PM
Tuesday – Saturday, 12PM – 6PM (and by appointment)

Mondo Gallery
4115 Guadalupe St 
Austin, TX

ABOUT MONDO:

Mondo is a division of the Alamo Drafthouse championed for bringing art back to movie poster design. Utilizing the talents of world-class artists and designers, Mondo produces limited edition, screen printed posters based on all things film, television and comic properties including Star WarsThe Avengers, DC Comics, Back to the Future and Universal Monsters. In addition to stunning artwork for beloved and future classics, Mondo also releases time-honoured and contemporary movie soundtracks on vinyl, such as Drive, as well as VHS re-issues. Based in Austin, TX, Mondo operates out of a permanent gallery space hosting regular exhibitions featuring a blend of breathtaking original artwork and limited edition screen prints. Having worked with filmmakers such as Guillermo del Toro, Wes Craven, Zack Snyder and Duncan Jones, Mondo has also partnered with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to further archive and preserve the company’s growing collection of original film posters.

Did you know that one in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime?

One in eight. That is equivalent to an inner circle of girlfriends or the women in an extended family. While breast cancer rates are lower among non-Caucasian women, death rates are higher among African American and Latina women. In fact, every hour and a half a Latina woman dies of breast cancer in the United States.

Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the survival rate. In fact, when detected during the early (localized) stage – the five year survival rate is 98 percent.*

This year, the P&G Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign has partnered with The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to not only educate women, but also the men in their lives, about the importance of early detection. Ladies, you can help save lives by spreading the message that early detection is the best defense in the fight against breast cancer, and creating and following an early detection plan while encouraging others to do the same. Gentlemen, this October, decide when your “day of action” will be and encourage the women in your life to take action and create an early detection plan.

You can visit http://www.pgeveryday.com/bca to hear P&G employees’ inspiring stories about moments made possible in their lives due to early detection and download the NBCF’s Early Detection Plan App, available throughout the month of October.

*National Cancer Institute

P&G-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-campaignAbout P&G’s Contribution to the National Breast Cancer Foundation

The 2013 P&G Breast Cancer Awareness campaign will help save lives by making a $500,000 donation to The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Since 2008, P&G has donated more than $2.1MM to the NBCF to help save lives through early detection, awareness and education. More than 80 percent of all donations to the NBCF go to programs that benefit women.

Website: www.pgeveryday.com/bca
Twitter: @PGeveryday
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pgeveryday

 

Giveaway Closed!

P&G-PINK-Gift-Basket

 

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post  for SheSpeaks/P&G. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

 

Central-Texas-Mom-Cloth-Diapers

Why do I want to use cloth diapers?

My mom used cloth diapers on me an my brother because she had to, not because she wanted to. I hear this a lot from the older generation. Disposable diapers were just not an option. So why is it that you hardly ever see some one using cloth diapers on their babies? Convince! At least that is what I think. That and fear, fear of the unknown.

I have made the change to cloth diapers from disposable diapers this past week with the help of a super amazing woman, Anne, and avid follower of Central Texas Mom. Anne was so kind to give me all her cloth diapers and supplies to get me started on this journey. And I am extremely grateful to her.

There are so many different brands, shapes, sizes, colors and styles of cloth diapers that it could make your head spin. So many rules to learn. But in the end I do think, so far, that it will be worth it.

  • Chemical free!
  • Save money
  • one disposable diaper takes several hundred years to decompose

Yes, my husband thinks I am crazy and will not use them. This will be a battle I will have to work on.  But so far things have been going smooth. I did notice that at night she does not sleep as well because when she was using a disposable diaper, the chemicals would wick away the moister where as the cloth diaper does not.

I will let you know how things develop on this journey! Wish me luck 🙂

Do you use cloth diapers? Do you have any tips or suggestions, leave a  comment below and let me know.

 

Trail-of-Lights-5k-registration-Austin-Texas

The Trail of Lights Foundation and Humana announced the opening of registration for the annual Trail of Lights 5K run/walk. Held in conjunction with the Trail of Lights celebration each year, the Trail of Lights 5K is a family-friendly event that welcomes all ages to participate in a festive, holiday run/walk. Sponsored by Humana, the 2013 5K is an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season in a healthy way.

“The Trail of Lights 5K is an important holiday tradition and one we’re proud to support again in 2013,” said Tom Silliman, market practice leader for returning sponsor Humana. “The run/walk is a great way for Austinites to be physically active and engage with their friends, family and larger community—both of which contribute to wellness. We’re looking forward to a large turnout and a lot of fun in 2013.”

