I used to love cooking. I had all the best home appliances. I would spend hours searching for recipes to try. I would have people over as often as I could to enjoy a meal. But - then I had kids. And now... cooking is nothing but an annoying chore that I keep having to do. Every night. I mean, really, I just made dinner! Do I really have to do it again?
With that being said, I do have to get dinner to the table every night. And I do want it to be something my family will enjoy and will be good for them. I want to do all of this without making myself too crazy on a typical busy day. So when I was given the chance to check out a kitchen appliance that could help bring some spice back into my kitchen, while still allowing me to keep it simple, I was excited.
The Cooks Companion Digital Wonder Pot has a lot to offer us busy moms. Here are some highlights of this kitchen appliance:
Product Features:
Perfect 3.2 qt capacity for smaller meals
Easy-to-use programmable digital controls
Easy cleanup and quick release of food with Whitford Fusion ceramic nonstick inner cooking pot
Digital touch screen for easy operation - no knobs to pull / turn
Your appliance is safe for countertop use
Six cooking modes including Steam, Stew, Rice, Soup, Stir Fry and Bake
Automatic Warm setting keeps food warm so your meal is fresh when you want it
Comes with handy accessories including steam tray, rice measuring cup and serving spatula
You notice the word "easy" appears more than once. And "easy cleanup" is right up there on my list of important features. But I think my favorite feature is the automatic warm settings, because life is a juggle around here. We are constantly bouncing from one activity to the next. So knowing we can eat a warm meal when we are ready is priceless!
We put the Wonder Pot to the test - the taste test! I loved that it offered a Stir Fry options. How unique! So we whipped up some shrimp and veggie stir fry. It was quick and easy, we were able to make the perfect portion for our family, and clean up was a breeze! One pot meal!
I would say that this meal was a home run. I was able to get it all together with minimal ingredients in no time at all. It was a quick meal that was filling, healthy, and made everyone in the house happy. This kitchen appliance is a must for any home. I can't wait to try steaming corn on the cob!
Now here is the great news. You can be the proud owner of a Cooks Companion Digital Wonder Pot, too! Enter below for your chance to WIN! And be sure to check out more great home appliances from Phoenix Trading Company.
I feel like every year it gets harder and harder to shop for friends and family. I am always trying to find unique and fabulous gifts that will make them say, "Oh where did you ever find this!" NOVICA is the perfect place to find these gifts. With their wide selection of handcrafted items, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list.
NOVICA gives artists and artisans around the world the opportunity to share their work with the entire world, and you the opportunity to have these pieces of art in your home. Their website is designed in such a way that when you view a product you get to see and learn about the person or people who create it. You are introduced to an artist who may be on the other side of the world who has something beautiful to share. Novica has a mission - to spread happiness by their commitment to connect, empower, preserve.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to shop on NOVICA and see the beauty up close. I was trying to find the perfect gift for my mother-in-law, so I searched for Christmas themed items. A great selection popped up with everything from nativities to ornaments. But these sweet Santas caught my eye.
From clothing to glasses to games to home accents. You can find a wonderful variety of items all in one spot. I would highly recommend that you take some time to explore this wonderful fair trade artisan website that works with National Geographic. Be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
I am thrilled to share this wonderful shopping experience with one of my lucky readers. One reader will win a $35 Gift Code to make a purchase from the NOVICA website.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The days of being either a worker or a parent are largely behind us, as more and more parents stay in the workforce, even after they have kids. They still value their careers, and, as much as they also value their families, they don't just want to throw away a college education and everything they've been working to build up over the years.
Of course, this can make it a bit harder to parent as effectively as you'd like. The situation can be rather chaotic, and parents need to be ready for all that it entails. If you're a parent trying to balance work and family life, use these tips to make things go smoothly.
1. Keep in touch. You probably hired a nanny, dropped your kids off at grandma's house, or at least took them to daycare. It's best to stay in touch through text, phone, or online options. Even if you don't need to actively help parent, this makes the transition easier because you can get updates and pictures of yours kids, making you feel more involved.
2. Don't take your work home with you. Stay at the office, get things done, and come home when you can really relax and be with your kids. Time management, and splitting up your time effectively, is key. Thinking about work or trying to get extra things done at the house just adds stress you don't need.
3. Make sure vacation time is family time. You only get so many paid days off every year. Don't waste them. This may mean skipping little things that would be fun to attend, but it pays off when you get 10 days in a row with your kids.
