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Experience the Magic with Disney Live Mickey & Minnie’s Doorway to Magic

disney-live

As you probably know if you come to my blog regularly, we are a Disney family. Whenever there is a Disney event in town, we are there. From Disney on Ice, to Disney Live, to events at our local Disney Store – you can always count on the Smith’s to be there ready to have some fun. Feld Entertainment’s Disney Live: Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Doorway was just in town, and we were lucky enough to go. I knew that the whole family would have a good time, because you can’t go wrong with Disney but I had no idea just how much fun.

First, let me say that we usually end up with pretty get seats for all the shows we go to. We were up in the high balcony for this one, and it was still an amazing show. I was impressed by how much Disney and the arena worked to make sure that no seat in the house was a bad one. So don’t worry if the only seats left seem like they are too far away, you are sure to have a great time no matter where you sit. Speaking of Disney working to create a great show – this show is perfect for young kids and families. It was very interactive. At the beginning, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Tinkerbell teach the audience some magic words and actions which we are asked to repeat several times throughout the show to make the magic happen. My daughters have been doing that magic chant constantly since we arrived home – and it is the cutest thing.

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This Disney Live show is not only packed full of your favorite Disney characters, it is packed full of magic and fun. I have seen a lot of Disney shows and this one sticks out in my mind as unique. Feld Entertainment has incorporated magic tricks in to it. For example, during the Toy Story scene, a whole ton of Green Army Men pile out of a seemingly empty toy box! During Rapunzel’s segment, a woman gets sawed in half. And earlier in the show, during Cinderella’s appearance, the fairy godmother changes regular shoes (that are volunteered by someone in the audience) into sparkling glass slippers! My daughters (who are 3 and 5) were astonished by the whole thing. They loved the magic, and it warmed my heart to see them loving it so much. I could go on and on but I just don’t want to give anything else away. If you are a Disney family – or a magic fan – you are sure to love Disney Live: Mickey & Minnie’s Doorway to Magic!

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About the show
Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite Disney characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men; and the spectacular stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise into the sky amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you never know what to expect or who might join in the fun. In Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic you hold the ultimate key to unlocking your imagination.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAZsplIiRho

If you missed out this time, don’t worry, there are still many other places to check out this great show – like Rochester, NY this weekend (11/19) for my local friends!
See a complete list and how to get your tickets here.

disney-on-ice-passport-to-adventure

Plus, Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure is coming to our area soon – December 14 – 18 in Syracuse and Jan 18-22 in Rochester!

About Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure
Celebrate the most memorable Disney tales with all your favorite characters in Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the timeless worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and Disney’s Frozen. You and your family will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa, voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to meet up with Tinker Bell. Plus, travel to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite huggable snowman Olaf, as they journey to discover that true love is the most magical power of all. Upbeat music, lovable characters and unforgettable moments make Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure an experience your family will cherish forever!

Discount Alert: Use the code D15WOW to save on your Disney on Ice Passport to Adventure tickets! The discount code D15WOW can be used when purchasing tickets online at Ticketmaster. The code is for $5 off P5 and P7 level tickets for the Thursday 7 p.m., Friday 7 p.m., and Sunday 4 p.m. shows.

Grab your tickets here.

Get Your FREE Moana Activity Sheets & Coloring Pages

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Moana is going to be the next Frozen. I have not even seen it yet and I know that. The way my girls have already reacted to the trailer, the music, the characters, and the merchandise – it is going to be big folks! To help celebrate it’s upcoming release, I have some super fun Moana Activity Sheets for you. Simply download and print them out and your kids will thank you! My girls love these and it is getting them even more pumped for the movie.

design-your-own-kakamora

Download Here —-> design-your-own-kakamora

make-a-hexaflexagon

Download Here —-> make-a-hexaflexagon

make-your-own-kakamora

Download Here —-> make-your-own-kakamora

moana-connect-the-dots

Download Here —-> moana-connect-the-dots

moana-water-safety-tips

Download Here —-> moana-water-safety-tips

moana-bookmarks

Download Here —-> moana-bookmarks

 moana-maze

Download Here —-> moana-maze

moana-memory-match

Download Here —-> moana-memory-match

maui-and-moana-coloring-page

Get your FREE Moana Coloring Pages here!

Synopsis
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i.

Moana sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.

Like MOANA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana
Follow MOANA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneymoana
Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyanimation/
Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/
Visit the official MOANA website here: http://movies.disney.com/moana

20 Educational Gifts Your Kids Will Love

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20-educational-gifts-your-kids-will-love

Being a mom of two young girls, nothing is more important to me than education. My girls have a lot of toys and games, but we try to make the majority of them educational ones. My husband is an engineer and so STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) are at the forefront of our priorities. We have always been trying to find different ways to mix fun and learning together, whether it’s going on educational trips or just doing a microscope crossword before bed. This list of gifts for kids is filled with great educational options – that the whole family will love! This guide contains affiliate links.

Have a product you want featured in one of our gift guides? Find out more about how to submit them for consideration here.

 

1. Teach My Learning Kits

Teach My Preschooler

Teach My Kindergartener is the newest all-in-one learning kit designed for ages 4+. The kit contains unique and coordinated tools to teach spelling, money, telling time and the year. Your kindergartener can master 100 spelling words, counting money, analog and digital time as well as days of the week, months of the year, dates, years, weather and seasons. Each set in the kit is fully coordinated to encourage matching and repetition. The Teach My Kindergartener learning kit is designed to be screen-free, one-on-one learning time. The kit aims to promote school readiness and a head start for kindergarten, in just 20 minutes a day. Teach My also has these kits for Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler available as well as bathtime kits! Check them out a Target near you or on Amazon!

Find Where to Purchase at a Target Near You Here

2. Soapets

soapets

These plush bath toys for kids are the perfect way to make bath time fun. These fun bath products come in many characters, and are perfect as a bath aid. They not only help to make the bath fun, but also help to teach kids how to clean and inspire creative play in the tub!

Purchase on Amazon

3. Kid Made Modern Kits

wonderland-kit

KMM craft projects give caregivers and children the opportunity to do something together – something they’ll both enjoy. These products are fun, high quality, safe and affordable. Directions/guidance are provided, but the outcome is up to you, whether it’s a jewelry making kit, an outdoor chalk party ensemble or a masking tape mosaic shirt creation kit. Winter Wonderland Kit: This kit is a perfect activity for a cold snowy day. Create your own wintery landscape with the Winter Wonderland kit. Paint mountains, trees, polar bears, penguins and much more!

