2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two for the PS3 {Review & Giveaway}

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I was recently invited to check out the sequel to one of our favorite video games Disney's Epic Mickey! Unlike the original version of this game, this release is not only available for the Wii, but also for the Xbox 360, Playstation, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U! After some good game play, the new Epic Mickey 2: The Power Of Two video game is truly a must have for this holiday season! Read on to find out why...

About Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two for the Playstation 3

In Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, gamers will play as Mickey Mouse and for the first time ever, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, in an all-new adventure of creativity and discovery.

 

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions.  But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with his magical paint brush that wields paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity.

Key Features

• All in-game characters - most notably Oswald The Lucky Rabbit whose voice will be heard for the first time ever - are fully voiced by the official voice actors of those characters

• Players will experience Disney's forgotten characters and attractions in all-new levels and further explore levels from the original Disney Epic Mickey game, but now changed, impacted by world-changing events that have shaken Wasteland apart.

• New 2D levels based on classic Disney animated films and shorts will offer compelling puzzle-based, platforming gameplay

• Players will enjoy an original game story co-written by award-winning American comic book writer, Marv Wolfman, and Junction Point

• The storyline will feature a variety of new and returning characters that will further immerse players in Disney's rich history while adversaries familiar and new will challenge players.

Rated: 

Check it out: 

ace and friends thoughts

First off, we, as a family, adore all that is Disney. So when the first Epic Mickey came out the kids wanted it immediately, so *Santa* got it for them. When we heard the new Epic Mickey was release in HD, we were thrilled more than ever!

The additional quests are nice, the collectibles are also enjoyable, and the kids had a great time searching for them. They look forward to finding new ones with each new game play.

With every game you will certainly encounter pros and cons and here are some that we noticed:

Pros

• Graphics are amazing
• You don’t have to start from the beginning each time you die, you regenerate from the place in which you originally died
• Fun, in-game cartoon clips
• Easy to understand controller directions

Cons

• Some quests are little confusing because of unclear directions
• Limited hints
• Hard to destroy enemies
• Die easily throughout game


Final Thoughts: Overall, the game was super entertaining, family friendly and a great time. If you are fan of the original Disney Epic Mickey Game, this will make a great addition to your collection. Now, if your adore Disney as much as we do, you will, without a doubt, find great enjoyment in this game!

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Buy It

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two for the Playstation 3 (as well as other platforms) is available at Amazon!

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Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Video Game
 (game platform - winner's choice) 
AND a Limited-edition Oswald The Lucky Rabbit Hat!

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2012 Holiday Gift Guide Guide: NOVICA {Review & $40 GC Giveaway}

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Admittedly, I am a sucker for something unique, eclectic and beautiful. Recently, I was introduced to NOVICA.com offering just that.  NOVICA.com (in association with National Geographic) is online site that is in many ways different from many others that I have come across out there. They bring together a collection of  unique, hard-to-find items at great values.

About Novica

(source: Novica.com)

NOVICA unites you with more than 2,000 extraordinary master artists around the world. Read about their lives, explore their fascinating cultures, and customers have the ability to select from more than 30,000 handcrafted works of art.

NOVICA.com was founded twelve years ago as an online, fair-trade marketplace based in Los Angeles, with offices in eight developing nations. NOVICA features more than 30,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind handmade works of art daily, ranging from artisan-crafted jewelry to handmade apparel to world-style home decor. So far NOVICA has succeeded in helping change the lives of more than 50,000 people in developing nations, including artisans and their dependents, uniquely helping each artisan earn personal recognition and real-world prices for their work.

 ace and friends thoughts

NOVICA's amazing unique gift section immediately got my attention. I've always loved the designs and creations from around the world. This section offers the ability to search from very broad to very specific types of gifts including ~ Handbag Gifts for the Adventurer, Romantic Christmas Gifts for Her, Yoga Gifts for Men... and even have Cooking Gifts for the Animal Lover Man!

From their beautiful selection of Spring home decor, from their Murano hand blown vases to natural fiber baskets, there is definitely something for everyone this holiday season. I was instantly attracted to the stunning jewelry, including a wide selection of Garnet Dangle Earring to beautiful Silver Pendent Necklaces.