4. Use the time you do have wisely. This is about more than just vacation time. You may only have a few hours from the time you get home to the time your kids go to bed. Spend it with them, not rushing around trying to get other things done.
5. Have emergency plans in place. Kids get sick. Schools have to close due to bad roads. All sorts of things can come up and disrupt your schedule. Having a plan ready in advance allows you to absorb these changes easily.
As many couples are finding out, it's very possible to have both a career and a family. You just need to know how to budget your time and plan ahead. Take a tip from me and hire a service for that holiday home cleaning.
"Meet Lily! 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 material things! Children will enjoy seeing Lily transform as she lets down her guard and begins to enjoy the farm."
My Thoughts:
My seven year old went crazy for this book! She loved the story of Lily and all of the lessons she learned throughout the story. But perhaps her favorite part is the lovable stuffed Lily that she now sleeps with and takes care of on a daily basis. She also loved Lottie, the little mouse who is hiding on each page. She read the book to her little brother and had him hunt for Lottie throughout the story.
This would make a great gift this holiday season. This book was written and illustrated be Rebekah Phillips, who also has more titles to share with readers (my son is already asking for Piper was Afraid!). But this is the first time she collaborated with her mom, making this a very special book for them and the readers.
You can purchase this wonderful set from Amazon. You can also learn more about Rebekah and her work on her website.
We just got back from a really fantastic cruise on the Disney Cruise Line. We took the Disney Magic from New York up to Canada. It was a 5 night cruise with 2 days at sea and 2 stops - St. John and Halifax.
I was nervous to cruise with my kids because they are still pretty young. My daughter is 7, so she's pretty easy to travel with. But my son is only 3. We waited until he was 3 so that he could go into the same kids club as her. We also wanted him to be potty trained... which we accomplished over the summer, thank goodness! But my nerves were quickly put at ease, as Disney truly caters to every age - and every single one of us had a great time!
My kids favorite part was definitely the kids club. The Oceaneers Club and Lab was filled with fun activities, crafts, and a giant slide. They had visits from some of their favorite characters, including Mickey, Goofy , Pluto, Stitch, and Captain America! They fed them lunch and dinner if we wanted them to. They loved every second and we loved having some down time to ourselves.
The food was phenomenal. We ate our way through the week with wonderful rotational dining, all the ice cream we could eat, free room service, and so much more. Our waitstaff team was great. They traveled with us every night to our restaurant and really got to know what we liked and didn't like. And they would bring us anything we could dream of!
The shows - oh the shows - from the stage performances to the deck parties to the fireworks. Everything was done in true Disney fashion - to the highest degree of MAGICAL. The stage shows are truly Broadway quality.
To make what could be a very long story, short - IT WAS MAGICAL. We can't wait to get back on the boat!
Moms, I know how little time we spend on ourselves. Here is some great info from Eu'Genia Shea on a quick and easy way to use Shea Butter for healthier, younger looking skin! - Lara
Raw Shea Butter: One Of The Finest Skin Care Secrets For Women
From Head To Toe
Raw shea butter is an incredible, natural product that belongs in your beauty cupboard. It's versatile and pure and can enhance you from head to toe. It's one of the best skin care secrets ever, with studies showing that raw shea butter stimulates production of collagen. That's the "glue" that keeps our faces and bodies youthful with elasticity.
Let's look at shea butter's fascinating background. For one, there are actually shea trees, and they grow in west and central Africa. The thin-skinned fruit the tree produces is quite delicious, but it's the large oil-rich nut or kernel inside that creates the skin care magic. It naturally contains vitamins A, E and F (essential fatty acids).
Shea Butter when raw, promotes these three assets:
Higher nutrient content
Better natural healing properties
Free of chemicals from the refinement process
Raw shea butter is divine for women of all ages, especially moms, because it can perform amazing things. Here are just a few:
1. Stretch Marks and Cellulite. No one wants either of these body imperfections, but most of us have both stretch marks and cellulite. Laser treatments and the application of prescription retin-A appear to be effective. However, raw shea butter has also been shown to reduce the appearance of both stretch marks and cellulite, thanks to the product's immense hydrating properties, its success at stimulating blood circulation and softening the skin's texture.
2. Clear and Wrinkle "Less" Complexion. It's almost baffling to believe that raw shea butter with its super moisturizing features would not cause skin to break out, but it's true. Its anti-inflammatory elements keep pores clean, and the product is quickly absorbable, so it feels un-greasy. The super butter also softens fine lines and wrinkles, restoring elasticity and buoyancy to the skin.
