Monday, May 30, 2016

A chat with the Alice Through the Looking Glass Producer Suzanne Todd to find out what goes into making an amazing movie. ‪#‎ThroughTheLookingGlassEvent


**Disney provided an all-expense paid trip for me to cover this event, all opinions are 100% my own **


What is it like making Alice Through the Looking Glass? Well no one would know better than the producer of this great family film, the person who supervises the making of the film from start to finish, from having input on who is cast, to what the direction the film will go in, the producer plays an essential role in getting the best movie out to the audience. 
We were very fortunate to have a sit down chat with Producer Suzanne Todd Producer, of “Alice Through the Looking Glass”. She is one of the most successful producers in Hollywood. Her films include the Austin Powers films, G.I. Jane, Memento, Across the Universe and the upcoming film Bad Moms.

Photo Credit: Jana Seitzer / MerlotMommy.com 

At the Disney Media Moms Conference earlier this month, I got a back stage look of the making of Alice Through The Looking Glass,  while we were there, Suzanne Todd, gave us a look into the new movie. It is amazing how much is special effects. We got to see a scene as it was filmed, before the special effects are added. It was neat, you may not appreciate all that goes into making of a film. It may seem like they just film and add a special effect here and there but a good deal of the film is digitally added after production. 
Before we start off on what the interview entailed, I have to tell you a little bit about the moments before the interview, Suzanne told us a story about a wonderful charity Maria Shriver's Move for Minds. This is a charity that supports the research of women’s brains and Alzheimer’s disease, that Suzanne was raising money for. Friends and family donated and someone she did not know and had never met also donated, in honor of her grandma. This happened to be a blogger in our group.. Suzanne was so touched, she brought this blogger a gift some amazing Alice shoes.

Eddie The Eagle lands on Digital HD May 27th and on Blu-ray™ and DVD June 14th. #EddieInsiders

Looking to watch a feel good movie that is inspiring? Who not check out Eddie The Eagle this great movie is available on Digital HD May 27th and on Blu-ray™ and DVD June 14th. Inspired by true events, this high-flying, feel-good story is sure to warm your heart and cool down your summer!
Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards - an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper, enlists the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian. This heart-warming tale starring Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman lands on Digital HD May 27th and on Blu-ray™ and DVD June 14th.
I am looking forward to seeing this inspiring film, I am a huge fan of Hugh Jackman, he is fabulous in every role and this seems like a great story. Have you seen Eddie the Eagle, what did you think of this movie?

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Check out the amazing newly designed rooms at the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Philadelphia

Are you looking for a great place to stay in Philadelphia? If you are planning a trip to the City of Brotherly Love this summer and you would like to stay at a unique charming hotel, why not check out the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Philadelphia. This centrally located hotel just recently got a new sprucing up and some amazing new room designs. This hotel is unlike any other, this classic building is in the heart of Philadelphia and is a landmark in its own right. The original version of this grand hotel established in 1904 and has been a part of Philadelphia history ever since.

Each of the rooms in the hotel have been updated and are sleek and modern with an historical charm. Each of the rooms are different sizes and you really get the feel of a classic hotel, this is not a cookie cutter hotel room that is for sure. Each of the rooms has its own art work, and unique vibe.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Finding out what it is like through the looking glass chatting with "Alice Kingsleigh", the amazingly talented actress Mia Wasikowska. #‎ThroughTheLookingGlassEvent



**Disney provided an all-expense paid trip for me to cover this event, all opinions are 100% my own **

What was it like to play the iconic character "Alice Kingsleigh"? Recently myself and 24 awesome bloggers got to sit down and have a chat with the star of Alice Through the Looking Glass, the amazingly talented actress Mia Wasikowska. Mia Wasikowska is known for her roles in Crimson Peak and popular period pieces such as Jane Eyre and Madame Bovary among others. Her breakthrough role was in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" and returning in the sequel, Alice Through the Looking Glass. 

We tackled the tough questions like how it is being a role model for young girls and was it like working with Johnny Depp? (Okay that one was not that tough), but it was a fun interview with a down to earth actress who was just as beautiful in person as she is on the big screen.  Mia was soft-spoken and very sweet, we were excited to ask this star of the movie a bunch of questions and she was eager to answer all of our great questions, here are a few of my favorite from the interview.
 Photo Credit: Jana Seitzer / MerlotMommy.com

Question:  Alice, has gotten more independent...  How did it feel stepping back into the role with those changes, with the years that have gone by? 

