If you are not familiar with Celtic Woman, let me introduce you:

Named Celtic Woman in order to represent the essence of a Celtic female performer, the group is comprised of vivacious, sublimely gifted young Irish women. The lineup of performers has rotated since the group began, but the signature sound of Celtic Woman has never changed. They perform classic Irish songs (“Green Grow the Rushes”), timeless pop anthems (“Bridge Over Troubled Water”), and inspirational songs (“Ave Maria”) with their signature Celtic Woman twist.

In December, PBS broadcast Celtic Woman’s “Believe” concert, which was “filmed during two sold-out performances at the majestic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and stars vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt, under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated musical director, David Downes.”

Celtic Woman’s Believe concert is now coming to cities all around North America, beginning with their first stop in Nashville, TN on February 3. And they will be right here in Houston on April 16! To see all the cities included on the tour – and to buy tickets – visit the complete listing for North American Tour Dates.

For more information on Celtic Woman, please visit:

• the Celtic Woman website
• the Celtic Woman Facebook Page
• product information for the Celtic Woman “Believe” CD
• product information for the Celtic Woman “Believe” DVD

GIVEAWAY: One winner will receive a signed copy of the Celtic Woman “Believe” CD and one winner will receive a signed copy of the Celtic Woman “Believe” DVD. This giveaway is for residents in US/Canada, all entries are due by 11:59pm Central time, Friday February 10.

To enter, please answer in a comment to this post: if you could attend the Celtic Woman “Believe” concert, who would you bring with you?

For extra entries, please:

• share this giveaway (JUST ONCE!) with your followers on Twitter by using the share button below and leaving “@StaceyNerdin” in the text
• get updates on future posts and giveaways by subscribing to Tree, Root, and Twig via RSS or email

Please leave an extra comment for any additional entry methods used.

Good luck!

Read the complete Official Giveaway Rules for Tree, Root, and Twig.

*Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

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Celtic Woman “Believe” {CD & DVD #Giveaway} is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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A synopsis of BIG MIRACLE:

Inspired by the true story that captured the hearts of people across the world, the rescue adventure Big Miracle tells the amazing tale of a small town news reporter (John Krasinski) and an animal-loving volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who are joined by rival world superpowers to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.

Local newsman Adam Carlson (Krasinski) can’t wait to escape the northern tip of Alaska for a bigger market. But just when the story of his career breaks, the world comes chasing it, too. With an oil tycoon, heads of state and hungry journalists descending upon the frigid outpost, the one who worries Adam the most is Rachel Kramer (Barrymore). Not only is she an outspoken environmentalist, she’s also his ex-girlfriend.

With time running out, Rachel and Adam must rally an unlikely coalition of Inuit natives, oil companies and Russian and American military to set aside their differences and free the whales. As the world’s attention turns to the top of the globe, saving these endangered animals becomes a shared cause for nations entrenched against one another and leads to a momentary thaw in the Cold War.

I can’t wait to see the pairing of Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski! I love both of them and think the combination will bring something sweet and quirky to this movie. I’m also looking forward to “exploring” a bit of Alaska in this movie; one blogger I know who got to attend a pre-screening said the film made her want to book a flight to Alaska right away.

For a sneek peak, take a look at the official, full-length trailer (and I dare you not to be moved!):

For more information about BIG MIRACLE visit:

• the official BIG MIRACLE website
• the BIG MIRACLE Facebook Page
• BIG MIRACLE on YouTube

GIVEAWAY: Compliments of Universal Pictures, I have a deluxe BIG MIRACLE prize pack for one of my readers. The prize includes:

• $25 Fandango Gift Card to go see BIG MIRACLE
• Whale plush
• BIG MIRACLE t-shirt

Prize is valued at $55. US entries only, please. To enter, please answer in a comment to this post: have you ever been to Alaska? If so, what was your favorite part? If not, would you be interested in going there some day? All entries due by 11:59pm Central time, Wednesday, February 8.

For extra entries, please:

• share this giveaway (JUST ONCE!) with your followers on Twitter by using the share button below and leaving “@StaceyNerdin” in the text
• get updates on future posts and giveaways by subscribing to Tree, Root, and Twig via RSS or email

Please leave an extra comment for any additional entry methods used.

Good luck!

Read the complete Official Giveaway Rules for Tree, Root, and Twig.

