Views From the Ville

Budding Photog on Your List? Pick Up a Canon Rebel t5i at Best Buy

Dec 102014

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

A few years ago I realized that I really needed a DSLR. The point-and-shoot I had been carrying around was fine for daily use but I wanted something a little more professional for the photos I share here. Plus we had a lot of “big” family events that were coming up (like college and high school graduation ceremonies) and I thought we’d get a lot of use from it.

Canon Rebel t5i - Front View #CanonatBestBuy #HintingSeason

I’m not one of those people that makes a bigger purchase easily. I hem and haw and read reviews, then hem and haw some more. Followed by more reviews, comparison shopping, all culminating in “I’ll just buy it later”. Continue reading »

See Into the Woods on Christmas Day

Disney, Entertainment No Responses »

Dec 102014

Somewhere around junior high my family started a new tradition of the entire family going to a movie on Thanksgiving night. There were 10 or so of us that went and it was always a fun way to end the day’s festivities. There were a surprising number of other people there, and I found out that for many it wasn’t just a Thanksgiving tradition, it was a Christmas one, too.

Into the Woods opens Christmas Day 2014

I’m trying to remember if we saw any movies on Christmas Day. If we did, none really stick out to me. But this year, I think that’s going to be different. Because this year Into the Woods opens on December 25th and I think it’s going to be awesome. Continue reading »

Candy Crunch Milkshake Recipe

Recipes 46 Responses »

Dec 092014

This is a Fashionista Event and a promotional item was provided to me by Sweetworks in order to make my Candy Crunch Milkshake. Hosts for this event are Still Blonde after all these Years and ModlyChic.

Am I the only one that loves milkshakes more in winter than any other time of year? It sounds a little counter-intuitive, I know, but it’s true. But when the temperatures drop I start craving them.

Candy Crunch Milkshake Recipe - a cold, creamy treat with hints of chocolate-coated candies in each sip.

Most of the time my go-to choice is a good ol’ fashioned chocolate shake. Sometimes I get a little crazy and go the cookies and cream route. But when the generous folks at Sweetworks sent me a big box of chocolate and candy the other day, I started to get an idea. Continue reading »

Capture Memories with Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments

Christmas 18 Responses »

Dec 082014

The year I was born I became part of a very special family tradition. That year my Grandmother gave me my first Hallmark Keepsake Ornament. Each year after that I received a new one; some years she selected one for me, some years I was able to share a little input on my favorites.

Our family Christmas tree decorated with Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments

Fast forward 36 years and those ornaments – including that Baby’s First Christmas one – grace my tree. And in addition to capturing special moments and interests from each year, that was the goal. That by the time I (and later my brothers and cousins) grew up and moved out on our own we wouldn’t have a bare Christmas tree. Continue reading »

Impact Inevitable! Guardians of the Galaxy Enters Our Orbit

Disney, Entertainment 6 Responses »

Dec 082014

This Guardians of the Galaxy shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OwnTheGalaxy #CollectiveBias

Do you know what happens tomorrow? The stellar hit Guardians of the Galaxy will be released to the cosmos on DVD and Blu-ray. I’m especially excited because it’s the only Marvel movie we didn’t get a chance to see at the theater this year and I’m itching to be a little more in the know when it comes to Groot, the Star-Lord, and the rest of the group.

We may not have caught the movie yet but each of us already has a favorite part or line thanks to all of the trailers and teaser clips that have been shown. Like the famous Dancing Groot. Watching that led me to the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, also known as “Awesome Mix Vol. 1” (yep, a mixed tape. Oh the awesome). Listen to a few of those songs and you’ll have no problem understanding why Groot needed to get his groove on. Continue reading »

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