WHERE: 
Online registration at www.AustinTrailofLights.org.
Run/walk at Zilker Park

WHEN: 
Registration opens Tuesday, Oct. 15 
Run/walk Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

PRICING:         

$30 early-bird price for adults (now through Oct. 31 at midnight)
$35 for adults (Nov. 1 through Nov. 30)
$40 for adults (Dec. 1 through Dec. 7)
$15 for children 12 and under

“We invite Austinites of all ages and all levels of fitness to participate in this year’s Trail of Lights 5K,” said Mario Espinoza, board president of the Trail of Lights Foundation. “We’ll have the kids’ fun-run followed by the 5K for all ages, so there’s something for everyone. We encourage participants to show their holiday spirit by coming in costume.”

To receive the latest updates, including the 15-day lineup, sign up for the Trail of Lights newsletter at AustinTrailofLights.org, follow the @ATXLights Twitter feed or like the Facebook page at facebook.com/AustinTrailofLights.

 

What to do if your Parents Don’t Let You Date?

IMO, is a daily talk show for teens on AwesomenessTV (the number one channel for teens on YouTube). IMO (In My Opinion) stars a panel of teen TV, YouTube and Twitter stars like Audrey Whitby (Disney’s “So Random”) and Teala Dunn (“Are We There Yet”), who talk about everyday issues relevant to teen girls.

In this episode, the IMO hosts discuss parents and the rules of dating, including raising the question of how honest teens are with their parents about their dating life. The episode raises an important topic for parents to watch and get an inside look to what their teens may be feeling.

No matter how you put together your Cottonelle Care Routine, when you use Cottonelle Toilet Paper and Flushable Cleansing Cloths, you’ll walk away feeling fresh, clean and confident.

So, I am not completely comfortable talking about bums that is unless it is about my 4 month olds. However, Flushable Cleansing Cloths from Cottonelle are really cool. They work great. They are really soft and get the job done.

Other way to use the Flushable Cleansing Cloths from Cottonelle is makeup remover! Works like a charm.

The only problem with Flushable Cleansing Cloths from Cottonelle  is keeping the kids from using them all up in record breaking speed!

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

 

Wolf-Brand-Chili-Logo

 

This is a sponsored post written by me Central Texas Mom on behalf of Wolf Brand Chili.

One of fondest childhood memories with my father involved Wolf Brand Chili. Had to have been no more than four years old at the time. We were visiting my grandmother’s house and staying the weekend. My father and I woke up early in the morning before any one was awake. We were extra quite to make sure we did not bother anyone. He cooked the Wolf Brand Chili in a pot and then the eggs in a pan. Then he put the eggs in a cup and poured the Wolf Brand Chili over it. I am not sure why he used a cup, probably because there were no clean bowls at the time lol. Then we put cheese on top. Something so simple, I hold dear to my heart. A special moment in time just for me and my dad. Even though I was so young at the time, I still remember it like it was yesterday

Now that I have children, I try to have special moments just like that with them. Something that I hope that they can recall when they are older. Moments in time that they will want to reenact with their own children.

However, it is not a quite in my home in the mornings and my children are very hands on with all cooking in my house. In fact my 8 year old could cook more than most adults that I know. But that does not make cooking together any less special. Maybe even more special!

First you cook the eggs however you would like them. We prefer scrambled.

 Wolf-Brand-Chili-Eggs-1

Wolf-Brand-Chili-Eggs-2

Then we heat up the Wolf Brand Chili in a different pot.

 Wolf-Brand-Chili-Eggs-3

Once both are done we put the eggs in a bowl, then pour on the chili.

 Wolf-Brand-Chili-Eggs-4

Wolf-Brand-Chili-Eggs-5

 

And last we add what ever toppings we would like. Our house really loves cheese!

 Wolf-Brand-Chili-Eggs-6

 

Wolf Brand Chili heard their consumers loud and clear when they said they were craving a chili with a little more substance, so now Wolf Brand Chili is thicker and heartier than ever. Just the way Texans like it! 

Here are some fun facts about Chili. Did you know that 70%of Texans prefer chili with out beans? I have to tell my husband about this. He thins I am crazy because I do NOT like beans in chili!

 Wolf-Brand-Chili-Fun-Facts

 

Giveaway!

Wolf-Brand-Chili-Prize-Pack

Wold Brand Chili has provided me with this kit to giveaway that is valued at $100 and includes:

  • Three varieties of Wolf Brand Chili (Wolf Brand Chili No Beans, Wolf Brand Chili Mild No Beans, and Wolf Brand Chili Hot No Beans)
  • Bamboo Texas cutting board
  • Texas apron
  • Soup bowls
  • Coasters featuring a customized Wolf Brand Chili logo

To enter simply leave a comment on this Blog post to enter for a chance to winFacebook comments will not be counted as a valid entry.

The winner has been selected and emailed!