I completely fell in love with Tiger's eye and carnelian cluster earrings and the 'Garden Bower' Beaded cocktail ring from Thailand.  Included with each piece is an artisan story card that has a particular quote from each artist as well as a description of the purchased piece. Admittedly, the earring and ring were even more lovely in person and I was completely thrilled with my selection. I can see all the love and hard-work that went into each detail of these earrings and ring.

Because each piece is shipped directly from their international fulfillment center, shipping takes around two to three weeks, but the wait is well worth it! Overall, the selection at Novica.com is a little overwhelming, but I certainly enjoyed looking at all the amazing and beautifully creative pieces, as I am sure you will too. I will definitely return to NOVICA in the very near future to add to my new artisan collection!

Finding that unique gift for the special person in your life is a breeze now with Novica's  unique gift section... take a look.... you will not be disappointed!

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Buy It

The earrings and ring as well as a wide selection of many artisan pieces are available at NOVICA.com.

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Win It

Thanks to the NOVICA, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win

a $40 Gift Code to spend on their heart's content this holiday season!

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2012 Holiday Gift Guide: tea collection's HOLIDAY clothing {Review & $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway}

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If you are looking for the perfect holiday children's clothing for your kids this season, look no further than Tea. With their approach to fun and exciting prints, {ace} will again be dressed extra fashionable and to the nines this year! 

About Tea

Founded in 2002, Tea, based in San Francisco, designs distinctive Kid's Clothes as well as women's clothing that is inspired by the beauty they discover in their travels around the world. Inspired by classic Asian styles and colors, they had the vision of bringing a fusion of worldwide cultures and modern design to children's fashion.

From the art of traditional Korean patchwork to the graphic boldness of Brazilian street graffiti, Tea designers interpret their discoveries into beautiful, modern and consummately wearable Children's Clothing for ages 0-12. 

WHY THE NAME TEA?

{source: teacollection.com}

Tea, the drink, is shared in nearly every culture around the world. Being Tea is about experiencing life together, even when we're not in the same place. It means taking the time to understand and honor our differences. In doing so, we become closer.

ace and friends thoughts

Tea Collection’s amazing holiday lines continue to be inspired by their latest destination: Nordic Design. They were inspired by Nordic designers that create "beautiful things for everyday use." What they discovered in their travels Denmark, Sweden and Finland were bold, eye-popping colors, not only on the people, but their pets too.

Upon returning home, this Nordic design were interpreted as clean and modern with the charm of handmade crafts. The results of these travels were original prints and styles that reflect their nod to the Nordic culture.

While venturing through Sweden, they found LOTS of geometric prints which inspired tea's designers to create their own... the results are seen in the shirt on {c} and the dress on {e}.

on {e}: mode triangle layer dress w/ skinny stretch leggings

on {c}: alpine hoodie & awesome cords on {a}: daisy chain mini dress w/ sparkle stripe leggings

Each piece of clothing is always made with exceptionally soft material that I have grown to love from Tea.  In addition to the super soft material, the design and quality are continually apparent in this year's holiday collections.

My little dude looked super cool in his Alpine Hoodie and Awesome Cords. {c} thought the hoodie was comfortable and not too hot (which he complains he is... A.lot). He really liked the slim fit of the cords. With skinny pant as the new style... he felt these were perfect to wear to school. I love that Tea always stays right on trend.   {a} and {e} looked so sweet in their adorable outfits including: Mode Triangle Layer Dress w/ skinny stretch leggings in Cosmic Berry and Daisy Chain Mini Dress w/ Sparkle Stripe Leggings in Vermillion.

What I truly love about Tea is their introduction of new styles and gorgeous prints with each new season. Tea's creativity never ceases to amaze! Their attention to every detail is what makes Tea one of my favorite kid's clothing designers.

If you are in the market for the perfect mix and match collection, make sure to take a look at their hand-picked wardrobe sets that groups the best pieces to coordinate together for everyday wear or to dress up for that holiday extravaganza.

