Disney-Beauty and The Beast

It is a tale as old as time.  You know the story.  It is one of favorite stories of all time. 

I was invited to an advance screening.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

The story has been brought to life before my eyes.  The film stars that brought it to life are Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, thewardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.  This cast did an amazing job truly portraying this story.

The story that starts with a daughter's request: "All I'd like is a rose you've picked specially for me!"  A beautiful rose for a beauty.  “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle.  Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. 

It is the story that teaches us to look within.  To go past the outside exterior of a person and really get to know them.  There is beauty in everyone.  We have to want to give people a chance.  You do not know the other person until you give them a chance.

It teaches us that no matter how lost you are and when you see no light, you never know what may come to your life to be the light.  To bring you out of the darkness.  It is a beautiful story.

My favorite song that always touches me...

The story on screen opens in theaters today.   

Giveaway-Taco Cabana Houston Fiestas

Hey Houston...Do you know what a Fiesta is?  A party.  Have you ever heard of the San Antonio Fiesta?  Annual celebration every April to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.

This is a sponsored post brought to you by Taco Cabana.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.


Taco Cabana will be offering month-long weekend fiestas over the next few months at various restaurants throughout Houston.

The fiestas, which will be held in The Woodlands, Kingwood and northwest Houston, will feature family fun entertainment including:

· DJ, Photo Booth, Prize Wheel and chance to win “Free TC for a Year”

· Balloon Artist, Caricature Artist, Face Painter and/or Temporary Tattoos

The Woodlands

Address: 3079 College Park Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77384

Dates: Saturday, March 11 – Saturday, April 1

Time: 4 – 7 p.m.

Kingwood

Address: 25657 US Highway 59, Kingwood, TX 77339

Dates: Saturday, April 8 – Saturday, April 29

Time: 4 – 7 p.m.

Northwest Houston

Address: 167 Yale St., Houston, TX  77007

Dates: Saturday, May 6 – Saturday, May 27

Time: 4 – 7 p.m.

Thanks to Taco Cabana for allowing Independentmami's readers to get the fiesta started, enter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

US only.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  The prize will be fulfilled by the sponsor.  Good Luck!

Boss Baby Advance Screening

Who wants to go see the Boss Baby?

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

SYNOPSIS-DreamWorks Animation and the director of Madagascar invite you to meet a most unusual baby.  He wears a suit, speaks with the voice and wit of Alec Baldwin, and stars in the animated comedy, DreamWorks’ The Boss Baby.  The Boss Baby is a hilariously universal story about how a new baby's arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative 7 year old named Tim.  With a sly, heart-filled message about the importance of family, DreamWorks’ The Boss Baby is an authentic and broadly appealing original comedy for all ages.  

I have advance screening passes for Houston.   First-come, First-serve.  Admit Four passes.

Go to: http://www.gofobo.com/oPnfk26121 to print your passes out.  Make sure you arrive early to get your spot in the theater.

How Do You Granola - Challenge

Do you granola?  I do.  It is great for breakfast or a snack.

Thanks to Viki's Granola for sending sample product to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I like making Granola Parfaits.  They are so easy to make.  You can add your favorite fruit or what you have available or in season.  Granola provides fiber.  Also the oats in the granola are a whole grain.  For parfaits, you don't need that many ingredients or that much time.

Ingredients:

-Greek Yogurt
-granola
-fruit of your choice (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)

It is so easy, you just build layers.  You can add fruit as part of your layers too.  You can top it with fruit.  It is up to you. 

Viki's Original Granola takes rolled oats, organic honey and adds a touch of almonds and pecans for a flavor-packed ride.  It is available in Original, Apple Cinnamon, Maple Cranberry, Blueberry Almond or Banana Walnut.

With 100% All Natural Ingredients and they are:
• Gluten Free
• Non-GMO Verified
• Cholesterol Free
• Zero Trans Fats
• Sodium free
• Dairy Free
• Kosher Pareve

For more information on Viki's Granola, go to vikisfoods.com.

Houston Livestock show and Rodeo Tips

Have you ever experienced The Houston Livestock Shoe and Rodeo?

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with USFG.  All opinions stated are my own based on personal experience.

Here are some tips if you plan on attending the HLSR this year:

Family Fun and Value at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Navigate the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Download the RODEOHOUSTON mobile app available for iPhone and Android to ensure your family outing to the Show goes off without a hitch! Jam-packed with an interactive scheduling tool, and parking and map information, the mobile app is a must for busy parents who like to plan ahead. Pre-plan and create an agenda personalized to your family's interests using the "My Schedule" function within the app.

Rodeo grounds passes are available for adults 13 years of age and older for $10; for children ages 3 to 12, $5; and for children ages 2 and under, grounds admission is free.

Fun for the Entire Family in OXY AGventure-

Home to 12 interactive and educational exhibits, OXY AGventure provides both children and adults with a one-of-a-kind learning experience, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Value Wednesday Deals
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provides its guests with world-class entertainment at an incredible value. If you're on a budget, you won't want to miss out on the Show's Value Wednesday deals. Every Wednesday during the Show, adults will only pay $5 to enter NRG Park and seniors, 60 years of age and older, and children, 12 and younger, get in free!

In addition to discounted admission fees, visitors have access to shopping discounts, dining meal deals, and $5 off the purchase of $25 or more at the Official Rodeo Merchandise booths. Value Wednesday discounts vary among vendors and are available at select locations in NRG Center, NRG Arena and NRG Park.

Bring the family out to The Junction Carnival on Value Wednesdays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to enjoy $2 rides and games. Save at the carnival every day during Show by purchasing half-priced carnival packs, on sale now through Saturday, March 4. The purchase of a half-priced carnival pack provides you with a bundle of ride tickets and refreshment coupons at an incredible value. Plus, each carnival pack includes a $5 off voucher (when you spend $25 or more) valid for use at any of the Official Rodeo Merchandise booths. Visit rodeohouston.com for more information.