Did you catch the premier episode of Outlander last week? Oh, my! I just loved the cast they chose to bring Diana Gabaldon's series to life. Okay, it took me a few minutes to fall in love with the actor playing Jamie, Sam Heughan, but he has a gentleness that really fits the role. Though it might have been the mischevious way he threatened to throw Claire over his shoulders if she didn't come with him. Yeah, that was probably the moment I understood why he was cast in that role.
The rest was truly magically! The haunting music, the gorgeous location and the costume work was fabulous!
One real treat in the first episode was seeing an even more confident and stubborn Claire than I remember from the books. Little details like her giving the wrong foot as she was helped up the horse or how she reacted to the wet nurse comment made her an even stronger female character. My hats off to Caitriona Balfe and how she was written for the series.
You might not be able to travel back in time like Claire, but you could win a trip for two to Scotland in the Outlander Scotland Sweepstakes.
The sweepstakes is presented by Starz and Time Warner Cable and runs from 8/1-8/30. Please note, you must be a Time Warner Cable customer and 18 years or older to be eligible. Outlander Scotland Sweepstakes Prizes include:
Airfare for two to Scotland
Country Roads of Scotland Tour (6 days, 7 nights including hotel)
If you haven't entered yet, be sure to do so now. It would be an amazing prize package to win!
You can also get a sneak preview of Outlander on 3 screen choices ( desktop, phone or tablet) right now on Starz. I am sure you will agree, this is the series to watch this year.
Are you an Outlander fan? I want to know if you are drawn to a series for the romance, action or setting?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Time Warner Cable. The opinions and text are all mine.
This post sponsored by Time Warner Cable. All opinions are my own.
Calling all Outlanderfans! Yes, Diana Gabaldon's international bestselling series is making it's debut with Time Warner's Outlander exclusively on STARZ August 9th, at 9pm EST/PST.
One of the best known and most talked about romance series, it combines action with historical fiction and even time travel. Even if you haven't heard of the series, or have read the books, this is going to be the new series not to miss!
"Outlander" follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. ...a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
I have to admit that I had a sneak peek at the first 2 episodes and though I am sworn to secrecy, I can say that I was not disappointed! I will be tuning in every week to get my fix of Jaime Fraser and his Sassenach.
Jamie is played by Sam Heughan, and though he was a bit smaller in stature than I had hoped, I quickly fell in love with his portrayal of the key character. Clair is played by actress Caitriona Balfe and Frank/Jack Randall is played by Tobias Menzies. Just following the promotional photos and trailers has been giving me chills. Seeing these characters come to life is amazing.
So we have kilts, period costumes and an electrifying romance to tune into every week. What is there not to love?
Even better, you can start streaming the first episode August 2nd on Starz online, and then watch it again when it premieres on TV on the 9th. Connect with your fellow fans on the Outlander Facebook page.
With so many books in the series, all I can keep thinking is, please let this show go on and on... and bring the entire story of Jamie and Claire onto the small screen. You have to see it. I am sure you will fall in love with it as well.
Have you read the books? Who is your favorite character and why?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Time Warner Cable. The opinions and text are all mine.
Is it hot? We have reached the hottest stretch in Summer and now I finding myself enjoying my favorite chair and air conditioning even more at the end of the day. Whether you TiVo or map out your night around your favorite shows, I hope you will come and join me on Beamly. Available on both the website and mobile through the Free Beamly App. It is the Summer home stretch for many of my favorites, as well as time to start trading news clips and updates about my Fall favorites set to return soon.
With just few more home chefs left for the final episodes of MasterChef (FOX), and the first episode of the much anticipated Outlander series coming in August to Starz. There is a lot of great shows to fall in love with, catch up on and talk about.
Then there is my favorite drama, Suits. With Mike hitting rock bottom, who knows what is going to happen?
And any Dr. Who fans out there? With a new Doctor things are sure to be interesting.
So head over to Beamly, look me up (Andrea Kruse) and connect so we can talk about some of your favorite shows. Everything's better with friends, and friends don't let friends obsess about TV alone.
Beamly is THE 24/7 social and content network for TV and TV fans. Join me today in TV conversations and get the latest juice and gossip about your favorite shows!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Beamly. The opinions and text are all mine.
Gone are the days of random channel surfing. Now you can have everything you ever wanted right at your fingertips. Your favorite shows are now social experiences and fellow TV Junkies are sharing and discovering more about their favorite shows on Beamly.
I don't have the same taste in TV shows as my husband, or even my kids. One of my current favorites is Master Chef, Monday nights on FOX. Headed by Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot as the panel of judges, home cook contestants face new challenges weekly.