So if you are looking for that perfect outfit to wear this holiday season, make sure to look no further than Tea. They will have just what you need to create that picture-perfect look!

I love the uniqueness of these prints... and the style of these outfits... they're going to make one FABULOUS holiday photo card!

Thanks, AS ALWAYS Tea... for keeping {ace} in style!

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Buy It

Tea is available at teacollection.com, in specialty and department stores, including Nordstrom, Von Maur, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more than 300 high-end children’s boutiques in the U.S. and Canada as well as Internationally.

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Win It

Thanks to the Tea, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a $100 Gift Certificate to spend on their favorite styles!

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Warner Bros. Holiday Movies Make Great Gifts - Enter To Win A Blu-ray Holiday Collection! #WBHoliday

Warner Bros. offers some great holiday movie suggestions for the upcoming gift giving season. Take a peek below at some truly classic and new holiday movies that will delight adults and children alike. While your there, make sure to test your holiday trivia skills as well as check out some other festive holiday activities that include a:

• Holiday Movie Challenge! Are you a true cinephile? Then take the WB Holiday Movie Challenge! Keep your movie skills sharp with this awesome quiz! Ready. Set. Go!

• Decode-A-Scene Game! Time is running out! Can you figure out what movie scene is slowly being decoded in front of your eyes? The sooner you figure it out the more points you earn!

• Holiday Survival Guide! Throw an epic holiday party this season! We have some awesome tips to make you look like a total holiday master!

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Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will

win a (randomly selected copy) of either
Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection, Classic Christmas Favorites
or Dr. Seuss’s Deluxe Holiday Collection on Blu-ray!

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A New Twist on Friendship Bracelets With Rainbow Loom {Review & Giveaway}

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If you grew up in the 80's and 90's, I'm sure you remember the friendship bracelet. Just to refresh your memory, a friendship bracelet is given from one friend to another as a symbol of their friendship.

Recently my sister introduced me to a new twist on the friendship bracelet that involved using rubber bands instead of thread. It was so cool that I had to investigate and find out where I could get a kit for my oldest daughter.... and with a little research, I discovered Rainbow Loom. What was even more exciting was that Rainbow Loom was a local business not too far from me! 

About Rainbow Loom

Rainbow Loom is a fun and easy to use kit to create and make unique rubber band bracelet, using pony tail size rubber bands.  

The Rainbow Loom plastic peg template allows kids (and adults) to design and create unique, fun and stylish rubber band bracelet, rings and more.

Each Starter Kit Includes: Rainbow Loom(TM), Mini Rainbow Loom(TM), hook, a bag of c-clips, instruction manual and 600+ mix rubber bands (colors may vary). Make up to 24 rubber (single) band bracelets!!

Recommended for: Ages 8 and older. Children under 8 with adult supervision. Not for children 3 year and younger due to potential choking hazards. Package contains functional sharp object (plastic hook).

ace and friends thoughts

*a* was super excited to start using her new Rainbow Loom. Even though she didn't know too much about it, she knew that anything to do with jewelry was going to be *cool*. We read through the directions together and following the step by step instruction (which included photo snapshots) were pretty easy to understand and follow. The photo snapshots were truly helpful when we were trying to figure out how to create a single band bracelet. To begin, I showed *a* how to loop the rubber bands on the Rainbow Loom. She immediately was able to add a variety of different color rubber bands to start her masterpiece.

After adding the rubber bands, the next step involved using the plastic hook to loop the rubber bands back onto itself to create a *locking* type loop.

Once each loop was complete, a small *c* plastic clip was used to secure the ends. The final step was a little confusing and took a few minutes to work through, but once we figured it out... securing the ends was very simple.

Check out that adorable rubber band bracelet created by *a*. Super simple, super cute and a perfect gift for that tween on your list this holiday season!

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Buy It 

Rainbow Loom Kits ($14.99 + shipping) are available on their site HERE.

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Win It 

ONE LUCKY *ace and friends* reader will win

a Rainbow Loom Kit of their very own!

