Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Slate, check out these amazing upcoming movies for 2015

From action movies to fun cartoons, Disney has just about every type of movie coming to theaters in 2015! I have been waiting to see Cinderella and Avengers: Age of Ultron  and Tomorrowland for a good wile ever since I heard about these great sounding films. Of course who is not looking forward to Star Wars: The Force Awakens?  My husband has already taken the day off on 12/19/15, so he can see the film first! No lie! I just can’t choose one that I am looking forward to most…. I just know 2015 is going to be an amazing year for Disney. Check out the spectacular 2015 motion picture line up:

Strange Magic (Touchstone Pictures / Lucasfilm) #StrangeMagic  release date  January 23, 2015 -  “Strange Magic,” a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects. 

Into the Woods interview with Anna Kendrick and Director Rob Marshall #intothewoodsevent

Can I mention again how much I love my job? Seriously, how many everyday people like myself have been blessed to have been able to interview such amazing talent? This trip was a chance to interview the very best, a whirl wind set of interviews that went from interviewing  the amazing Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Tracey Ullman to the hilarious Emily Blunt and James Corden. Who gets to do this, really? Well I got to do just this… and the amazing interviews were not over, we were fortunate to have the next interview with, the director of Into the Woods, Rob Marshall, and Cinderella herself, Anna Kendrick!

Rob Marshall is a multiple award winning director, he has impressively won an  Academy Award for Best Picture Chicago, and an Academy Award for Best Picture Memoirs of a Geisha. Rob Marshall is also the director of one of my favorite films, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Tony nominated amazing talented star of stage and screen, Anna Kendrick, who also stared in of another one of my most favorite movies ever, Pitch Perfect.  During the interview Anna we talked about Pitch Perfect, and bringing musicals to a new generation, one of the bloggers mentioned that the “cup song” was being used as her daughters talent in a show… Anna jokingly said  “ so sorry about that”.  

Into the Woods interview with the amazing Emily Blunt and hilarious James Corden #Intothewoodsevent

The movie Into the Woods is filled with amazing characters, there were two that stole the show for me. The Baker and The Bakers Wife. The Baker was played by the extremely talented and hilarious James Corden. James is a Tony award winning stage actor and comedian who is now the brand new host of The Late Late Show. Emily Blunt is an amazing Golden Globe Award winning actress. I have been a fan of Emily's ever since I saw the amazing job she did on The Devil wears Prada (acting with the amazing Meryl Streep). With such talented stars, you wonder what they would be like in real life, how would they be like in person?

Just imagine meeting a new cousin that you have never met, but someone you just click with right away, as soon as you meet you are off joking chatting and having a great time, well that is what it was like meeting James Corden and Emily Blunt.  During the Into the Woods event, I was very fortunate to be able to interview this talented pair. The pair came in to the room asking us questions and just getting to know us all and even asking if we were all moms and who has the most kids? James had a something stuck between his teeth, and Emily mothered him to try to help him out, she asked us if we had gum to help James. They were just great people who made us all feel comfortable and have a great time.

“The Book of Life” on Blu-ray and DVD January 27, great activities inside! #BOLinsiders #Giveaway

Looking for a for a great family film, filled with wonderful characters, laughs and adventure? You are going to love “The Book of Life”   from Fox Entertainment. Look for  “The Book of Life” on Blu-ray and DVD January 27.

THE BOOK OF LIFE is a breathtaking animated comedy with a dazzling visual style unlike anything you’ve seen before. Torn between the expectations of his family and the desires of his heart, a young man named Manolo sets off on an epic quest that spans three spectacular worlds in order to reunite with his one true love and defend his village. Not your ordinary fairy tale, THE BOOK OF LIFE is a wondrous fantasy-adventure filled with magic, music and fun!

Happy Holidays from Big Hero 6! #BigHero6 #MeetBaymax

 I hope you all have a great holiday season! Here is a holiday greeting from Baymax!

From Walt Disney Animation Studios, the team behind “Frozen” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” comes “Big Hero 6,” an action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between Baymax (voice of Scott Adsit), a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada (voice of Ryan Potter). When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his close friends adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago (voice of Jamie Chung), neatnik Wasabi (voice of Damon Wayans Jr.), chemistry whiz Honey Lemon (voice of Genesis Rodriguez) and fanboy Fred (voice of T.J. Miller). Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called “Big Hero 6.”

See’s Candies, amazing candy that would make the perfect gift! #Giveaway

Are you looking for a  gift for that special someone on your holiday gift list? Does your special person have a sweet tooth? Well I know I sure do. And not just any sweet is a great treat for the holidays, these days are special and so should be the treats. I would like to introduce you all to See's Candies. I am sure most of you are already fans of this great company, but for those who are not as familiar here is some great information about the See’s Candies company from the website:

For over 90 years See’s Candies has been dedicated to making candy Mary See’s way. Only the finest, freshest ingredients are used in making each recipe. We add no preservatives to our candy. Ever. It’s quality you can taste in every piece. American made, famous for deliciousness, with the friendliest customer service—since 1921. 