Purchase on Amazon or KidMadeModern.com

4. Young Scientist Chemistry Lab

young-scientist-chemistry-lab

From concocting a batch of bouncing bubbles to creating a glowing ice sphere, our lab is packed with amazing experiments that prove how cool chemistry can be! Six simple science experiments each include step-by-step instructions, plus fun scientific facts…so they’re perfect for introducing children of all ages to the wonders of chemistry! Lab comes with over 20 pieces, including safety goggles, gloves, a bubble wand and bubble tray, a beaker and funnel, pipettes, sphere molds, a black light, plus lots of ingredients for each experiment-from bubble solution to luminescent powder.

Purchase on Amazon or at LakeshoreLearning.com

5. Once Upon A Craft Kits

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With Once Upon a Craft, story time has never been more fun! Each set features a classic story and 2 mess-free crafts that help encourage a life-long love of learning. A wonderful way to extend story time and encourage a lifelong love of reading! Perfect for creative kids ages 4-6 years old. Collect all 8 sets!

Purchase on Amazon

6. Nancy B’s Science Club Kits

nancy-bs-science-club

Nancy Balter has always loved science. Her passion paid off with a B.A. in Biology from Yale University and an M.S. in Science Education from the University of Southern California. Nancy has combined her love of science and invention with her passion for education with Nancy B’s Science Club in hopes of keeping kids curious and engaging their natural excitement for science! These products feature STEM based fun where the idea of educating little learners in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — creates the opportunity for open ended discoveries and education through play. Ask questions, test new subjects, and track your results with the Nancy B’s Science Club journals – tailored to each kit – that are packed with activities.

Purchase on Amazon

7. LeapFrog LeapStart

leapstart

Tap into big fun with the amazing, all-in-one LeapStart interactive early learning system for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten, jam-packed with key school and life skills for curious 2-4 year olds. The system works with a library of replayable activity books (sold separately) and comes with a Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten sampler book. The LeapStart interactive learning system is designed to help build key skills and challenge kids to get ready for their next step in learning. Get kids excited about everything from counting to creativity, phonics to problem solving, and shapes to social skills with replayable activity books bursting with fun on every page.

Purchase on Amazon

8. Rubik’s Jr. Bear

rubiks-jr-bear

The easy-to-grip Bear is much simpler than the original Rubik’s Cube and will entertain kids with every twist and turn! Think of it as a “training” cube.

Purchase on Winning-Moves.com

9. Brynk

brynk

Will you be able to place your pieces on the teeter-tottering base and get it to stay? Or will you upset the balance and watch as it all comes crashing down in front of you?

Purchase on Winning-Moves.com

10. GeoSafari Jr. My First Telescope

geosafari-jr-my-first-telescope

Discover amazing, up-close lunar exploration with GeoSafari® Jr. My First Telescope! Little ones can explore the moon with this focus-free telescope, built specifically for little hands and growing minds. Perfect for STEM learning. The 10x magnification provides fantastic views of the moon, while keeping the field of vision wide, which is essential for young children’s understanding of magnified views.

Purchase on Amazon.com

11. 1-10 Counting Owls Activity Set

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Whoo wants to count? Stack these colorful owls to match the numbers (1–10) on the branch to build early counting skills and one-to-one correspondence. Children become wise as an owl as they explore color identification, sorting and patterning, number and quantity relationships, and much more! Includes 25 stacking owls, 1 branch, spinner, and 10 Activity Cards to make early math a hoot.

Purchase on Amazon.com

12. STEM Sink or Float Activity Set

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Set sail with real STEM learning! Young learners can dive into early physics in a fun, colorful way with this two-piece submarine and floating raft along with weights, balls, and stars to bring investigations to life. This set also features 10 detailed Activity Cards (with over 20 engaging, high-impact activities) that cover all aspects of STEM, plus key science concepts of buoyancy, density, and more! Comprehensive Activity Guide with reproducible materials is also included.

Purchase on Amazon.com

13. New Sprouts® Grow It!

sprouts-grow-it

A garden full of imaginative play! Plant and grow flowers and veggies right before your eyes with gardening essentials including a watering can, shovel, and 3 pots. Colorful mix-and-match flowers and veggies encourage role play and early vocabulary development while nurturing an appreciation for nature. Includes 2 flowers and 2 veggies (carrot and radish).

Purchase on Amazon.com

14. More Than Magic

more-than-magic

In More Than Magic, our lovable artist, Maggie Mud, is nervous to start a new school because she feels her magical rainbow powers make her different. When the other children ignore her, Maggie avoids school and no longer wants to use her gifts to color the world. Everything becomes dim and eventually all the color in the world disappears. It is only when all of the children learn to appreciate one another’s inner magic that the colors come back, brighter than ever!

Purchase on Amazon.com

15. Wonder Workshop Dash Robot

dash-robot

Dash is a real robot, charged and ready to play out of the box. Responding to voice, navigating objects, dancing, and singing, Dash is the robot you always dreamed of having. Use Wonder, Blockly, and other apps to create new behaviors for Dash — doing more with robotics than ever possible. No books, assembly, or camps needed! Ready to play right of out of the box, Dash can speed around the house, lights blinking, wheels squealing. Dash comes with free coding apps on phones and tablets, Wonder and Blockly, designed for every child to program robots, and learn on their own using hundreds of challenges in the apps. Wonder even lets you save your creations to Dash to play without the screen.

Purchase on Amazon.com

16. Sapphiro

sapphiro

Dazzling gems are the focus of your quest in this fun family game of luck and strategy. Play your diamond tiles to capture rubies, emeralds and other valuable jewels by matching colors and surrounding the gems. Be careful not to leave a quick or easy way for your opponents to do the same. Be the first to collect six jewels—one of each color—and your quest for fortune will be complete! Quality-made with a wooden board and tiles, Sapphiro is too beautiful and fun to ever put away! Includes wooden game board, 100 wooden tiles, 30 gems and rules. For 2 to 4 players.

Purchase on Mindware.OrientalTrading.com

17. Q-BA-MAZE

qbamaze

Q-BA-MAZE is a unique system of colorful cubes that interlock to form a marble run. The big difference? You can create marble maze sculptures in any form such as animals, robots, towers, and geometric shapes. Configurations are unlimited, allowing for unpredictable action when the steel marbles travel different routes. Follow the plans provided in each set, get inspired by our plans section below, or create your own! Developed by an architect, Q-BA-MAZE inspires creative play as you experiment with motion, stability, physics and art. Think in 3-D while you design and build with colors and cantilevers. It’s both right-brain and left-brain, part art and part science.

Purchase on Amazon.com

18. Penelope and Friends Dolls

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Penelope, Ava, Elena and Samantha are the ultimate girl squad, each smart, courageous and fun with their own style and personality. What a great way to show girls that they can be themselves while encouraging imaginitive play. Give one or all four as a gift this year- one unique, together complete.

Penelope: The Artsy one
Ava: The Techie
Elena: The Helping Hand
Samantha: The Animal Lover

Purchase at your local A.C. Moore.