*Disclosure: Prizing was provided by Universal Pictures; no compensation was received for posting. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

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Closed: BIG MIRACLE & Fandango Gift Card #Giveaway is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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She grew up with the movie, as did my two other daughters. But by the time my first son was born, we were buying our first DVD player and watching movies like Monsters, Inc and Atlantis. We still had the Beauty and the Beast VHS (still do, in fact!), but it definitely wasn’t in heavy viewing rotation anymore.

Fast forward to 2012 and Disney’s release of Beauty and the Beast in 3D, out in theaters January 13.

My girls were all giddy to see it, and I admit I had goosebumps just watching the commercials.

Not only were we looking forward to this nostalgic and welcome “blast from the past,” but my girls and I are all a bit romantic when it comes to movies, and the Disney Pandora channel is on constant play in our house. We’re big fans.

Beauty and the Beast 3D did NOT disappoint.

Before the screening I attended with my 17yo and 15yo daughters, I wondered out loud how the 3D effects were going to benefit the movie and the story. My question was answered in the first few minutes of the show, when the Disney Digital 3D effects gave incredible depth and intensity to the Beast’s castle and surrounding forest. And Belle’s opening number through the village has more life and bustling activity than ever before. Scene after scene had a similar full, fresh feel to it, and it was like I was watching a movie I had never seen.

If you’re wondering if it was really necessary to remake Beauty and the Best into 3D, I would have to say: YES. It takes a wonderful movie and makes it even better.

But in some ways, it makes the few flaws in the movie that much more pronounced, too. The older animation is not nearly as clean as, say, the wonderful Tangled Ever After short that precedes the film (see clip below). And as despicable as Gaston and his scantily-clad admirers are in 2D, I was impatient for their scenes to end on the big screen in 3D. Finally, there are several intense scenes, especially with the wolves in the forest and when the Beast gets very angry, and I did hear some younger children crying during these parts. Just something to keep in mind.

Two things that push all that to the fray for me, though: the music and the “big dance” scene.

We could not help but sing along to the many wonderful songs, and lots of other audience members were doing the same. This soundtrack is one of Disney’s best, I think, and having it play through the surround sound at the theater was marvelous. And the sweetest moment of the film: hearing all the little kids audibly gasp at Belle as she was revealed in her yellow ballgown. Their sweetness and awe actually brought tears to my eyes.

We had a fabulous time re-living Beauty and the Beast in its new 3D format, and had even more fun watching as some children discovered the magic for the first time. I can hardly wait to see how Finding Nemo 3D turns out on September 14!

For your viewing pleasure, a clip of the Tangled Ever After short, shown before Beauty and the Beast 3D. We loved the short, and it only made us hunger for a new Tangled feature-length movie!

*Disclosure: We attended a pre-screening of Beauty and the Beast 3D. I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

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Movie Review: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 3D (2012) is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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Now, Universal Pictures and The Huffington Post are celebrating extraordinary teens who do just that.

Inspired by the upcoming film BIG MIRACLE, The Huffington Post has launched the Teen Impact Contest, “designed to recognize innovative, influential young people (ages 14-18) who support the causes that mean most to them.”

To enter:

• teens (ages 14-18) must submit a blog post of no more than 800 words to The Huffington Post
• blog post must detail the good each teen is doing in their community
• teens may also submit a YouTube video link, photo or video
• all entries are due by JANUARY 15

Have you had a significant volunteering experience? Are you in activist in some way? Have you made a real difference in a disadvantaged community or around a worthy cause? Have you inspired others to do good? If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, you should enter! 

**Disclosure: Although the information for the Teen Impact Contest was sent to me, I was under no obligation to share it and was not compensated for doing so. I believe that this is a great opportunity to celebrate and inspire teens and felt it was a worthwhile contest to share.

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Film BIG MIRACLE Inspires Contest for Extraordinary Teens is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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This Saturday we’ll be attending a screening for Disney’s 3D release of Beauty and the Beast, out in theaters January 13. This got me to thinking of many of the other Disney projects coming to the big screen in 2012, and how excited we are for them.

For movie – and Disney! – fans like ourselves, I thought I’d give you a head’s up on what Disney has planned for the upcoming year. So, here you go: 10 Disney Movie Releases for 2012:

1.  January 13: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D, also in Disney Digital 3D

Beauty and the Beast is by far one of our favorite Disney movies, and for many reasons. My daughters and I all identify with the bookish Belle. We love the music and the assorted cast of vocal talent. Oh, and the romance…{swoon}. We are REALLY looking forward to this one!

2. February 17: THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY

My kids asked for every single film from the Studio Ghibli collection this year for Christmas. They are huge fans of movies like Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle. They are also huge fans of Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli and co-writer of Disney’s February release, The Secret World of Arrietty.