It is now down to only 13, and the pressure in the kitchen seems to keep rising. Not only am I loving the show, but I can dish about my favorite contenders, the drama and the food with fellow fans on Beamly. It is a little like having a crew of buddies over each week to watch with me. We chat in the room during the episode and then can leave questions, clips and info all during the week to build up excitement for the next installment.
If you are a fan of Master Chef, Orange is the New Black, Suits or a whole host of other great shows on this Summer, come follow me and see how much fun it can be to talk about those emotional highs and lows of our favorite programs. Come connect via the App, the web, in real time or whenever you get to TiVo. I'll be waiting.
What are you watching? Beamly is THE 24/7 social and content network for TV and TV fans. Join me today in TV conversations and get the latest juice and gossip about your favorite shows!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Beamly. The opinions and text are all mine.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Beamly. The opinions and text are all mine.
What are you doing at 8pm? Do you have a standing prime time engagement?
After I tuck my kids into bed it is "me" time. Time that I like to unwind with my favorite shows. Unfortunately, my husband is more of a Top Gear and Discovery Channel sort of guy, so my dramas, science-fiction and food programming is something I enjoy alone.
Well, not anymore at least. I have found a fun, interactive community online where I can share episode thoughts, dish about my favorite actors and discuss plot lines and those horrid cliff-hangers. Yes, no one quite gets my weird ideas on Orange is the New Black like the community at Beamly.
Beamly is an interactive, online community for TV fans. There are places to chat about the show episodes (TV rooms), as well as learn more about the show, and even keep track of the TV schedule. I usually forget to watch Suits when it airs, but now that I can use the Beamly phone app to remind me of a new episode, I am there.
Yes, you can either check Beamly out on your computer, or download it free to your smartphone. I enjoy tweeting during my favorite shows anyway, so I just keep the Beamly app open and I can not only chat with fellow fans about how Mike and Harvey from Suits need to make up and start working together again, but I can also send my tweet with the show hashtag (#Suits) right there. It connects me with the wider online community of fans.
Now I recently was turned onto watching MasterChef on FOX. Many of my favorite shows are between seasons and I always love interesting food challenges. I learned all about the show, the cast and even the program schedule through Beamly.
Speaking of MasterChef, did anyone watch last night's episode? I am really loving the idea of that Prosciutto, Guinness and Maple donut that Gordon Ramsey gushed about. Okay, he didn't really gush (does he ever?), but he did give it rather surprising praise.
So I guess you could say Beamly has taken my TV viewing to a whole new level. I am interacting with fellow fans, learning more about the behind the scenes workings of the show and even finding new shows to fall in love with.
Okay, so put down the remote for a moment, go create your own profile on Beamly and follow my profile (Andrea Kruse) while you are at it. I would love to discuss the finer points of prison food (Piper style - OITNB) or tell you why I think Donna is the glue that holds together Suits. But, I am sure there are a whole bunch of other Beamly users who would love to chat with you too.
What is your current favorite show? Which Beamly TV room would you join?
Beamly is THE 24/7 social and content network for TV and TV fans. Join me today in TV conversations and get the latest juice and gossip about your favorite shows!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Beamly. The opinions and text are all mine.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Beamly. All opinions and experiences are my own.
Do you have a favorite TV show?
Bound to the home and stuck with my children's animated and educational shows by day, during prime time it is Mommy's turn with the remote. In the evening I can escape into my favorite drama, fantasy and science fiction television series.
Of course, yelling at the TV screen isn't as much fun as dishing with friends. Beamly is the new social and content network for your favorite television shows. Discuss the shows, share your reactions, set reminders for which shows you want to watch and even keep up on the current news regarding your beloved shows.
Television fans everywhere rejoice! ... then come check out Beamly.
I love that I can customize my avatar, screen and info. Then follow others. Come check me out and follow my profile. I would love to chat with you.
You can download the Beamly app FREE for your iPhone or Android.Now I can vent or dish in my spare time.
So what are my must-see shows? Right now I am watching Once Upon a Time. It is the best way to start my week with a new Sunday night installment. This season's twist on The Wizard of Oz has me on the edge of my seat. I am rooting for Hook, by the way. What is it with smoldering pirates wearing eyeliner? Followed of course by Revenge later the same evening. That show jerks me around and I love it.
To satisfy my love for good Sci-Fi, I also religiously watch Haven, and Warehouse 13. I expect both of these seasons to end with a bang, especially since this is the last season of Warehouse 13.
Of course, I'm secretly watching Resurrection and the verdict is still out on Continuum. But you can see all my thoughts and opinions right there in the different television show rooms.
Love a show? Then GET A ROOM! ... just do it on Beamly. You can learn more in the Beamly youtube video.