19. Playful Chef Deluxe Cooking Set

playful-chef

Bring learning into the kitchen and get cooking with the Playful Chef Deluxe Cooking Kit. The measuring cups and spoons are color coded so children can instantly recognize the correct measurements while following the recipe cards. These detailed recipe cards are also designed with young culinary artists in mind, filled with colorful illustrations, fun facts, nutrition, extra kitchen activities and safety tips. Recipes include: Very Vanilla Cake, Egg & Cheese Brunch Soufflé, Golden Chicken Nuggets, Zesty Zucchini Fries and Super Smoothies! The gift that keeps on giving—cooking is a life-long skill that presents many teaching opportunities like following directions, measuring and encouraging new foods.

Purchase on Amazon.com

20. Paint Your Own Stepping Stones

stepping-stones

These all-weather stepping stones are ready to paint right out of the box, letting you skip messy cement-mixing and get right to the fun part: decorating and personalizing! A dozen vibrant paints allow for endless creativity—mix, blend and add custom color accents. Once painted, bake the stone in your oven for a long-lasting, weather-resistant finish. Display one stepping stone or make a whole pathway to transform your garden, backyard or patio!

Purchase on Mindware.OrientalTrading.com

Disney on Ice Presents Passport To Adventure

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Tickets provided by Feld Entertainment.

disney-on-ice-passport-to-adventure

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE IS COMING TO SYRACUSE DEC. 14-18

Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they travel to the timeless worlds of Disney’s “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Peter Pan” and the No. 1 animated feature film of all time, “Frozen,” in Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure! Celebrate the most memorable Disney tales with all your favorite characters in one fun-filled ice production visiting Syracuse from Dec. 14-18 for seven performances at The Oncenter War Memorial Arena. Tickets are on sale now at The Solvay Bank Box Office at The Oncenter or through Ticketmaster.

Audiences will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa, voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to meet up with Tinker Bell. Plus, you will travel to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite, huggable snowman, Olaf, as they journey to discover that true love is the most magical power of all.

Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a colorful set that captures all four unique worlds. Upbeat music, lovable characters and unforgettable moments make this an experience families will cherish forever!

Ticket Prices: $15.00 to $80.00

Show Times: Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 17 at 1 and 5 p.m.; and Dec. 18 at 12 and 4 p.m.

Discount Alert: Use the code D15WOW to save on your Disney on Ice Passport to Adventure tickets! The discount code D15WOW can be used when purchasing tickets online at Ticketmaster. The code is for $5 off P5 and P7 level tickets for the Thursday 7 p.m., Friday 7 p.m., and Sunday 4 p.m. shows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AiKmFSfDbI&list=PLsqJuWh7mO5_HFx3hs6h34iFrCszdR1Qw

Connect with Disney on Ice on Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce
Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #PassportToAdventure
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

Who is your favorite character (or your kids’ favorite character) from these four Disney stories: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, & Frozen?

It is a tough one, but my favorite has to be Olaf! I just love him! He is so fun and innocent – and I totally relate to him on loving summer and warm hugs!

Giveaway Alert

Enter to win a family 4 pack of tickets to see Disney on Ice presents Passport to Adventure in Syracuse, NY on December 14th, 2016 using the Gleam form below. Be sure to check out my other giveaways while you are here and GOOD LUCK!

Disney on Ice 2016

A Look At Disney’s Live Action Beauty and the Beast: Images & Trailer

Emma Watson as Belle in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's classic animated film.
Emma Watson as Belle in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s classic animated film.

My absolute favorite movie growing up was Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. To this day, Belle is still my favorite princess. I think I connected with her the most because you could always find me with my nose in a book when I was younger. I have been so excited for Disney’s Live Action Beauty and the Beast since the moment I found out it was happening. This month has been very exciting for me because Disney finally released some images from the movie – and now there is a brand new trailer! Ah! I have watched it over and over and I just know that this is going to be an amazing movie.

The mantel clock Cogsworth, the teapot Mrs. Potts, Lumiere the candelabra and the feather duster Plumette live in an enchanted castle in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST the live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic directed by Bill Condon.
The mantel clock Cogsworth, the teapot Mrs. Potts, Lumiere the candelabra and the feather duster Plumette live in an enchanted castle in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic directed by Bill Condon.

The photos are absolutely stunning. Emma Watson looks amazing as Belle – and I just love what Disney has done with Lumiere, Plumette, and Cogsworth. There is a stellar cast involved and I am willing to bet they really bring this fairytale to life. Being that is my favorite Disney movie, I was a little nervous at first, but having seen all of these beautiful photos – and now the amazing trailer – I am more excited than anything else!

In Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic, Emma Watson stars as Belle and Kevin Kline is Maurice, Belle's father. The story and characters audiences know and love are brought to life in this stunning cinematic event...a celebration of one of the most beloved tales ever told.
In Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, Emma Watson stars as Belle and Kevin Kline is Maurice, Belle’s father. The story and characters audiences know and love are brought to life in this stunning cinematic event…a celebration of one of the most beloved tales ever told.

About Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “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 and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Luke Evans stars as Gaston and Josh Gad as Le Fou in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic directed by Bill Condon which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life.
Luke Evans stars as Gaston and Josh Gad as Le Fou in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic directed by Bill Condon which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life.

Directed by Oscar® winner Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast” is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST opens in theatres everywhere on March 17th, 2017!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvW_L8sTu5E&feature=youtu.be

Like BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyBeautyAndTheBeast
Follow BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beourguest
Follow BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyandthebeast/
Visit the official BEAUTY AND THE BEAST website here: http://movies.disney.com/beauty-and-the-beast-2017

Disney’s Finding Dory Swims Home on 11/15 + Hank’s Fun Facts

This post contains affiliate links.null

The summer blockbuster hit, Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, swims home just in time for the holidays on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on November 15. Viewers can watch Dory’s hilarious and heartwarming quest to find her family and continue the underwater adventure with hours of immersive bonus features. The film’s playful and plentiful bonus offerings include “Piper,” the theatrical short film starring an irresistible sandpiper hatchling; an all-new mini short featuring interviews with Dory’s pals from the Marine Life Institute; a behind-the-scenes look at the most challenging character Pixar has ever created; never-before-seen deleted scenes, including a digital exclusive featuring the Tank Gang from “Finding Nemo” who make it their mission to get Marlin and Nemo to the Marine Life Institute; and much, much more.

Dory Family
©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

My husband and I took our young daughters to see this movie in theaters when it came out and we all really enjoyed it! I remember going to see Finding Nemo in theaters when I was in college, so there was a bit of nostalgia there. There was something really special about getting to share the experience with my girls. Of course we knew that we would have to pick up a copy when it came out on Blu-ray and so we were thrilled to get an advance copy. I cannot stress enough how much of a must have this is! The bonus features are incredible – and so much fun! It is well over 2 hours and we all loved watching it.