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Get 20% Off Hot Mama Heirloom Jewelry #mamajewelry

Shannon Sunderland & Sahra Cahoon form the dynamic duo of Hot Mama Designs.  Hot Mama Designs rejoices in celebrating motherhood, family and the one-of-a-kind feeling of the handmade object. Their inspiring designs are created to tell stories and celebrate life. Celebrate Family ~ Celebrate Motherhood ~ Celebrate You!

They rejoice in the art of metalsmithing!  As artists they are intrigued by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which is (loosely translated) the beauty of things that are unpretentious and unconventional. In our mass-produced world, their jewelry celebrates the one-of-a-kind feeling of the handmade object!

COUPON: Get 20% any order of $100 or more.  Promo Code: mamalove226

A perfect gift for this gift giving season!

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]

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2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System {Review & Giveaway}

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Shortly after celebrating Thanksgiving, it's scary to say, the holidays are just around the corner. Now, with that said, have you come up with the perfect gift yet for that coffee lover in your life?? If you haven't, please let me make a suggestion for you, please buy him/her the Keurig Vue Brewing System, he/she will love it!

The Keurig Vue Brewing System is not your typical coffee maker! Not only can you make coffee, but you can also make cappuccino, latte, espresso, hot chocolate, tea and iced beverages. Essentially, Keurig beverage choices are limitless. What's great about this brewer is that is uses convenient Vue packs which are available at a variety of retailers. Each Vue pack contains a premeasured amount of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Just insert the Vue pack and brewing simply begins with the push of a button.

Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System

The Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System gives you total control to brew your way: stronger, bigger, hotter and with more choices than ever before. With an interactive Touchscreen and revolutionary new Custom Brew Technology™ Vue ensures every beverage is brewed to perfection, giving you perfect results – every cup, every time. And your choices are nearly limitless. In addition to coffee, tea, hot cocoa and iced beverages, Vue brews delicious café and specialty beverages as well. Includes a bonus variety of 10 Vue packs. This product is BPA free. 

Product Features

• Fully programmable color Touchscreen
• Brews in under one minute
• Strength & Temperature control
• Eight brew sizes – from 4oz. up to a full size 18oz. travel mug
• Energy Savings Mode – Auto On/Off
• Enjoy beverages hot or over ice
• Brews frothy café beverages
• Removable 74oz. water reservoir with easy fill, flip-top lid
• Removable drip tray with adjustable plate
• Cord storage

Check out my full review of Keurig's Vue V700 Brewing System HERE.

Fun Additional Accessories 

There are certainly a number of accessories that you can purchase for your Keurig brewer, but one of my new favorites is the {Keurig Stainless Steel Travel Mug}. This mug is perfect for home or on the go. It features Contigo® AUTOSEAL® technology. Leak and spill-proof means you’ll never spill another drop, and convenient one-hand operation makes this the perfect travel mug for busy lifestyles.

• Fits under all Keurig® K-Cup™ and Vue® reservoir brewers
• Patented Contigo® AUTOSEAL® lid technology; press button to sip, release to seal
• Leak and spill-proof; automatically seals between sips
• Vacuum-insulated technology keeps beverages hot for 4 hours and cold for 12 hours
• Double wall stainless steel construction
• Holds up to 14 oz. with the lid on
• Dimensions: 3.5” wide x 7.8 ” tall x 2.5” base diameter

Why Not Try These Flavors?

Perfect for the Fall and into Winter, why not give Green Mountain Coffee flavors a try, like Pumpkin Spice , one of my all-time favorites!

The sweet, creamy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg make Pumpkin Spice just right for fall’s crisper days and cooler nights. This warm, aromatic flavor is one of several coffees created to reflect the best aspect of each season.

Not a coffee drinker, why not try, Cafe Escapes' Specialty Flavors such as Chai Latte or Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa. Both are delicious and adds a nice change to your regular coffee routine, plus, who doesn't LOVE hot cocoa?!!

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Buy It

You can purchase the Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System for $229.95 at Keurig.com, at a variety of retailer including Bed, Bath and Beyond, Kohl's as well as other online retailers.

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Win It

Thanks to Keurig One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System
(pictured above), of their very own!

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ace and friends 2012 Holiday Gift Guide beginning November 16th... stay tuned!

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