Beamly is THE 24 X 7 social and content network for TV and TV fans. Join me today in TV conversations and get the latest juice and gossip about your favorite shows!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Beamly. The opinions and text are all mine.
*Disclaimer - I am participating in a campaign from One2One Network and The Online Network. I have not received payment for this post. My participation makes me eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated are my own
The shows you grew up with are back and better than ever!
Starting at midnight, April 29th, Hulu is offering 30-minute daily episodes with a recap on Friday. You can also catch them on-the-go with Hulu+ and iTunes. Plus catch fun guest appearances by Snoop Lion, Riff Raff, and Nervo.
Soap operas have long been loved for afternoon entertainment and we all hate to see the family's we have come to love and hate go away. These are off-network now so the gloves are coming off, is that even possible? and their content will be more mature and not suitable for children. I see these as being a great after hours guilty pleasure for busy moms.
New to these classic soaps? Here is the dirt on All My Children:
All My Children revolves around the lives of the residents of fictional Pine Valley. For nearly forty years, this town has seen the trials and tribulations of its dynamic families. Now your favorite stories are back, and more dramatic than ever!
Plot outline Since 1970, the residents of All My Children's Pine Valley, PA -- including its most famous citizen, Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) have seen their fair share of scandalous hookups, feuds, and devastating murders. Pine Valley luminaries include resident hero Ryan Lavery (Cameron Mathison), Fusion Cosmetics maven Greenlee du Pres (Rebecca Budig), perpetual troublemaker David Hayward (Vincent Irizarry), funnyman Tad Martin (Michael E. Knight), and the unforgettable romantic duo of Angie and Jesse Hubbard (Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams).
All My Children actors include returning actors Debbie Morgan as Dr Angie Hubbard, Julie Barr as Brooke English,Sal Stowers as Cassandra Foster, Eric Nelson as AJ Chandler, Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery, Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald, Ryan Bittle as JR Chandler, Eden Riegel as Bianca Montgomery, Cady McClain as Dixie Cooney, Ray MacDonnell as Dr. Joe Martin, David Canary as Adam Chandler, Heather Roop as Jane McIntyre, and Francesca James as Evelyn Johnson will be returning once the soap moves online.
One Life to Livefollows the complicated lives of three main families: the wealthy Lords, the powerful Buchanans and the strong-willed Cramers. The quiet simplicity of small town living is often interrupted by the drama between them yet despite the struggles, strong family bonds keep them united.
Plot outline
The good people of Llanview, Pennsylvania, lead complicated lives. In a town of questionable marriage ethics, teenagers grow up fast and fall in love quickly. The quiet simplicity of small-town living on the Llantano River is frequently upset by an over-abundance of multiple personalities who disturb the peace. Despite the jealousy, betrayal, and occasional baby-swapping, Llanview is where the Buchanan, Lord, and Cramer families struggle to retain the strong family ties that have always united them.
One Life to Live actors include Corbin Bleu as Jeffery King as well as returning actors Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan, Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord, Tuc Watkins as David Vickers, Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan, Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer, Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan, Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado, Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks, Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan, Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning, Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth, and Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning. Recurring actors include: Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans, Shenaz Treasury as Rama Patel, and Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel.
Are you a rule bender? Creative player? Or, are you more of a "by-the-book game player?
Sheldon, from the Big Bang Theory, has his own creative (and more productive?) take on the classic "Rock, Paper, Scissors" called, "Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock". Have you every played? Here is a clip in case you missed the rules:
So, do you have any games with your own rules for playing?
I play games with my 3 and 4-year old and they are constantly changing (making up?) rules as we go. Basically whatever benefits my 4-year old the most. Tic-Tac-Toe is one of his favorites, but during his turn he can put as many marks on the paper as he wants and then connect 4 has taken on a whole new meaning! Either way, the game always ends with him yelling, "I Win!".
Yes, I have explained the rules, but he is sure his version is more fun.
Be sure to check out this great clip from the series, too.
Okay, I might be a little weird, but I just love seeing the free sample with purchase on my favorite beauty or cleaning products. Yes, I will even switch brands of shampoo if I can get one of those little bottles of free conditioner.
You might have noticed I am a Rizzoli & Isles fan, right? Well, the Season 2 DVD collection is here and packed with some added little bonuses and extras sure to get you excited as well.
Besides the 15 episodes from the season you will get:
an hour long behind-the-scenes featurette
unaired scenes
gag reel
new UltraViolet digital copy
Featurettes: From the Ground Up- Building Episode 214 - Go behind the scenes to see the intensive and rigorous process of generating the 14th episode
Part 1 - In the Writer's Room
Part 2 - Pre-Production
Part 3 - Bustin' Out The Boston: Production
Part 4 - Ready-to-Air: Post Production
I love watching bonus features of my favorite shows. I have learned so much from going back and seeing alternative scenes as well as how the show is made. Fans will love to delve even deeper into their favorite characters and the world surrounding Rizzoli & Isles.