Mia Wasikowska:  It was great,  I really love Alice and I like seeing her journey.  In the first film, she was a little uncomfortable and trying to bridge that gap between, knowing who she is on the inside and being able to be that on the outside. I think that was her journey in the first film. She's just spend years as the captain of her own ship, and she has a really strong sense of who she is.  Despite the fact that, expectations of her are really low in in her society she manages to hold on to that sense of being worth more than what people want of her. Which I think is really great and important for young girls and boys everywhere. 

Go on a spectacular adventure with Alice Through the Looking Glass now playing in theatres everywhere! #‎ThroughTheLookingGlassEvent


**Disney provided an all-expense paid trip for me to cover this event, all opinions are 100% my own **

Are you looking to go on an adventure? An adventure unlike any other? To a magical place where just about anything can happen? Well, I have an amazing place you can visit, take the family on an adventure with Alice Through the Looking Glass in theaters today! 
My family and I are huge fans of Alice in Wonderland, from the cartoon, to the live action movie, to the classic books we have always loved the iconic characters and the zany story line. There is just so much going on and these fantastic tales keep your attention and really transport you to another place and time. 
 I have to admit we never read the continuation of the story, and boy were we missing out! With the movie adaption of Alice Through the Looking Glass, Disney brings you through more of "Wonderland" and gives you more of a back story of the characters you love, from the Red Queen, to the Hatter and all the favorites in between. For this movie you will also get introduced to a spectacularly interesting character "Time" played by Sacha Baron Cohen. "Time" was hilarious and stole the movie for me. 

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

A journey through the looking glass, my experience at the red carpet premiere of Alice Through the Looking Glass. #‎ThroughTheLookingGlassEvent

          
  **Disney provided an all-expense paid trip for me to cover this event, all opinions are 100% my own **

Taking a break from real life is just a great thing, sometimes it is nice to just get away. Imagine going far, far away to a magical land where anything can happen. Well, I recently had the pleasure of going on a magical adventure just like that, the red carpet premiere of Alice Through the Looking Glass! With my job, I have been very fortunate to have walked a few red carpets in the past, but let me tell you it gets even more awesome each time you do it. I love my job!
Every aspect of attending a red carpet event is amazing. From the changing red carpet colors, no not all “red carpets” are actually red they can be any color! This cool carpet was red and black, a neat paisley type print. To the star watching, to the spectacular events on the carpet, you just never know what is going to happen at these events and that is what makes them even cooler in my mind… Surprises are always wonderful!

Friday, May 20, 2016

Some fun Alice Through the Looking Glass activity pages and great movie clips! #‎ThroughTheLookingGlassEvent


It is almost time for my red carpet adventure with Alice Through the Looking Glass, and I have so much to do, I feel like the classic white rabbit… I'm late, I'm late, I'm late. But before I am off on my adventure I wanted to share some fun new clips and some cool activity pages! Simply click on the activity images below and print out the activity and have fun! 

In Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” an all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland to save her friend the Mad Hatter. 

Directed by James Bobin, who brings a unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in “Alice in Wonderland,” the film is written by Linda Woolverton based on characters created by Lewis Carroll and produced by Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd and Tim Burton with John G. Scotti serving as executive producer. 

Check out these great new books from Disney Publishing!


Before you know it school will be winding down, and summer will be here. Be sure to have some fun books on hand to encourage some summer reading for kids of all ages. Disney Publishing has some great books that are new and some great upcoming titles, here are a few of my favorite. I am sure you will love them as much as we do.

Once Upon A Dream A Twisted Tale - Author: Liz Braswell. What if the sleeping beauty never woke up? Once Upon a Dream marks the second book in a new YA line that reimagines classic Disney stories in surprising new ways. It should be simple–a dragon defeated, a slumbering princess in a castle, a prince poised to wake her. But when the prince falls asleep as his lips touch the fair maiden’s, it is clear that this fairy tale is far from over.

With a desperate fairy’s last curse controlling her mind, Princess Aurora must escape from a different castle of thorns and navigate a dangerously magical landscape–created from her very own dreams. Aurora isn’t alone–a charming prince is eager to join her quest, and old friends offer their help. But as Maleficent’s agents follow her every move, Aurora struggles to discover who her true allies are and, moreover, who she truly is. Time is running out. Will the sleeping beauty be able to wake herself up? Ages 12+.  Available now. Retails for $17.99. 