If you haven’t seen the movie at all yet – what are you waiting for? I warn you though, have tissues on hand. It is heartwarming, funny, and charming – all wrapped in to one. I mean, what else do you expect from Disney•Pixar? I can promise you, you will fall in love with baby Dory the second you see her!

Synopsis
From the Academy Award®–winning creators of Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” (Best Animated Feature, 2003) comes an epic undersea adventure filled with imagination, humor and heart. When Dory, the forgetful blue tang (Ellen DeGeneres), suddenly remembers she has a family who may be looking for her, she, Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) take off on a life-changing quest to find them … with help from Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Bailey, a beluga whale who’s convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark. Bring home the movie overflowing with unforgettable characters, dazzling animation and gallons of bonus extras.

Bonus features include*:

Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & Digital HD:

  • Theatrical Short: “Piper” – A hungry sandpiper hatchling ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The only problem is that the food is buried beneath the sand where scary waves roll up onto the shore.
  • Marine Life Interviews (All-New Mini Short) – Meet the inhabitants of the Marine Life Institute as they remember our favorite blue tang.
  • The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar – Pixar’s “Team Hank” unravels the challenges, frustrations, and rewards of bringing to life the studio’s crankiest and most technically complicated character ever.
  • What Were We Talking About? – This piece showcases the complex routes Dory’s story took as the filmmakers worked to construct a comprehensive narrative involving a main character with short-term memory loss.
  • Casual Carpool – What’s it like to commute with the voices of Marlin, Charlie, Bailey and Hank? Join “Finding Dory” writer/director Andrew Stanton as he drives Albert Brooks, Eugene Levy, Ty Burrell and Ed O’Neill to work.
  • Animation & Acting – How do you create a connection between a human audience and a fish? This behind-the-scenes look behind the curtain examines the process of constructing believable performances through a unique collaboration between the director, voice actors and animators.
  • Creature Features – The cast of “Finding Dory” share cool facts about the creatures they voice in the film.
  • Deep in the Kelp – Disney Channel’s Jenna Ortega guides us on a research trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to show how far the “Finding Dory” crew went to make Dory’s world feel real.
  • Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer – “Finding Dory” character art director Jason Deamer talks about how he got to Pixar, how he draws the characters in the film, and how falling off a skateboard teaches you lessons you can use in art and life.
  • Dory’s Theme – A spirited discussion among the composer, music editor and director of “Finding Dory” about the musical elements that shape Dory’s quirky and joyful theme.
  • Rough Day on the Reef – Sometimes computers make mistakes. Here you’ll see some of the funny, creepy and just plain bizarre footage the crew encountered while making “Finding Dory.”
  • Commentary – Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Angus MacLane and producer Lindsey Collins deliver their personal perspective on “Finding Dory.”
  • Deleted Scenes (introduced by director Andrew Stanton)
    • Losing Nemo – While watching the stingray migration, Dory starts to follow two fish that remind her of her parents, leaving Nemo all alone.
    • Little Tension in Clown Town – In this alternate version of the film, Dory tries to “follow her fins” to her parents, but ends up in a strange place with even stranger fish fashion.
    • Dory Dumped – In this early version of the story, Dory’s parents had short-term memory loss as well.
    • Sleep Swimming – Dory begins to talk and swim in her sleep, revealing what seem to be clues to her past.
    • Meeting Hank – Wandering the Marine Life Institute’s elaborate pipe system, Dory happens upon the abode of Hank the cranky octopus.
    • The Pig – Frantically navigating the pipes of the Marine Life Institute in search of her parents, Dory crosses paths with a terrifying cleaning device.
    • Starting Over – Director Andrew Stanton presents four different versions of the movie’s opening scene to illustrate the filmmakers’ search for the best way to introduce Dory’s backstory and to connect this new film to “Finding Nemo.”
    • Tank Gang (Digital exclusive) – After a close encounter with a squid leaves them separated from Dory, Marlin and Nemo unexpectedly meet up with the Tank Gang from “Finding Nemo,” who make it their mission to get to the Marine Life Institute … by any means necessary.
  • Hidden Seacrets of Finding Dory (Digital exclusive) – Take a deep dive to catch secret Easter Eggs throughout the movie. And just like Hank, they’re hidden in plain sight.

DVD:

  • Theatrical Short: Piper & Commentary

Purchase Finding Dory here!

HANK’S FUN FACTS

LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN – When designers were working on Hank, the cantankerous octopus in “Finding Dory,” they created tapered tentacles for the cephalopod. The tentacles were modeled separately from the body, but when they tried to attach them, only seven would fit. Filmmakers later decided that it made sense that Hank would have an affliction, so they worked it into the script.

350 suckers are found on Hank: 50 suckers on each of his seven arms.

11,041 rigging prims were created just for Hank’s simulation (the average character requires around 20).

118 weeks were required of the team of technical directors who were responsible for building and articulating Hank.

22 weeks were spent shading Hank to give him extra texture and color, as well as making it possible for him to camouflage himself. (An average character takes less than eight weeks.)


40 Gifts Your Child Would Love To Discover Under The Tree

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kids-gifts

Mama Smith and Women and Their Pretties want to help you give your kids a great holiday this year. There are so many toys and games out there, it can be hard to find the perfect ones to put under your tree. We have taken a look at many of the options, and have come up with a list of 40 gifts we think any kid will love to find under their tree this year! This guide contains affilaite links.

1. Twozies Two-Playful Cafe

twozies-cafe

The Two Playful Café is where all the Twozies love to share! There’s so much fun for everyone! Baby and Pet chairs to share. Take a spin on the Tea cup Round-a-bout. Or ride and slide along the counter while you treat your Twozies some sweet delights! Displayed in a large Shadow Box, the Two Playful Cafe comes with an exclusive baby and pet!

Purchase on Amazon

2. Design and Drill Race Car

design-and-drill-race-car

Zoom into build ‘n’ play fun with Design & Drill Power Play Vehicles! Just snap the pieces together, use the motorized mini-drill to tighten the bolts, customize the vehicles with colorful stickers, and race into creative play! Power Play Vehicles are a playful introduction to constructive play, which provides opportunities for collaboration and teamwork; introduces problem-solving scenarios; and helps build self-confidence.

Purchase on Amazon

3. Gifted Custom Art Paint Kit

 

gifted-custom-art

This paint-by-number set is a perfect gift for children and adults who love to be creative. This isn’t your average paint-by-number kit. It’s a customized canvas with one of YOUR photos. That’s right, folks. Upload your favorite photos and they will be turned into a paint-by-number canvas for the entire family to enjoy together. The kit includes five colors of paint (you choose the palette) and the box the canvas comes in can be turned right into an easel! There are even paint brushes included. I couldn’t think of a better gift idea for the kids in your life!