3. Scalp and Hair Repair Treatment. We spend so much money trying to breathe new life into our damaged tresses and usually get nowhere fast. Raw shea butter can make the ultimate hair treatment and is so easy to do. Warm some shea butter in your palms and apply to hair and scalp and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly and shampoo and condition like you regularly do. Hair will be soft, smooth and healthy-looking.
4. Perfect Outdoor Skin Protection. Raw shea butter is ideal for heading outdoors in any kind of weather. Super hot, cold and dry, snowy, rainy or windy, this wonderful moisturizer already comes with a natural built-in SPF (sun protection factor) of 6, which is beneficial to wear under makeup, too. Apply so lips don't chap, because this pure stuff works like a dream.
5. Super Shaving Staple. When it comes to shaving your legs, you want to eliminate the bumps and possible razor irritation that can occur. Raw shea butter is terrific as a moisturizing shaving cream, and it leaves legs smooth, hairless and with a pretty sheen. It won't clog sensitive hair follicles either and allows your shaver to glide across the skin.
There are many choices out there for buying shea butter, and one of the best brands that delivers purity and luxurious shea butter products is Eu'Genia Shea. Even the iconic New York Times is wild about the high quality 95 percent shea content base of the brand's lotions, which can be found in Everyday, Pregnancy and Dermatological Strength.
Eu'Genia Shea is also proud of its wonderful background story, because it's a family enterprise with deep roots in Ghana and the United States. The company is all about women, opportunity and power, and Eu'Genia Shea is helping build economic opportunities for women in the developing world. Eu'Genia Shea is providing training and employment for some 700 women who work for the brand's business model in local co-operatives. The women are harvesting the shea nuts and learning how to produce the incredible raw shea butter that has become the face of Eu'Genia Shea.
I am so excited for the upcoming holiday season! If you are anything like me, you began bargain hunting for this holiday season on December 26th. I can't help it... I love a good deal!
But as my children are getting older - especially the 7 year old! Buying gifts in advance can be tricky. Now she knows what she wants and makes her own wish-list. So I have been holding out to see what she thinks will make her holiday merry and bright!
This year I will be focusing on all kinds of gifts - for kids, adults, friends, and family. I am hoping you will share some of your fabulous gift ideas with me, too!
Phoenix Trading Company is the company all moms have been dreaming of. One stop shopping on designer items at discount prices! They specialize in plus size clothing, but also have a fantastic selection of home goods and kitchen appliances. Their choices are fantastic... and their prices are even better!
Here is a little bit about Phoenix Trading Company: First, we’re not in Phoenix, Arizona. Never have been (we’re in Boston). Our name refers to the mythical bird, the Phoenix, which is reborn to soar again. Our clothes and other products are sort of like that. We buy large volumes of out-of-season, overstock and clearance designer merchandise from national retailers and TV shopping channels, then pass the savings to you—on average offering our goods at 60% below retail. And by the way, the pictures of shoes and clothing you see on our site are the actual items that you’ll get in the mail. Nothing photo-shopped here. People seem to like us. We started in 2001 in 700 square feet subleased from a machine shop, and have grown to be one of eBay’s top three women’s clothing sellers. We’re also an eBay top-rated plus seller. Not that we’re bragging. It’s just true. There is something we’re kind of proud of, though: A third of our workforce are people who are housebound, either through physical disabilities or childcare responsibilities, and who would otherwise not be able to have a job. And honestly, we couldn’t function without them. So, that’s us in a nutshell. Phoenix Trading Company, bringing you style and savings at the click of a mouse.
I had the opportunity to check out one of the great kitchen appliances that they have to offer, an air fryer.
I was really excited about this because my family really enjoys fried foods, but we don't indulge in them that often because of all the oil typically used to cook them. This air fryer provided us with a healthier way of preparing fried foods, while still getting that great crispy texture that we just can't seem to get in the oven. And it's super easy to use and clean up.
All we had to do was put the basket in the bottom of the fryer, add a small amount of oil, pop it in at the proper temperature for the instructed amount of time (in this case it was 15 minutes)... and voila! Crispy fries cooked to perfection!
My entire family is a fan of this fun kitchen appliance. We have made all kinds of trasty foods, like fried zucchini sticks, mozzarella sticks, and lots of french fries.
Phoenix Trading Company is giving you the opportunity to win your very own Todd English Touch Screen Air Fryer! This prize will make the perfect addition to your kitchen - saving you calories, time and mess!