I am dying to see the unaired scenes. Sometimes there are little gems hidden on the cutting room floor that gives a great perspective into the larger story.
I think friendships are something to be treasured, but sometimes the relationship just isn't healthy and a clean break is needed to move on.
Ever experienced this?
Throughout school, activities and events I met people and gravitated to form friendships with those who engaged me, interested me and made me laugh. Unfortunately the same people I was friends with one Summer back in Junior High don't always have a place in my life now. Different choices and different life paths keep my world of friends ever evolving and changing.
Now that I have small children my priorities have changed even more. Most of my friends also have young children because we have so much in the way of potty training, tantrums and dress-up in common.
I am a firm believer that if a friendship starts to become unhealthy or destructive, it is time to quickly say goodbye.
Such is the case in the episode Remember Me of Rizzoli and Isles. Jane's old nemesis, serial killer Charles Hoyt (talk about a toxic relationship!) is back and just won't go away. Hoyt claims to have information about a murder just a day before his release. He uses the information to taunt Jane and try to pull her back into his web. Luckily, Jane is able to gain some closure to their relationship.
Though I wouldn't call it a friendship, their "connection" is really in need of an ending.
If you are looking for new episodes of Rizzoli & Isles you are in luck!Season 3 premieres Tuesday, June 5th at 9/8c on TNT And don't forget to catch up on all the fun of (or just rewatch) Season 2 on DVD.
*Disclaimer - I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Rizzoli & Isles Season Two on DVD.
Did you catch the Season 2 Finale of Rizzoli & Isles, Burning Down the House?
I was not expecting that!
Doyle (Maura's Father) swoops in to save his daughter from the would-be killer, evades arrest and begins shooting at the police. Returning fire, Jane ends up killing Maura's Father. That is going to be tough for their relationship to overcome. We know that things are going to be a little different, but will they ever get back to their lovable close camaraderie?
I know, say it ain't so! I love how the characters Jane and Maura worked so well with each other. Both need each other to solve the crimes. I can't imagine them not speaking or working together.
I do like the new tension and chance for new story line direction. I can't wait to see what the writers have ready for us in Season 3.
Of course I understand that Jane was only doing her job, and I also understand that Maura has ever reason to be upset. I hope these ladies can work through this and not let any bad guys slip through the cracks.
Of course you can see what happens next in the Season 3 premiere -Tuesday, June 5th at 9/8c on TNT
I love a good crime drama and have watched many of them.
Most are big on the technical aspect and lack the relationships and friendships found in a usual drama series. Well, after enjoying actress Sasha Alexander in another show, I was excited to see her co-staring in Warner Brother's Rizzoli & Isles. Of course Angie Harmon is also no stranger to television and I thought the chemistry of these two friends was interesting.
Fast forward through two seasons and I am hooked! Based on the mystery novels by Tess Gerritsen, this show gave me the action and excitement I was looking for in a crime/mystery drama.
Complicated, intriguing characters with a healthy dose of moxie, this detective and medical examiner make a great pair for solving crimes. They are not your usual helpless females, nor are they too strong for their own good. Both have their own set of skills and hang-ups to keep things interesting.
Take the 13th episode, Seventeen Ain't So Sweet, from season 2 for example. Jane heads to her high school reunion to find a former classmate turn up dead on the football field. With Maura along as her plus one the two of them need to sift through the clues. Suspects are everywhere, and Jane knows what these people are all capable of.
All the while Jane has her own reunion fears to face. It is amazing how no matter the length of time between me and high school, those years are still raw and vivid in my memory. I have never been a big fan of reunions myself I prefer to look forward and dwell on the positive. Jane must use the past the help the present, but I can't say I have ever needed to do that.
I can understand Jane's feelings of not wanting to relive the past with people she no longer knows. I am really okay with letting those years and faces remain memories to keep or forget. I can't even imagine trying to run an investigation with all those ghosts of the past. Luckily Jane is able to embrace her past and use it to her benefit.
How do you feel about reunions? Are you a fan or not?
The third season of Rizzoli & Isles is coming!
Season premier - Tuesday, June 5th at 9/8 C. on TNT.
Now is a great time to grab your copy of Season 2 on DVD to catch up on the characters and action before the next season arrives. Available on DVD 5/22. Pre-order yours today.
*Disclaimer - I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Rizzoli & Isles Season Two on DVD.