Get it on GiftedCustomArt.com

4. Georgie Interactive Puppy

georgie-interactive-puppy

Georgie loves to cuddle, and get in trouble! He may be an electronic dog, but he is so soft to cuddle, he’s just a like real puppy. Georgie is mischievous and silly, and plays tug-of-war, but when it is bedtime Georgie is ready to snuggle. Georgie loves you! Product Features: Georgie looks and acts so real, just like a real puppy! He’s super soft, perfect for cuddling time. Georgie responds to kids by 12 voice commands and over 100 interactions of random puppy behavior. Behavior includes: High Five, Let’s Dance, Sit Down, Stay, Stand up, Tug-O-War,  Selfie, and more! Includes 1 Golden Retriever interactive puppy, rope toy, neck bandana, puppy training guide. Packaging doubles as carrier and hang tag can be repurposed as a collar and ID tag for Georgie.

Purchase on Amazon

5. Miraculous Toys & DVDs

miraculous-toys

Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir is a great show for kids. It airs on Nickelodeon on Saturday mornings. Recently, ZAG has introduced an amazing line of toys and DVDs to go along with the show. Any kid who is a fan of the show, will love to find these under their tree this year!

Purchase on Amazon

6. Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck Craft Kit

num-noms-lipgloss-truck

Give your lips a sweet treat by creating your very own lip gloss with the help of this Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck Craft Kit. When this cool ice cream truck rolls into town, you’ll be able to choose from the cherry and vanilla flavors, add in glittery sprinkles and mix it all together with the cherry spatula. Then, add the glossy concoction to the ice cream machine and dispense it into the sundae dish – just like soft-serve ice cream! Give your lips a lip-smacking makeover and share with friends with the included cups and Noms.

Purchase on Amazon

7. The Velveteen Rabbit Game

Velveteen Rabbit Game

The game captures the spirit of the cherished story as players’ rabbits venture around the board, collecting cards along the way, in a quest to become real. It’s a game that’s perfect for the kids to play during the holidays and is perfect children ages 4 and up! Get the whole family to enjoy the fun!

Get it on Winning-Movies.com

8. Poppit Pop ‘n’ Display Bakery

poppit-pop-n-display-bakery

Create with clay the Poppit way! Make a miniature world that looks so real with Poppit! Load the Popper with clay, pop out your piece and make cute mini creations! It’s the fun easy way to create with clay! Create mini cakes, cool accessories, cute puppies and all sorts of small stuff! There are lots to pop in this mini world! Pop out mini clay creations that you make and decorate with the Pop ‘n’ Display Bakery. Make a tasty display of bakery beauties and display them all on your store shelves! Comes with four different coloured clays and twelve different Poppit molds, a Poppit popper, Poppit Tool, Dropper, texture stamp as well as lots of pieces to decorate plus sprinkles, beads and Gems as well so that you are ready to create some tasty mini magic!

Purchase on Amazon

9. Strawberry Shortcake Classic Collection

strawberry-shortcake-dolls

Strawberry shortcake is the little girl with big possibilities from childhoods past and present. For collectors and new fans alike, her Sunny and optimistic personality make strawberry shortcake the perfect forever friend! these special reproductions of the original dolls from the 1980S include all the original details from hats to shoes – including their Berry sweet scents! choose from strawberry shortcake, raspberry tart or blueberry muffin. This Classic Collection is sure to bring back fond memories from parents as they share the joy of Strawberry Shortcake with their little ones!

Purchase on Amazon

10. Shopkins Kinstruction Kits

shopkins-kinstructions

Now you can build the world of the cutest, most-collectible characters with Shopkins Kinstruckins Scene Packs! Each pack comes with a buildable set and 3 buildable figures! Build, Shop and Kinstruct your Shopkins world! Kids will flip for these! If they are a fan of buildable block sets and Shopkins, these will be a hit. Kinstuctions are guaranteed to be a hot toy of the year!

Purchase on Amazon

11. Kitty Surprise

kitty-surprise

How many kitties will you get? made with soft huggable fabrics and beautiful details, each precious mommy Kitty comes with a surprise number of kittens in her litter – either three, four, or five! now one of the kittens will really purr! your little one will love to cuddle, groom and nurture the entire Kitty surprise family.

Purchase on Amazon.com

12. FinFun Cuddle Tails

mermaid-tail-blanket-in-pink-dream_main-20

Adorable scale-printed minkie fabric makes this cuddly, soft and cozy blanket a “dream” to snuggle down inside and sail away on imagination! Cuddly, soft and cozy, at the end of the day you and your kids will love to snuggle up in the best mermaid tail blanket in the deep blue sea! Made of dreams and incredibly soft double-sided minkie fabric, choose from Toddler, Kids’ size or Teens/Adults. Kids ages 10 and up will adore climbing inside the adult size blanket and flipping their cozy fins. Tweens and teens can take it to sleepovers and be the hit of the party. Mom can even snuggle down inside this one!

Purchase at FinFunMermaid.com

13. Wonderhood Corner Shops

wonderhood-corner-shops-building-set-a-pal-pc-550x550

Create endless designs along Wonderhood’s bustling main street with this creative building set, featuring the town’s favorite food scientist, Emmie. Design and build anything you can imagine, using 16 beautifully illustrated panels including an ice cream parlor, Wonderhood Candy Shop, and a General Store! You can read stories and solve design challenges with your very own activity journal. The set also comes with Emmie so you can play out all your Wonderhood adventures on a busy day at the shops.

Purchase on Amazon

14. Pucci Pups

pucci-pups

Carry these Pucci Pups® around wherever you go in their stylish carriers that match their outfit. Comb their fur and give them some tasty treats. You can also interact with the Playtime Pups®; they bark, yawn, and make eating sounds or simply take them out for a friendly stroll with the Walk Me™ pups.

Purchase on Amazon

15. Neon KYX Sneakers

kyx-high-black-off

LED shoes to match your mood or outfit. Let’s get the party started! Neon Kyx light up shoes are packed with LED lights and 4 cool settings: pulse, flicker, strobe and gradual. You can even choose between 7 different colors to match your mood or outfit! Perfect for the nightclub, the skate park or hanging out around town, this is one scorching hot pair of sneakers that make a serious fashion statement. They come in kids sizes too. My daughter rocked hers on Halloween and got tons of compliments. They are easy to charge, super cool, and well made.

Purchase on NeonLyghts.com

16. BRIO Central Village Fire Station

brio-central-village-fire-station

Engage in role play with this elaborate fire station. One truck has light/sound functionality for extra action. BRIO creates innovative, high-quality and well-designed toys with clean, simple designs that spark children’s creativity and imagination while encouraging and supporting each stage of their development. For over a century, our mission has been to create happy childhood memories. All wooden parts are made from 100% FSC-certified beech wood from sustainably managed forests and are built to last for generations.