"Adventures in Babysitting," inspired by the hugely popular 1980s film of the same name, is an upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie starring Sabrina Carpenter (of Disney Channel's hit comedy series "Girl Meets World") and Sofia Carson (of the hit Disney Channel Original Movie "Descendants"). In "Adventures in Babysitting," a dull evening for two competing babysitters, Jenny (Sabrina Carpenter) and Lola (Sofia Carson), turns into an adventure in the big city as they hunt for one of the kids who somehow snuck away.
My Thoughts:
As a child of the 80's, Adventures in Babysitting was one of my all time favorite movies. So when I heard that Disney Channel was making an original movie inspired my childhood favorite... I was excited! This was going to be a great opportunity to see a fun new movie and share it with my seven year old daughter... who just happens to be a huge Girl Meets World and Descendants fan.
We sat down one night with popcorn and this movie for a fun girls night in. I loved how the new movie mirrored some of my favorite parts of the 80's hit. For example: the amazing clip above of the Babysitter's Rap that just brought me back to Chris Parker's fabulous rendition of Babysitting Blues, the towing company sporting the same name, and more! Jenny and Lola kept us engaged throughout this crazy adventure. While the girls are very different, they have one thing in common - they need to find the kid and get all of the kids back home! But it's not as easy as it sounds. And quickly enough they realize that working together is their only hope.
This was a very fun movie night for me and my daughter. We laughed a lot, and my daughter has been asking to see it again! I would say that's a big win for the Disney Channel!
* I received a copy of this movie free of charge in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influence by anyone.
Father's Day is around the corner and my husband is super hard to shop for. Not only does he fall into the "I don't need anything" category... he also puts himself into the "I don't want anything" category. Making my life way harder when shopping time arrives!
This year I was introduced to something really awesome, right up his alley, and something he would never think of! Allow me to introduce you to the Fuego Box. Yes, it's just as it sounds... a box chock full of amazing spiciness. Any my husband loves spicy! The hotter the better. So I knew he would love this really cool variety of products.
This "limited edition" Fuego Box comes in a rustic wood crate and is filled with small-batch spicy greatness created especially for Father's Day. Includes a fabulous spicy honey, the world's 1st "Dry Hot Sauce", Chili Oil, Smoked Ghost Pepper Salt, and one of the world's tastiest small-batch hot sauces. The package also includes recipes selected just for dad.
$49.95 - Limited to 500 boxes
$70 in value
Order Link: https://www.fuegobox.co/shop/product/300770703
Box Contains:
-Bee Local Hot Honey
-Purple Panda Chili Oil
-Hoff Sauce
-Laguna Salt Smoke Ghost Pepper Salt
-World's 1st Dry Hot Sauce by Vesta
-Limited Edition Fuego Box Wooden Crate
-Recipes
So this is basically an incredibly cool, very different, super hot gift for Father's Day! I highly recommend you check out Fuego Box to learn about all the very cool and unique items they have to offer!
About Fuego Box: The creation of Mike McAdams, a guy who simply went down the hot sauce rabbit hole. It started with an early Tapatio obsession and advanced with the likes of Cholula, Crystal, and Sriracha. After that, things really got crazy...bhut jolokia and african fatalii peppers; locally harvested, hand-bottled hot sauces; and unique and delicious flavors that go with just about every kind of food. Fuego Box wants to bring emerging hot sauces that you've probably never heard of to your hot sauce shelf. Focusing on flavor over 'ass-burning heat' and avoiding gimmicky hot sauces like the plague.
Does anyone else feel like they spend way too much time in the laundry room? I have discovered that my son is a stain magnet. The stains just seem to find him! I spend so much time treating and scrubbing his clothes. Every day it's something new from grass stains to marker to food.
Well today.... today I want to introduce you to... his dinner. This was a special day. We got all dressed up and headed out to do a Father's Day photo shoot at a local studio. I pulled this brand new polo out of the closet and felt like he looked adorable.
We headed off to the studio where we got a couple of really cute shots. I was happy with the outcome and how well behaved the kids were. So I decided to take them out to dinner. The dinner where he ordered pizza. And then leaned on it. and then dropped it on himself. The dinner where we went from this....
to this....
Fortunately, I had this little buddy on my side.
Purex plus Clorox 2 helped me to fight these stains with minimal effort. It's stain fighting power helped to make my brand new shirt look brand new again! And it's safe for colors, too. Sorry... I know.. time to iron! Seriously... my work is never done.
Thanks Purex, for making my day a little brighter... literally!