Today, you can choose from over 100 different candies and chocolates, whether you are shopping with us online or visiting one of our iconic black-and-white checkered shops (where every visitor still gets to try a piece, it’s our treat).  Founded and headquartered in sunny California, See’s Candies has expanded from one candy shop to over 200 shops across America, and a flourishing online store. Our growth happily continues. Our commitment to taste, quality, tradition and service steadfastly remains.

Interview with Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Tracey Ullman discussing being moms and Disney's Into the Woods in theaters 12/25/14! #intothewoodsevent

Have you ever dreamed of interviewing talented award winning actors? So have I, as a little girl, I would pretend that my stuffed animals were huge celebrities and I would set them up for roundtable interviews. That was a lot of fun, but I was just a child with a wild imagination. I only dreamed about this one day being real. Could I ever really interview the big stars like I dreamed? The answer is yes! One of my dreams came true this past week, I was able to interview not one but multiple award winning actresses! Into the Woods  stars, Oscar winner Meryl Streep,  Screen Actors Guild Award and Emmy Award winner Christine Baranski, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning Tracey Ullman. 

 With huge stars like these I did not know what to expect during this interview. We were all a little nervous, how would they really be in person? Well I have to say these ladies were each genuine, funny and real. Each were friends in real life, and they seem to genuinely enjoy chatting and talking with us moms. Just real people talking mom to mom. 

This interview was such a relaxed atmosphere. Instantly as soon as they arrived and started chatting with us, the butterflies in my stomach disappeared, it was like talking with  friends. Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Tracey Ullman were ready for questions about their roles as mothers and their roles in Into the Woods.

This amazing trio have been friends for a while and it showed, the friends chatted about a scene they worked on in In the movie Into the Woods, they all got to work together in a scene for three days, and according to Tracy, they all "got really silly, and we were talking a lot". They spoke of how Meryl Streep met, Tracey Ullman when they worked on a movie called “Plenty” together when Tracy was 21 and Meryl was 31. Tracy was a pop star at the time, and an MTV vee-jay.  They bonded over a near accident on a plane ride flying from Tunisia. Meryl and Christine met later in life when they worked together in Greece, on Mama Mia. They each had kids around the same ages and stuck together. Meryl Streep remarked “we'd known each other a hundred years”.  This is exactly how I feel like with my best friends, we have known each other forever, well it seems.

Scottevest Women's Trench a great jacket with 18 pockets a must for travel #Scottevest

I have a closet full of jackets, they all serve a purpose in some way shape of form. Some are just for fashion, some are for functionality and some are for the rain and snow. Like I said I have a lot of jackets. It's crazy to have so many jackets, I don't need or want the clutter, I just want one jacket to the job of my closet full of jackets. SCOTTeVEST  has that jacket I've been looking for with their Women's Trench coat.

It's my new go to jacket or as my husband calls it my go-go jacket. He calls it that in reference to Inspector Gadget, why does he refer to it as that you're asking? Because this Women's Trench jacket has an astounding 18(!) pockets in it.

Everybody love iTunes in their stocking. Stock up at Kroger and save$$! #iTunesKrog10

Are you ready for the holidays? We have been shopping and baking and getting ready for the family events. Along with working and getting ready for the holidays, I am still shopping for gifts for my family members. Some are just so very hard to shop for. The hardest to shop for are the tweens on my holiday list, I always get confused at what to buy for them… Do you have these same issues? Giving the kids a pair of headphones for the holidays? Pair them with an

iTunes gift card for the total entertainment experience! That would make an awesome gift idea! Looking for a fun last minute gift for the kids’ teachers, your neighbor or an out of town guest? 

Into the Woods, a great movie for the whole family in theaters Christmas Day! 12/25/14 #intothewoodsevent

Seeing Into the Woods was a bit like a dream and to be able to view this movie in the iconic Samuel Goldwyn Theater, the theater where the Oscar nominee announcements are made... Was this really happening?  Yes, this was all real, and I was ready to see the highly anticipated Disney's version of the Stephen Sondheim 1987 classic musical, Into the Woods. Are you a fan of Into the Woods? Have you seen the play? I was new to Into the Woods. I grew up reading the  Grim Fairy tales, so I knew of these unique characters and these Into the Woods versions. These original fairy tales were fascinating and a bit bizarre, and that is why I loved them. These tales are a bit different from the classic fairy tales you may remember from your childhood.