Purchase on Amazon.com

17. Whiffer Sniffers Scented Super Sniffers

whiffer-sniffers

Each adorable Whiffer Sniffers character has his own realistic scent. You won’t be able resist sniffing Whiffer Sniffers! Their delicious scents last for over 1 year! This bigger, huggable sized Super Sniffer comes inside his own package to help contain and preserve the scent and the plush character.

Purchase on Amazon.com

18. Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm

uncle-miltons-ant-farm

This quick-paced board game is based on the original Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm live ant habitat. Kids race their ant movers along colorful paths and from chamber to chamber collecting their baby ants. Once all baby ants are collected, the first ant to race back to the Queen Ant’s chamber wins!

Purchase on Winning-Moves.com

19. This Game is Bonkers

bonkers

Inspired by the classic 1978 version, This Game Is Bonkers will delight a whole new generation of fans! Players “build” a new track with each game so it’s never the same game twice. Your goal is to be the first player to score 12 points.

Purchase on Winning-Moves.com

20. Doc McStuffins Toy Hospital Playset

doc-mcstuffins-toy-hospital

There are lots of fun lights, sounds and kid-powered features in each department of Doc’s Toy Hospital! The playset includes a Reception Area, Command Center, Nursery, Vet Clinic and Check-Up Center. A real-working elevator and a moving walkway, light-up x-ray table, rocking cribs, spinning mobiles, and ball pit are just a few of the features that will keep kids busy for hours. It comes with Rhonda the Helicopter, who can hold the included Doc figure and even has her own helipad! The playset includes four characters: Chief Resident Doc, Rhonda the Helicopter, Lambie and Baby Cece.

Purchase on Amazon.com

21. Playroom Prep Activity Book

playroom-prep

Award winning Playroom Prep, created by a lifelong teacher, helps parents prepare their children for preschool and kindergarten. In an unplugged, fun and simple back-to-basics way, Playroom Prep guides parents in teaching their kids skills that lead to increased attention span, creative conversation, better developed fine motor skills, top-to-bottom left-to-right awareness and overall classroom readiness.

Purchase on PlayroomPrep.com

22. Design Your Own Marble Maze Kit

marble-maze-kit

Combining high-quality materials with cutting-edge technology, Maze by Seedling gives kids an exciting new way to play. Start your adventure by designing your own marble Maze. Place walls onto the grid, add traps, choose start and end points, then drop the marble into your Maze to play. Challenge your friends and family to race to the finish. With moveable walls, there are endless ways to redesign and play your Maze. Download the free app to scan your maze and play in virtual reality! Transform your maze into a spaceship, a kingdom, or an ancient ruin. Add photos, sounds, riddles, and more. BONUS! Every Maze comes with a free virtual reality viewer! Place your iPhone or iPod into the viewer and step inside your own virtual reality adventure.

Get it on Seedling.com

23. Build It!: Make Supercool Models with Your LEGO Classic Set

build-it

These make an inexpensive holiday gift for kids around age five and provide simple, visual-to-tactile, step-by-step directions in an illustration rich design.There are no other books like this for this age group and we love that they are gender-neutral, unlike other model books that are more boy-focused. Best of all, they help inspire kids to make models using sets they already own – now they can have fun with those buckets of bricks on a rainy/snowy day!

Purchase on Amazon.com

24. SmartGlobe Infinity

smartglobe

Discover an amazing world of learning with SmartGlobe™ Infinity! With historical background, learning activities, and a Bluetooth® Low Energy wireless talking Smart Pen, this high tech educational toy wows users with fascinating knowledge and dozens of fun interactive games and challenges. Extend the learning by replacing the globe with themed accessory globes, where you can explore the stars and constellations or mysteries of the world.

Purchase on OregonScientific.com

25. Toymail Talkies

toymail

Toymail lets friends and family communicate with them right from their WIFI-enabled Talkies. Children can reply back directly from their toy – it’s two-way messaging!

Purchase on Toymail.co

26. My Mindful ABC’s Book

abcs

The Joyohboy Book series gives children the tools they need to lead a more peaceful balanced life. Children learn to connect with their hearts, think positively, and to express their feelings. “My Mindful Book of ABCs” is a fun and easy way to incorporate a message of mindfulness and gratitude into every day!

Get it at Amazon.com

27. Scratch-off Deluxe World Map

scratch-off-map

One of the best parts of traveling is crossing countries and cities off your bucket list. With this scratch-off foil map, you can share all of the places you’ve been to in true style. The map is printed in a refined gold-and-black palette, but scratch off the places you have visited, and vivid bursts of color are revealed underneath. Additionally, it features fascinating info-graphics with fun facts about world geography.

Get it at CheekyMint.com

28. World Village Playset China

village-play-set

World Village Playsets are fun and engaging educational toys that immerse kids in world cultures. Each playset has a book, a playmat, a wooden puzzle, and story cards that explore multicultural, creative, and social play. Heirloom quality.

Get it at WholeWildWorldToys.com

29. Foil Art: Beauty and The Beast Book

foil-art

A stunning coloring and craft series with beautiful pictures to embellish with colors, stickers, and rub-on foil sheets. The classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast is recreated here in this foil art sticker and coloring craft book. An abridged version of the much-loved tale is combined with ten intricate illustrations to peel, rub, and reveal as you embellish them with the colored foil sheets in this unique and beautiful activity book!

Get this book on LittleBeeBooks.com

30. How to Eat Your ABCs Book

abcs

“How to Eat your ABC’s” is the first of many books aimed at motivating both children and adults alike to fall in love with the world around them as well as the world within. This first in a series of educational books is focused on the joys of eating fruits and vegetables. Narrated by Buzzbee (a happy healthy honeybee who just adores kids), this book of rhyme has every letter of the alphabet represented by a farm-fresh food.

Get it on TheABCsOfEverything.com

31. Lily The Fancipoo book & plush

fancipoo

Lily is quite the spoiled pooch! However as much as Lily the Fancipoo has…she is really very lonely and longs for some friends. When her family decides to take a Holiday vacation. Lily is sent to spend some time with her cousins in the country and learns that love far outweighs the benefits of materials things.

Get it on RebekahPhillips.com

32. Color Brightly

color-brightly

Give yourself or someone you love the gift of creativity and relaxation with this bundle of coloring books, correspondence cards, and colored pencils. Find your artistic side one page at a time!

Get it on ReadBrightly.com

33. DIY Happy Kits

diy-happy

Nothing says Happy Holidays like a handmade gift! DIY Happy Kits feature award winning innovative DIY craft kits that nurture creativity and adventure in all ages. Our kits are great for holiday crafting, and handmade gifts.These are perfect for kids and teens, quick, smart and fun at the same time!