"The Purex® brand provided me with a sample of Purex® plus Clorox 2® detergent in exchange for a product review. However all the opinions expressed here are my own"
I have loved having the opportunity to share information with you regarding cord blood banking with lifebankUSA. Having the information and the knowledge when making this big decision is crucial. LifebankUSA has a fantastic website that educates you on everything you need to know to make an informed decision for you and your baby. But today I get to share something unique and special, Placenta Banking.
Saving your babies cold blood is something every new parent should be educated about. Knowing the benefits of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is so important. But did you know that you can bank placenta blood in addition to cord blood?
What is Placenta Blood?
Placenta blood is the blood that’s left in the placenta after birth. During your pregnancy, the placenta provides your baby with oxygen, water and essential nutrients and protects your baby against infection. After birth, your baby no longer needs the placenta, but the usefulness of the placenta doesn’t end with delivery. Like the umbilical cord, the placenta blood is a rich source of stem cells which can be collected and stored in case your child or a close family member needs them someday.
Collecting the placenta blood is a quick, easy, and painless process that happens after the placenta is expelled from the mom.
What are the Benefits of Banking Placenta Blood?
Adding placenta blood banking can make your cord blood collection even more powerful by potentially doubling the number of stem cells that are collected and preserved.5 Here are three reasons why having more stem cells matters:
Research studies have shown that transplanting more stem cells can improve transplant success and survival.
Preserving more stem cells means they may be used to treat more than one health condition that may affect your child or other close family member in the future.
Placenta blood increases other types of stem cells that have shown promise in regenerative medicine, an area of groundbreaking clinical research that involves the use of stem cells to repair or regrow damaged tissues and organs.
Only lifebankUSA offers this unique and wonderful opportunity. Since you only have one chance to take advantage of this, you should discuss cord blood banking and placenta banking with your family and your doctor before your due date. Having this decision already made will bring peace of mind on your exciting delivery day!
You can visit lifebankUSA for more information on all of the benefits of cord blood and placenta blood banking, and how this blood could help should your child or another family member need it.
As the holidays approach the excitement and anticipation of the season grows and grows for me. I love everything about this time of year, from the decorations to the music to the shopping, baking, and preparing. The kids are hyped up all the time, and I am constantly reminding them that that elf over there on the shelf is watching. How lucky I am to live among this glorious chaos.
But with my joy comes the reminder that no every family or person is as lucky as I am. The holidays are an important time to remember those less fortunate and give back in any way we can. The 2015 World Vision Catalog is an amazing way to do just that
The 2015 World Vision Gift Catalog contains more than 250 poverty-fighting gifts, ranging in price from $16 to $39,000, that improve the quality of life for struggling children and families in the U.S. and around the world. Give help where it is most needed and receive beautiful handcrafted jewelry for yourself or your loved ones, such as:
Royal Silk Scarf – This gorgeous silk scarf adds color to the holidays and supports the needs of children and families worldwide. The luxurious silk is woven by Vietnam’s Ma Chau villagers, who receive sustainable income through their craft. $95
Balinese Multi-Strand Necklace – This beautiful, draped beaded necklace is handmade by Balinese artisans in a project that helps children in Bali receive an education. $85
Mango Wood Beaded Bracelet – Created by a community on the island of Java, these unique bracelets provide a sustainable income to help feed and care for their children – honor the special woman in your life with this gorgeous bracelet. $40
Silver Vines Cuff - Women and girls will love wearing this elegant adjustable silver cuff bracelet designed by artisans in Old Delhi, India. Each bracelet supports their families through fair trade practices. $85
African Soapstone Box – The hand-carved African Soapstone Box is a perfect place to store necklaces, rings and other trinkets. This ornate handmade gift is etched by talented artisans in Kenya who are using this sustainable resource to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. $85
These beautiful and unique gifts are just a sampling of all that the 2015 Wold Vision Gift Catalog has to offer. You can provide families with animals that will provide food and/or income. You can help to support education for children in need. Or supply something we take for granted every day, clean drinking water. You can even donate to help those in need right here in our own communities. The possibilities are endless and the small steps we take this holiday season could have a lasting impression on those in need.
I received a gorgeous Royal Silk Scarf that is vibrant in color and so incredibly soft. It's a gift I could not buy in the store. It was made with care and that shows. I strongly encourage you to take a look at the 2015 World Vision Gift Catalog and consider making it a part of your holiday gift giving season.