Amy L

 

Sweepstakes Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. INTERNET ACCESS AND VALID E-MAIL ADDRESSES ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER.

Promotion Description:

By participating in a Sweepstakes on www.CentralTexasMom.com (“Blog”), each entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Massive Sway (“Sponsor”), which shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor is responsible for the collection, submission or processing of Entries and the overall administration of the giveaway. Entrants should look solely to Sponsor with any questions, comments or problems related to the Sweepstakes.

Promotion begins at the time the blog post announcing the Sweepstakes is published on the Blog and ends midnight PST on 10/20/13

Eligibility:

Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are physically located in the U.S. or the District of Columbia who are not a minor (as defined by state of primary residence) usually a minimum of 18 yrs. old. Sponsor and parents, affiliates, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies, clients and each of their respective members, officers, directors, employees and contractors (including participating bloggers) (collectively, the “Promotion Entities”), and members of their immediate families and/or persons living in the same household as such persons, are ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win a prize. Void in all jurisdictions other than the U.S.

Entry:

Leave a comment on the Blog post to enter for a chance to winFacebook comments will not be counted as a valid entry.

Winner Selection:

The winners of the Sweepstakes will be selected in a random drawing by Blog from among all eligible Entries received throughout the Promotion Period using the selection tool indicated on www.CentralTexasMom.com. The random drawing will be conducted by Sponsor or its designated representatives, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible Entries received. Winner will be notified by email at the email address provided in the Entry Information after the random drawing. Potential winner must accept a prize by email as directed by Sponsor within 48 hours of notification. Any winner notification not responded to or returned as undeliverable may result in prize forfeiture. No substitution or transfer of a prize is permitted except by Sponsor.

Prizes:

The prize for this Sweepstakes is a kit with an approximate retail value (“ARV”) of $100including:

  • Three varieties of Wolf Brand Chili (Wolf Brand Chili No Beans, Wolf Brand Chili Mild No Beans, and Wolf Brand Chili Hot No Beans)
  • Bamboo Texas cutting board
  • Texas apron
  • Soup bowls
  •  Coasters featuring a customized Wolf Brand Chili logo

Only one prize per person and per household will be awarded. Prizes cannot be transferred, redeemed for cash or substituted by winner. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to award a substitute prize of equal or greater value if a prize described in these Official Rules is unavailable or cannot be awarded, in whole or in part, for any reason. The ARV of the prize represents Sponsor’s good faith determination. That determination is final and binding and cannot be appealed. If the actual value of the prize turns out to be less than the stated ARV, the difference will not be awarded in cash. Sponsor makes no representation or warranty concerning the appearance, safety or performance of any prize awarded. Restrictions, conditions, and limitations may apply. Sponsor will not replace any lost or stolen prize items. Prize will only be awarded and/or delivered to addresses within the US Only. All federal, state and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prizewinner. Failure to comply with the Official Rules will result in forfeiture of the prize.

Privacy:

All entrants acknowledge that if they are chosen as a winner, certain of their personally identifying information may be disclosed to third parties at least as required by law, including, without limitation, names and mailing addresses on a winner’s list. All personal information submitted as part of the Sweepstakes may be shared by and between the Promotion Entities, and each of the Promotion Entities will use such information in accordance with their respective independent online privacy policies.

Limitation of Liability:

Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes or by any technical or human error, which may occur in the processing of submissions in the Sweepstakes. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any misdirected or lost mail, or any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay of operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, Entries. Sponsor is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of email or players on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or combination thereof, including injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in the Sweepstakes. If, for any reason, the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, then Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes. In such event, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, perform the random drawing from among all eligible Entries received prior to or after such cancellation, suspension, or modification.

 

 

Wolf Brand Chili is now thicker and heartier than ever, just the way that Texans like it! The new, thicker and heartier recipe can also be found every day on the shelves of your local grocery store.

 This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Wolf Brand Chili.

For more information, visit http://www.wolfbrandchili.com or https://www.facebook.com/Wolf.Chili

Well you know how I like to talk about local places and products, so I was really excited when I was contacted by Austin’s own Big Red to review their brand new line of energy water.

Big Red is America’s favorite and #1 selling red soda. HYDRIVE is the new energy water line with only 30 calories per bottle and a serious energy kick.

HYDRIVE Energy Water is available in the following refreshing flavors:

  • Citrus Burst – Vitamin Formula
  • Kiwi Strawberry – Focus Formula
  • Triple Berry – Antioxidant Formula
  • Lemon Lime Rush – Electrolyte Formula
  • Grape Fusion – Recovery Formula
  • Blue Raspberry – Extra Power
  • Black Cherry – Extra Power

HYDRIVE Energy Water launched nation-wide starting Aug. 2013 in Wal-Mart locations, Grocery and C-stores with sampling programs conducted in Austin, Texas, Boston, Mass., Denver, Colorado and Petaluma, Calif.