Treasure’s Adventures -  It’s all paws on deck as the Palace Pets and Critterzens prepare for the Glitter Ball! At the event, Ms. Featherbon will launch splendificent Glitterworks to light up the sky using her magical Glitterbits. But when a magic-loving puppy swipes the Glitterbits, it’s up to Treasure to get them back! This deluxe box features a storybook with five brand-new tales about Treasure, a collectible toy, fun play scenes, and a punch-out boat. Following the action-packed stories, place the mini Treasure toy inside of the boat and have her set sail for adventure! Great for ages 6-8. Available now. Retails for $14.99 

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Check out some fun Finding Dory activities! Finding Dory swims into theaters June 17, 2016. #FindingDory #HaveYouSeenHer

Finding Dory is almost here! In less than one month everyone favorite forgetful fish will hit theaters! I was very fortunate hear more about the movie from Producer Lindsey Collins and to be able to check out a 30+ minute sneak peak of Finding Dory, during the Disney Social Media Moms Conference. 

I can’t share much about it, but it was Adoryble! (See what I did there) I look forward to bringing my family to the theater to see the rest of the film, I have to see what happens! I have some fun Finding Dory activities to share with you, be sure to click on the image below and print it out and have some fun! Finding Dory swims into theaters June 17, 2016.  

Get the best litter for your cat with Cat’s Pride® a chance to win a Vera Bradley Camocat #Giveaway



Do you have a furry little child that some people refer to them as a cat? Well we have a little fur baby who is a part of our family and is so much more than a pet. So we want to get the best for him, from the best food to the best litter. We make sure he is comfortable and loved, and he loves us back in his own special way. Are you happy with the cat litter you are currently using? Well we were not, and we switched to Cat’s Pride® Fresh & Light Ultimate Care lightweight litter, one because of the weight of the product. 
Have you ever tried to tote heavy litter up three flights of stairs, it is not the easiest thing to do in the world. The ease of carrying this product was such a selling point. But the other great features of this litter is what really gets me excited to use this product (well not personally, but you know what I mean) for years to come. Be sure to check out the new Cat’s Pride® Fresh & Light Ultimate Care lightweight litter. 

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Check out these wondrous Alice books from Disney Publishing! ‪#‎ThroughTheLookingGlassEvent‬

Who here is looking forward to the upcoming release of Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass coming to theaters May 27th? I know  my family sure is we loved the original cartoon and the first live action movie. The stories bring you to a place you have never gone before and they capture your imagine in ways you never thought possible. For those who are waiting to see this amazing film, why not bring some of your own wonder into your days by checking out some of the spectacular Alice books available from Disney Publishing all are available now.  
Alice Through the Looking Glass 
By: Kari Sutherland A deluxe novelization based on the upcoming Walt Disney Studios live action film, Alice Through the Looking Glass. Ages 9-12 

Monday, May 16, 2016

Kung Fu Panda 3 Awesome Edition arrives on Digital HD May 13th and Blu-ray™ and DVD June 28th. #PandaInsiders #Giveaway


Prepare for a pand-tastic summer adventure as Po - reunited with his long-lost father - journeys to a secret village and meets countless panda friends and family! But when the supernatural villain Kai challenges all the Kung Fu masters across China, Po must discover the teacher within himself and train his clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!

An amazing one of a kind Mother’s Day Disney style, and a visit to the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot #DisneySMMC

I was invited to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration conference. I paid a conference fee to attend. I received a discounted rate for my stay. All opinions are my own. I have not been compensated or asked to post about Disney . 


We ended our Disney Social Media Mom's excursion on Mother's Day with a wonderful breakfast and a treat an impromptu concert by Alex G singing an assortment of Disney tunes to entertain us and inspire us while we ate.
Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

Our whirlwind weekend was wrapping us nicely, good food, good company, good times, and I even got a delicious box of chocolates at the end! What more could I ask for?

Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

I was happy to see what my husband and daughter drew on their squares, (drawn to celebrate Disney's Dream Big Princess campaign) Friday morning, my husband assured me that I'd be able to find his square without any problem (I did find it easily...Boba Fett's helmet with Mickey ears.)

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Join us for a sneak peak of Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass! #Throughthelookingglassevent #DisneySMMC

I was invited to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration conference. I paid a conference fee to attend. I received a discounted rate for my stay. All opinions are my own. I have not been compensated or asked to post about Disney .   