Order today on DIYHappyKits.com

34. The Dirty Dunk

dirty-dunk

The Dirty Dunk® gives kids a cool and fun way to keep their rooms clean and allows parents to breathe easier at night. Just hook The Dirty Dunk® on the back of a door and watch as they swish or dunk their dirty clothes away!

Get it on TheDunkCollection.com

35. The Last Pokémon Master: An Unofficial Pokémon GO Adventure

pokemon

Anyone can be a virtual Pokémon master with a smart phone and the new Pokémon GO app, but what happens when Lucas, a ten-year-old Pokémon super fan, starts to see his characters beyond the screen of his phone—in real life? In this exciting chapter book readers will follow a trio of best friends as they enter the ultimate Pokémon fantasy, or dare we say nightmare. Will Lucas and friends be able to battle and catch the Pokémon-on-the-loose before their entire city, or even worse, the entire planet is destroyed?

Get it on LittleBeeBooks.com

36. Sandcastle Lamp

sandcastle-lamp

This lamp will make you feel as though you spent a day at the beach. Watch the gold “sand” glitter swirl around a sandcastle inside an iconic Lava® lamp shape in a soft blue colored base. Color changing LEDs in blue and white create a soothing mood. Watch the instant action and enjoy this fun version of a Lava® lamp.

Get it on LavaLamp.com

37. Hyper Toss

hyper-toss

Put your skills to the test with Hyper Toss. The ultimate toy for fast, fun interactive play that really gets you moving. Kids will love trying to beat their scores by catching the ball quickly in one of the three colored cups- all by following audio instructions! Hyper Toss includes 4 game modes: Hyper Toss, Memory Toss, Free Style and Super Toss!

Get it on Amazon.com

38. ZNAPEEZ! Love Wall Hanging Kit

znapeez

SNAP.DESIGN.WOW! A hybrid of design and construction! Snap together a wall hang for your room that spells out LOVE! Kit includes Znapeez! The open-ended play pattern offers the opportunity to imagine and build an original creation. Each ZNAPEEZ! kit is made up of geometric shaped “tiles” and “Znap” closures that when snapped together, create functional objects such as doll clothes, apparel, fashion accessories, room décor, and toys. Kit includes Znapeez! Tiles and snaps, suction cups, and instructions.

Get it on FashionAngels.com

39. Tapefetti 88 Piece Barrel

taepfetti

Create, craft and cover endless possibilities with Tapeffiti by Fashion Angels. These fun variety of brightly patterned adhesive tape stick to any surface and are repositionable. Add flair to school supplies, home decor, accessories, apparel and much more. Tapes store neatly in travel-sized bucket.

Get it on FashionAngels.com

40. eKids Pokemon Headphones

pokemon-headphones

Rock around the house to your favorite tunes with these Pokemon soft, comfortable fit, adjustable stereo headphones. These great sounding headphones have a built-in volume limiter that protects hearing and makes listening to music safe for your ears.

Get them on ToysRUs.com

4 New Cookbooks That You Need in Your Kitchen

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I love to cook but I need inspiration. I am the type that needs a recipe to follow and have a hard time coming up with stuff myself. These four new cookbooks have been a life saver for me. If you are looking for some unique and delicious recipes, check them out.

the-family-slow-cooker

Best of Bridge: The Family Slow Cooker, Best of Bridge featuring Julie Van Rosendaal, Sue Duncan, Elizabeth Chorney-Booth. Formed in 1975 by 8 women, Best of Bridge is back with an all-new book and an all-new group of Ladies!

The Best of Bridge ladies, like so many of you, have fallen in love with slow cookers all over again. Life is getting busier, money is getting tighter, and people aren’t any less hungry! So the satisfaction that comes from assembling a few ingredients early in the day, pushing a button and not having to worry about dinner until it’s time to eat, just makes the day feel more manageable. And while the all-new recipes were developed in classic Bridge fashion (simple recipes with gourmet results) the recipe baton has been passed to a whole new group of ladies who will bring their own unique and modern style to the brand while still honoring the dependable results, humor and verve of the original ladies.

You’ll have fun with these 225 recipes and they’re absolutely perfect when you’re gathering with friends and family. The recipes will take you through every meal and every occasion so whether you’re looking for some breakfast and brunch inspiration or for a fantastic chili recipe to make on a cold winter’s day — the ladies have got you covered.

the-chile-pepper-bible
The Chile Pepper Bible: From Sweet & Mild to Fiery & Everything in Between, Judith Finlayson. Includes historical and geographic origins of chiles, 10 regional profiles on pepper growing (who knew they grew in England?), info on the Scoville scale, the health benefits of chiles + 250 delicious and inventive recipes using sweet, zesty and fiery chiles.

Contrary to popular belief, a pepper does not need to make your eyes water or start a fire in your mouth to qualify as a chile. Chile is simply the common name for the fruit of the capsicum plant. Chiles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and flavors.

This comprehensive book (which serves as both a reference and a cookbook) from bestselling author and expert researcher Judith Finlayson takes you through the many varieties of chiles and provides absorbing information on everything from the historical and geographic origins of chiles, information on The Scoville Scale (it measures the hotness of a chile and was invented by Wilbur Scoville), health benefits and finally, 250 delicious and inventive recipes.

From fiery Tex-Mex inspired meals to savory and sweet Thai, this collection of recipes are sure to make you a lover of all things chile!

the-complete-sous-vide-cookbook
The Complete Sous Vide Cookbook: More Than 175 Recipes with Tips & Techniques, Chris McDonald. Sous Vide cooking is the latest and hottest trend in home kitchens today and home cooks are embracing it in record numbers.

Because of their cost and size, sous vide cooking devices were only found in professional kitchens but that’s all changed as affordable models now hit the retail market and home cooks are embracing them in record numbers.

Food is sealed in plastic bags and submerged in hot (but not boiling) water for long and slow cooking resulting in food that is incredibly tender and juicy. Plus cooking with sous vide means that cooking temperatures can be maintained within tenths of a degree which is integral for maximizing the flavor of certain cuts of meat. The hot water also intensifies flavors and the resulting texture of the food is absolutely perfect.

Chris McDonald is a brilliant chef who has long used the sous vide to create sublime dishes and he now brings this expertise to the home cook. His recipes are spectacularly delicious yet easy to execute. Eight pages of step-by-step photos provide all the necessary information you need to familiarize yourself with sous vide cooking and there are also comprehensive yet easy-to-follow cooking time charts provided.