In the movie Into the Woods, you meet familiar characters, with twists.  The Baker and the Bakers Wife, The Witch, Rapunzel, Cinderella and her Step-Mother and Step-Sisters, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Jacks Mother, Little Red Riding Hood and The Wolf and more. Here is a review of Disney's Into the Woods

Check out the new trailer and great posters from the Disney Pixar movie “Inside Out” #InsideOut

Are you ready for a new Disney Pixar movie? Well sure we all are. Being huge fans of Disney Pixar movies, we were excited to hear about the newest on, “Inside Out”. This looks like a unique movie that will be a hit, coming to theaters everywhere on June 19, 2015!

 From an adventurous balloon ride above the clouds to a monster-filled metropolis, Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Up”) has taken audiences to unique and imaginative places. In Disney Pixar’s original movie “ Inside Out,” he will take us to the most extraordinary location of all—inside the mind. 

Check out some great last minute hot holiday gifts from Hasbro!

It is almost time! This holidays are almost here. It is time to visit friends and family. Time to exchange  gifts and have family fun! Are you ready? Or are you like me and need a few more gifts for the little ones on my list? Well not to worry Hasbro has some great last minute gifts that the kids will love! From great gift ideas, to stocking stuffers Hasbro has it all!

An interview with legendary producer of A Charlie Brown Christmas special, Mr. Lee Mendelson #Giveaway #Snoopy #CBXMAS

I grew up watching, a Charlie Brown Christmas special.  Year after year, right around Christmas I would look forward to seeing this beloved special. From my favorite characters, to the iconic music, when I saw this special on TV I knew it was the holidays.  I love being able to share this special with my daughter each year, she seems to love A Charlie Brown Christmas as much as I do.  Are your family fan’s as well? Do you have a family tradition to watch the show together each year?  The special is celebrating its 50^th anniversary and it is as popular as ever. 

My family and I are huge fans of the special, and since this is the 50^th year of the special I see that many others all over the world love the special as well.   I was very fortunate to be able to chat with the legendary producer of the special, Mr. Lee Mendelson.

"Lee Mendelson is a third generation San Franciscan, born March 24 , 1933 . He graduated from Stanford in 1954 and served as a navigator in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1957 . He was a writer - producer - director at KPIX TV in San Francisco from 1961 to 1963 , where his series on the history of California won a coveted Peabody Award . Opening Lee Mendelson Productions in 1963, his first network hit was A MAN NAMED MAYS, starring Willie Mays on NBC TV. In 1965 he produced “ A Charlie Brown Christmas ” which won an Emmy and a Peabody ."

“Melissa & Joey” and “Baby Daddy” all-new holiday episodes, airing Tonight December 10, 2014 on ABC Family! (8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT). #ABCFamilyEvent #25DaysOfChristmas

Have you been enjoying ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas" programming? From the classics like Rudolph to modern classics like the Elf. ABC Family has all of the Christmas shows  you love. ABC Family is also have some great holiday episodes from your favorite shows as well.

There is a whole lot of fate and more than a little Christmas magic in the “Melissa & Joey” and “Baby Daddy” all-new holiday episodes, airing Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT). These fun episodes are on for the first time tonight! I am looking forward to watching are you?

McDonald’s® brings customers in Philadelphia new fresh, whole fruit side in kids’ meals #Giveaway

Are you a fan of McDonald’s? Did you know that McDonald’s are adding Cuties California Clementine’s to their Happy Meals? A great healthy option that kids will love. Well this has started in the North East, and I hope this great idea spreads all throughout the USA.

An amazing trailer and images from Strange Magic #StrangeMagic

Looking for a great family fun fantasy movie? Be sure to check out Strange Magic, an animated film, inspired by “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” The movie will be filled with action and adventure amazing animation and of course a spectacular soundtrack. Strange Magic opens in theaters everywhere on January 23rd!

Kitchen Appliances That Will Make Your Life Easier

While it’s true that the most valued appliances in the kitchen tend to be your refrigerator and your oven, but there are a few appliances out there that can greatly simplify your culinary life. Here’s our top five suggestions for kitchen counter helpers:

Slow cooker

When you’re working full-time, it can be difficult to resist the lure of a takeaway. A slow cooker affords you a simple, low-maintenance way of cooking healthy meals. Use it to make soups, casseroles or Sundayroasts. We recommend that you invest in a programmable model to ensure that dinner is waiting for you the moment you arrive home.