I am not a big energy drink consumer in general. Some that I have tried in the past tasted really yucky. So I leave them for my husband to drink. However I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted the HYDRIVE Energy Water, it actually tasted good. There was no aftertaste at all. It was lightly flavored and not overpowering at all.

If I were in the need of an energy drink, HYDRIVE Energy Water would be on the top of my list!

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

For more information please visit hydriveenergy.com, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

 

 

The-Boy-Who-Loved-Monsters-and-the-Girl-Who-Loved-Peas-Giveaway

This is a super great event that you will want to take your kids to!

Central Texas’ most well-known children’s theatre company, Pollyanna Theatre in Strategic Alliance with the Long Center, presents The Boy Who Loved Monsters and the Girl Who Loved Peas by well-known playwright Jonathan Graham at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside, Austin, TX  78704. The show runs from October 12 – 20 with multiple show times, and two ‘pay what you like’ parties with the cast.

You can see more information here!

 

Giveaway!

Enter to win one of four family four-packs of tickets!!!

Dates to go are:

Oct. 19 at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 20 at 2:00 p.m.

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary tickets to facilitate this giveaway. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

 

The-Nightmare-Before-Christmas-SecondScreenPoster

This sounds so cool! I really wished they had a showing here 🙁

Beginning October 18 in select theaters, The Walt Disney Studios invites fans to join Jack Skellington for a spooktacular special engagement of Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas, an interactive moviegoing experience.

Download the Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas app (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-second-screen-live/id705337245?ls=1&mt=8) and bring your iPad to the theater to explore the cult classic from the mind of Tim Burton and become part of the story like never before, engaging with the film in real time through songs, games and audience participation, including competition between friends and teams.

The-Nightmare-Before-Christmas-SecondScreen1

Second Screen Live is an all-new Walt Disney Studios mobile application that enhances the theatrical moviegoing experience. Unlike the traditional theatrical experience, Second Screen Live is a special screening event for iPad users only where moviegoers are encouraged to “break the rules” and experience a classic film in an exciting new way through gameplay on their tablet device.

The-Nightmare-Before-Christmas-SecondScreen2

 

When:
Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas will play exclusively in select theaters starting October 18, 2013.

Requirements:
Guests will need to bring an iPad or iPad mini (running iOS 5.0 or higher) to the theater with the Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas app already installed.

The App:
The app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes store.  Just search for “Nightmare Before Christmas Second Screen Live” in iTunes.

More info:
movies.disney.com/the-nightmare-before-christmas/second-screen-live

 

Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas will play in the following theaters:

City Center 15: Cinema de Lux (White Plains, NY)

Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas (Farmingdale, NY)

Arclight Pasadena (Pasadena, CA)

Arclight Sherman Oaks (Sherman Oaks, CA)

Muvico Thousand Oaks 14 (Thousand Oaks, CA)

AMC Empire 25 (New York, NY)

AMC Garden State 16 (Paramus, NJ)

AMC Burbank 16 (Burbank, CA)

AMC Downtown Disney 12 (Anaheim, CA)

AMC Bay Street 16 (Emeryville, CA)

AMC Town Center 20 (Leawood, KS)

Century Huntington Beach and XD (Huntington Beach, CA)

Cinemark West Plano and XD (West Plano, TX)

Carmike Thoroughbred 20 (Nashville, TN)

Carmike 15 (Columbus, GA)

 

Team-Lucys-Ladybug-Jam-Austin-Texas

This is something that really touches my heart. I am really torn with this post. Babies are so special and precious.

Team Lucy’s Ladybug Jam is a fundraising family concert that Lucy’s family put together in tribute to her.  Lucy, died at the age of 15 months from dilated cardiomyopathy earlier this year (on Mother’s Day). Since not many people know about this condition, they decided to work toward raising awareness of the disease while raising money for the American Heart Association.

Team-Lucys-Ladybug-Jam-Baby-Pictures-Austin-Texas

The Ladybug Jam is their way of getting the message out and showing people a good time as well. They have booked several Austin family bands and some acts for grownups as well, and we’re inviting everyone to go out and join them Saturday, October 12 from 1-5 at the Irie Bean Coffee Bar. They are having a raffle with a lot of really cool prizes, baked goods, treats, magic, and more.

OCTOBER 12th, 2013 – 1-5 PM

Irie Bean Coffee Bar
2310 S Lamar Blvd #102
Austin, TX 78704

Admission is free but a suggested donation of $25 per family would be greatly appreciated.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the American Heart Association by Team Lucy. 

Find out more at http://ladybugjam.com.