There are recipes for everything from classic ingredients like beef, veal, lamb, pork to ingredients that you would never associate with a sous vide but actually come out tasting sublime — ingredients like poultry, eggs, seafood and even vegetables. The tempting and tantalizing recipes include: Miso-Maple Marinated Sea Bass or Sablefish, Savoy Cabbage with Chestnuts, Perfect Poached Egg, Rib Steak with Green Peppercorn Sauce, Venison Loin Steaks with Juniper Butter and Wilted Kale, Georgian Pork Shoulder Roast with Pomegranate Glaze, Turkey Thigh Chili, Haddock Hash with Leek and Potato, Smoky Arctic Char with Radishes and Mint, Saffron Cauliflower with Sultanas, Savoy Cabbage with Chestnuts and even believe it or not, Vanilla Ice Cream.

best-instant-pot-recipes
175 Best Instant Pot Recipes: For Your 7-in-1 Programmable Electric Pressure Cooker, Marilyn Haugen. Millions of Instant Pots have been sold, and they continue to be one of the hottest small appliances in the category – this is the ideal appliance for everyone from students to condo dwellers to RV enthusiasts.

Instant Pots have become hugely popular over the years because they ingeniously combine so many features into one appliance. While officially categorized as an electric pressure cooker, it’s actually a 7-in-1 programmable cooker with the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker and warmer — all in one appliance!

They also feature built-in smart programs so with one push of a button, you can simply and easily make a pot of stew or keep some slow cooker food warm. With its slim design, it takes up very little counter space, making it the ideal appliance for everyone from students and condo dwellers to RV enthusiasts.

Once again, Marilyn brings her extensive and creative recipe development skills to the forefront with these deliciously convenient meal ideas which truly make the most of an Instant Pot’s capabilities. The recipes are handily categorized by appliance feature which makes meal preparation an organized and stress free event. And there are recipes for every meal and occasion from hearty breakfasts to main courses fit for entertaining.

Doctor Strange is Visually Stunning PLUS 4 More Reasons You Will Love It

Doctor Strange

As a total comic book nerd and someone who loves all things Marvel, I had to check out Doctor Strange opening weekend. I know I have said it before but he isn’t my favorite character from the comic books. In the books he is a little boring (in my opinion) and I don’t get the whole magic thing. I am a fan of other super hero abilities – magic always seemed tooo powerful and no fun. Like with Superman, if noone can defeat him, then what is the point? I hope that makes sense. But I went in to the film with an open mind and an open heart. I was hoping to fall in love with Doctor Strange. I have loved what Marvel Films has been doing with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and I was ready to have my mind blown. And I did.

Here are my 5 reasons to go see this movie while it is in theaters – 3D IMAX if possible.

Marvel's DOCTOR STRANGE..L to R: Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)..Photo Credit: Film Frame ..©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE..L to R: Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)..Photo Credit: Film Frame ..©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Visually Stunning

This film is mind boggling. The effects are incredible. The battle scenes are amazing! While the buildings turning and opening was very reminiscent of Inception, the astro-projection seemed to be a thing of it’s own. It was really quite amazing and fun to watch. I am pretty sure I had a big smile on my face the entire time.

https://youtu.be/KnXIrI8sUZo

Marvel Cannon Film

If for no other reason than you don’t want to be missing something while watching another Marvel movie, go see Doctor Strange. They all connect. I am pretty sure I caught something about Rhodey while Doctor Strange was driving in his car towards the beginning (I don’t want to give THAT away if you have yet to Civil War – but if you have yet to Civil War – what are you waiting for??”). There are many nods to the comics that I really enjoyed. I loved how Doctor Strange found his cloak – it was such a fun scene!

https://youtu.be/J1Nm79B7XuI

The Acting

I haven’t seen Sherlock ever – or anything that Benedict Cumberbatch has been in. I know, everyone loves him, but I knew next to nothing about him. He surprised me honestly and made me really like a character I had been struggling to like. I think he was great – but so was everyone. I am a huge Rachel McAdams fan (The Notebook is still one of my favorite movies of all time) and she was amazing. Tilda Swinton knocked my socks off as the Ancieint One. There was a lot of comic relief in this film, but not too much to take away from the story and meaning.

Doctor Strange
Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE..Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)..Photo Credit: Film Frame ..©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

The Message

It’s not about you. I don’t want to give too much away, but that is the take away from this film. Sometimes, it is about the bigger picture.

Mid-Credit & End-Credit Scenes

By now you should know to stay to the very end when it comes to a Marvel movie. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed when you do with Doctor Strange. There are two very awesome bonus scenes and – well, I won’t say anything just GO see Doctor Strange while it is out in theaters – playing NOW!

Like DOCTOR STRANGE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoctorStrangeMovie
Follow DOCTOR STRANGE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrStrange
Follow Marvel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvel/
Visit the official DOCTOR STRANGE website here: https://marvel.com/doctorstrange


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Trolls Movie Review

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My husband and I took my 3 and 5 year old daughters to see Trolls this past weekend. We were fully expecting a movie that they would love and that we would at least be entertained by – but we were not expecting one of the best movies of the year. Walking out of the theater my husband and I looked at each other and both said WOW! He said that he feels it is one of his favorite movies he has seen this year – and one of the best “kids” movies ever! I use the term “kids” movie lightly because I would go see this again in a heartbeat, even without my little ones. Here is why I think you need to take the whole family to see the film in theaters.

The Cast

The Trolls movie is filled with amazing voice actors and singers. I mean, this movie stars: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Russell Brand, Zooey Deschanel, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Icona Pop, Quvenzhané Wallis, with John Cleese and Gwen Stefani. WOW! I told you so. These are all incredible names and A listers in my book. They all did a great job portraying their characters.

The Music

With a musical genius like Justin Timeberlake involved, you can’t go wrong. Utilizing music to further the film’s narrative, the Trolls soundtrack is produced by Justin Timberlake and features five original songs including songs by Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Anna Kendrick and Gwen Stefani, in addition to a number of classic hits from the ‘60s through the ‘80s. The music was so well utilized and the placement was phenomenal. It brought out all of my emotions – I laughed, I cried – I loved it. At times the entire theater was singing along (or sobbing along) to the tracks.

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The Humor

There were moments while watching this movie that the entire theater was laughing hysterically. There were more laugh out loud moments than I can count. It felt so good to be laughing and look around and see my whole family laughing with me, even my 3 year old. The humor is great – and there are some that are for the older crowd that I promise you, little ones won’t even pick up on. The literary terms used were perfect.

The Message

The message that Trolls gives our little ones is heartwarming. I don’t want to give too much away but the movie is all about finding your happiness. I think it is really important for our kids to know that they can be happy – and to not let others tell them they can’t or bring them down.

The Merchandise

Guys, seriously, this Trolls merchandise could not be any cuter! Once you have seen the film, you will love these little guys so much. Trust me, you will want all the Trolls things – so here is a quick list of my favorites and where to grab them!

 Get It Here Get It Here Get It Here

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 Get It Here Get It Here Get It Here Get It Here Get It Here Get It Here

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Connect with Trolls on Social Media:
Official Site: http://www.dreamworks.com/trolls/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksTrolls
Twitter: https://twitter.com/trolls
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trolls/

Trolls Bluray Giveaway