Help Luvs donate diapers to children in need this #LuvsLeakFreeHoliday season plus a Luvs #Giveaway

Disclaimer: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Mom Bloggers  and Luvs.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Luvs diapers, is a trusted name in baby care, knows that the holiday season is full of stressful moments, but they don't want diaper leaks be one of them. This holiday, Luvs wants everyone to celebrate a Leak-Free Holiday.  On my daughters first Christmas our holiday was not leak free. When my daughter was little we were visiting my parents’ house to have a nice family Christmas with aunts uncles, cousins and assorted family members. Being brand new parents we wanted to make sure everything was perfect for our daughters first outing.  Is the baby fed and happy… Check… Dressed, and adorable?... Check… Clean diaper?... Check… Quality diaper… hmmm well not so much..

To celebrate the season of giving Kmart partners with St. Jude #KClub #MoreChristmas #ad

   “This is a sponsored post, I am a Kmart K-Club blogger, though all opinions are my own."

Feel like doing something good this holiday season? Kmart is has a great way to do it. From December 7^th to the 13^th, Kmart will donate $1 to St. Jude for every fab 15 toy purchased. Kmart is the all-time leading fund raising partner for St. Jude having raised more than $10 million for them this holiday season alone!

Besides the Fab 15 toys you can also donate at the register when you checkout. And your nice gesture comes with a little kick back from Kmart in the form of a coupon for 5% back in points on your next qualifying in-store or online purchase. This is available until December 27^th. Another way is by purchasing Kmart's exclusive St. Jude bear ornament (available in both boy and girl,) when you purchase an ornament Kmart will donate $1 to St. Jude until December 24^th, with a minimum donation of $50,000.

Disneynature's Monkey Kingdom new trailer now available #MonkeyKingdom

 Have you ever wondered how monkeys lived? How is their family dynamic and what do they do in day to day life? How close are they to humans? Well you will be able to find out with Disneynature's Monkey Kingdom this amazing & educational film is coming to theaters everywhere on April 17th!

Life is an adventure for Maya, the clever and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey in “Monkey Kingdom,” Disneynature’s new feature film set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya’s world is forever changed when she welcomes her son, Kip, into her complicated extended family. Like all families, Maya’s has more than its share of colorful personalities—and she’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world.

Decorating your home for the holidays with Kmart, get the best decorations for less. #BestDressedHome #ad

 “This is a sponsored post, I am a Kmart K-Club blogger, though all opinions are my own.”   

Something I look forward to every year is decorating our house for Christmas.   Kmart has everything you could need from trees and ornaments to wreaths and garlands, Sandra Lee and Jacklyn Smith have two fabulous holiday decor collections that will bring style to your home. 

For me decorating is fun..  It's fun to sit and reminisce about ornaments and the memories they hold for us. We don't have a style or anything like a specific color theme it's just what we like and it reflects our interests and personalities. An interesting tidbit is that 1 in 4 Americans will begin to decorate one month before Christmas. 

I know we would but with hosting Thanksgiving and my daughter's birthday not being too far behind we just can't. But once the dust settles from my daughter's birthday we're right on it. It's said that 58% of people believe that the Christmas tree is the most essential decoration. I'd agree, be it real or artificial it's the symbol of Christmas. We've done real tree's in the past, but the last one we had died before Christmas and it was an awful death.... When my husband was putting it out in the trash he hit the tree up against the door and BOOM the needles exploded everywhere! We were finding needles until the summer. So now it's artificial and it looks just as beautiful.

 

 Like I said we don't have a particular style we just kind of go with it. Old ornaments mixed with new one's and it just flows. We we're shopping in Kmart just the other day and looking at all decorations they have out and I was kind or wishing we had the room for giant Bumble from Rudolph or any of the other inflatables they had. Living in a row home with no yard means no Bumble for this gal. 

But something we can do is create our own Christmas village and thanks to Lemax, Department 56 and Coventry Cove you can have your very own Christmas town. That's something that I bring from my family. My grandfather would create a village every year out of similar houses and people and it looked like a functioning town, it was his pride and joy and it's something that I love to do and carry on the tradition. 

If you love to decorate as much as we do Kmart is having a contest to help celebrate the tradition of decorating. All you have to do is upload a picture of your home decorated for the holiday. That's all you have to do. What can you win? 60 people will instantly win $50 in Shop Your Way points (you can enter daily for this.) And the grand prize winner will win 1 million Shop Your Way points. I can just imagine what my house would look like then.... Take a picture and hope for the best.

Between 11/17-12/26, visit Best Dressed Home sweepstakes  and answer the poll questions and upload a photo of your home decked out for the holidays for a chance to win Shop Your Way points!

•  60 people will instantly win $50 in Shop Your Way points—you can enter daily 
• 1 grand prize winner will win 1 million Shop Your Way points!

 Are you getting your holiday decorations at Kmart this year?

“This is a sponsored post, I am a Kmart K-Club blogger, though all opinions are my own.”

   


Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions .  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 .