The Secret World of Arrietty is based on the children’s book The Borrowers by Mary Norton. The story centers around Arrietty (pronounced AIR-ee-ett-ee) , a “tiny, but tenacious” 14-year old who is discovered by 12-year old Shawn, a boy who comes to stay in the house where Arrietty and her family live amid the nooks and crannies. They become friends, but must work to hide their relationship (and Arrietty’s family) to keep them safe from danger.

3. March 9: JOHN CARTER, also in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D

John Carter is based on science fiction author Edgar Rice Burroughs’ first novel, called A Princess of Mars. A quick synopsis:

John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to mysterious and exotic planet Mars, becomes embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions and discovers that the survival of the planet and its people rests in his hands. 

Judging by the trailer, this looks to be an action-packed movie full of conflict and adventure.

4. April 20 (Earth Day): CHIMPANZEE (Disneynature)

Let the cuteness begin! Seriously, this film promises to tug the heartstrings just as much as last year’s African Cats (my review: here).

Disneynature has done an amazing job over the years capturing the heart behind earth’s inhabitants, on land and in the sea. In Chimpanzee, the story focuses on young Oscar, whose family is confronted by a rival band of chimps, leaving him “to fend for himself until a surprising ally steps in and changes his life forever.”

To be safe, I plan on bringing some tissues to this one.

5. May 4: MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS, also in 3D and IMAX 3D (Marvel Studios)

Eeeeep! May 4th cannot come soon enough! For a house full of Marvel fans (my 15yo daughter is a font of encyclopedic Marvel knowledge, no joke), we are positively giddy with anticipation about this movie.

Avengers brings together Marvel superheros Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye as they join the international peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D to save the world from certain devastation. But the best part is you know they’ll be doing it with style, humor, and a whole lot of bang.

Bring. It. On!!!

6. June 22: BRAVE, also in Disney Digital 3D (Disney/Pixar)

I’ve written before about my goosebumps upon seeing the trailer for Brave. This lush film looks mysterious and gorgeous.

About Brave, a quick synopsis: Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.

I’m guessing this film will continue the tradition of greatness from the Pixar studios.

7. August 15: THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN

In case you’re in the same boat as I am – meaning, you’ve heard next to nothing about The Odd Life of Timothy Green, but are intrigued – I’ve included the trailer here for you. My thoughts: it looks like a sweet, powerful, feel-good movie, and how on earth can you not want to watch Jennifer Garner in this? She basically OWNS sweet, powerful, and feel-good!

8. September 14: FINDING NEMO 3D (Disney/Pixar)

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming… . So excited for this one. We love Finding Nemo, and it might be one of the most-quotes Disney movies in our house (“Happy feeling gone!,” “Mine, mine, mine,” “Fish are friends, not food!”). I bet the underwater scenes in this will be lovely in 3D.

9. October 5: FRANKENWEENIE, also in Disney Digital 3D

Tim Burton? Genius. At least he’s considered one in our house.

We love The Nightmare Before Christmas (the soundtrack is also on constant rotation here) and Corpse Bride (we just watched it again in the van on a road trip last week!). Something about his clever, macabre sense of humor coupled with the fascinating medium of stop-action film makes for a twisted, highly enjoyable experience or all of us.

Frankenweenie is a black and white, full-length, stop-motion rendering of Burton’s 1984 live-action story, about “young Victor [who] conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.”

And, of course, it’s just in time for Halloween.

10. November 12: WRECK-IT RALPH, also in Disney Digital 3D (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

I admittedly know very little about Wreck-It Ralph, except that it includes the amazing voice talents of John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman, and Jack McBrayer.

The movie goes behind-the-scenes of the world of video game characters, as they come to life a la Andy’s room in Toy Story. The quick synopsis is this:

“The bad-guy character in a classic game who longs to be a hero brings trouble to his entire arcade after sneaking into a new first-person shooter game and unleashing a deadly enemy.”

Disney shared a bit more about Wreck-It Ralph at D23 in August, and it was enough to get plenty of attendees plenty excited (here’s another enthusiastic take). I look forward to learning more.

SO…there you have it! Which Disney movie(s) are you most excited to watch in 2012?

*Disclosure: Although I was sent this information from Disney, I was not obligated to post it and received no compensation or reward for doing so. I am just sincerely excited for many of these films and thought you might be, too!

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{Top Ten Tuesday} 10 Disney Movie Releases for 2012 is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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