Are you excited for the upcoming Disney movie Alice Through the Looking Glass? This continuation of the loved movie Alice in Wonderland, is a movie filled with amazing special effects and gorgeous costumes. While at the Disney Media Moms Conference we were treated to a look at the actual costumes that were worn by the main characters in the film.
Seeing an outfit from Alice, The Mad Hatter and The Red Queen was amazing. These costumes were designed by Oscar winning designer Colleen Atwood and they were just lovely. The costumes were a part of a display that was filled with a tea party like theme. Filled with yummy looking cupcakes cakes and sweets. Too bad they were just pretend, they looked good enough to eat! 
Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney
The setting really got you excited to see the movie which opens in theaters everywhere on May 27th! But we were going to be some of the lucky few who would be able to screen it way before the release. 

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Disney encourages all girls to Dream Big Princess with a new and inspiring campaign #DreamBigPrincess #DisneySMMC

I was invited to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration conference. I paid a conference fee to attend. I received a discounted rate for my stay. All opinions are my own. I have not been compensated or asked to post about Disney.   

Recently while at the Disney Media Moms Conference, we learned about a new campaign from Disney the “Dream Big Princess” campaign. This is an amazing campaign that Disney wants to share to show that all little girls have amazing potential and Disney wants them to find out what happens when you dare to dream really big. Abigail Atzkin, who is working with Disney on the Dream Big, Princess campaign shared this inspirational video with us, and I would love to share this Dream Big Princess video with you all, so be sure to check this out:
            
After seeing this video, it brought a tear to my eye, it was so nice to see such a great message for little girls. Dream big because big dreams can come true. What do you want to be? Be the best person you can be, and your dreams will come true.  For every girl who dreams big, there’s a princess to show her it’s possible. 

Friday, May 13, 2016

I am headed to LA for the red carpet premiere of Alice Through the Looking Glass & some Zootopia fun! #‎ThroughTheLookingGlassEvent ‪#‎ZootopiaBluray


****Disney is providing an all-expense paid trip for me to cover this great event ****

On a cold and rainy day here in Philadelphia I was greeted with a sunny amazing email from Disney, I was being told I was invited to the Red Carpet premiere of Alice Through the Looking Glass! I tried as best as I could to not jump up and down, I had to be professional I was at work at the time! But I did do a little dance and a silent squeal of joy at my desk. I will go on an amazing Alice Through the Looking Glass adventure from May 22nd –May 24 to cover the release of Walt Disney Studios’  Alice Through the Looking Glass, in theaters everywhere on May 27th! 
I will be walking the amazing red carpet for this spectacular event! The RED CARPET! What awesome thing, I cannot wait.  I have been an Alice in Wonderland fan since I was a little girl, I could relate with a girl who was different and had different dreams than others.  Along with the red carpet premiere we will also be interviewing some of the talent and the filmmakers. I do not know who they interviewees will be as of yet, but I will share as soon as I know.

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” reunites the all-star cast from the worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen FryMichael Sheen and Timothy Spall. We are also introduced to several new characters: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock. 
        

While we are there we will have a special press day for the in-Home release of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia! Zootopia will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on June 7th

At this press day we will interview members of the creative team behind the making of the movie including Directors Byron Howard & Rich Moore and Raymond Persi (Story Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios and the voice of “Flash”) and get a chance to step into the recording booth and voice a character from the film! I was very fortunate to be able to voice Olaf from Frozen a few years ago that was such a fun experience.
         

I hope I can do a better job this time, let’s just say voice acting for animations is not one of my strongest points, but it was super fun. I hope I get to voice Flash, that would be.......................sooooo………………………………..cool. My family and I were huge fans of Zootopia, and I am looking forward to chatting with the creators of this fun movie. Be sure to get you copy, and Pre-Order Zootopia on Amazon today.  

Our hotel will be the Sheraton Universal this is a great hotel, in a lovely location. I am so excited to be able to go on this fun journey. Be sure to follow along with me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to follow along live from the red carpet, and information about this fantastic family movie, Alice Through the Looking Glass along with the fun coverage of the home release of Zootopia!  I will have more info about this event soon!
Follow along with the special hashtags, #‎ThroughTheLookingGlassEvent and #‎ZootopiaBluray.  Stay tuned I will have more information about the trip soon!

Alice Through the Looking Glass opens in theaters everywhere on May 27th!
Zootopia Blu-ray and DVD Arriving on June 7th!

 Do you have any questions you would like me to ask the stars of Alice Through the Looking Glass?


Or any questions for the creative team behind Zootopia?








Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory 
compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .



Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions, . No compensation was received. All opinions are my own. This is a unofficial fan site that is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or Disney theme parks.