* I received a promotional item in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Your little girl will love dressing up and jet-setting around the world in this charming personalized storybook. It’s Fancy To Be Me comes personalized with her name on the cover and throughout the story and illustrations. You can even upload a photo of her to appear inside the book! You can also select the hair color and skin tone when ordering, so the character in the book resembles your daughter. At the end of the story, your little girl learns that, although it’s fun to dress up and be fancy, the most fashionable thing in the whole world is to just be herself!
My Thoughts:
I absolutely love the personalized books from I See Me. This book is perfect for my daughter. She absolutely loves clothes, and the fancier the better. This book is filled with fun outfits and amazing places. And her name is hidden in so many places.... like on luggage and on airplanes. She had a blast hunting for her name and pointing it out in excitement! This is truly a book for her to treasure forever, as it is just for her and with a special message and photo from us.
Personalized gifts are the best. They are so special and unique. I See Me has tons of book choices. We have B is for Benjamin for my son and he asks for it every night. But they have so much more to offer than just books. You can find everything from personalized puzzles, lunchboxes, placemats... to coloring books, stickers, growth charts and more. There is definitely something for everyone.
The personalized items from I See Me would make the most wonderful holiday gifts. And have I got a treat for you! From now until December 16th... use code SPECIAL to receive 20% off! Happy shopping!
*I received this book free of charge in order to facilitate an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
SYNOPSIS:
Do you ever look at someone and wonder what’s going on inside their head? Disney-Pixar’s “Inside Out” takes an exciting and hilarious journey into the mind to find the answer. Based in Headquarters, the control center of 11-year-old Riley’s mind, five emotions are hard at work, led by lighthearted optimist Joy. She strives to make sure Riley stays happy as she operates alongside fellow emotions Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. It’s “an instant classic,” raves Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times. Experience it like never before on Disney Blu-ray!
CAST:
Amy Poehler (“Freebirds,” TV’s “Parks and Recreation”) as Joy; Bill Hader (Monsters University, TV’s “Saturday Night Live”) as Fear; Phyllis Smith (“Bad Teacher,” TV’s “The Office”) as Sadness; Lewis Black (“The Aristocrats,” TV’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) as Anger; Mindy Kaling (“Wreck-It Ralph,” TV’s “The Office”) as Disgust; Richard Kind (A Bug’s Life, TV’s “Spin City”) as Bing Bong; Kaitlyn Dias (voice acting debut) as the voice of Riley
Digital HD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)
· Riley's First Date? (In-Home Exclusive Animated Short Film) - Riley, now 12, is hanging out at home with her parents in San Francisco when potential trouble comes knocking: a boy shows up at the door. Can Mom and Dad's emotions handle “Riley's First Date?”
· LAVA (Theatrical Short Film) - Inspired by the isolated beauty of tropical islands and the explosive allure of ocean volcanoes, LAVA is a musical love story that takes place over millions of years.
· Story of the Story - Director Pete Docter talks about the evolution of Inside Out, from the ideas and memories that inspired the story through the hurdles, explorations and experiences that helped shape it into the film it is today.
· Paths to Pixar: The Women of Inside Out - Inside Out filmmakers, from voice actors to animators to production crew, talk about their paths, their goals, the challenges they've faced and the lessons they've learned along the way
· Mixed Emotions - Inside Out's filmmakers talk about how they decided which emotions to focus on in the story and how they went about creating each one's distinct personality and visual identity
· Mapping the Mind - Inside Out's artists take you through the years-long process of designing and creating a world everyone knows, but no one has ever seen - the human mind.
· Our Dads, the Filmmakers - Elie Docter (daughter of director, Pete Docter) and Grace Giacchino (daughter of composer, Michael Giacchino) bring you behind the scenes for an inside look at the making of the film.
· Into the Unknown: The Sound of Inside Out - What is the sound of a memory forming? Sound designer Ren Klyce describes the challenges - and the unique solutions - involved in creating the aural world of Inside Out.
· The Misunderstood Art of Animation Film Editing - Learn more about the crucial role of an animation film editor, who helps take the story from its earliest, most exploratory versions, to the final, polished film you see onscreen.
· Deleted Scenes
Riley Grows Up - In this scene from a version of the film where the primary relationship was between Joy and Fear (then named Freddie), the emotions begin to notice a change in Riley.
Joy's Decline - Joy's struggles to make sense of the limitations on Riley's behavior that seem to be springing up at every turn.
Misdirection -Joy and Freddie encounter a group of Riley's "retired" imaginary friends, including an early version of Big Bong.
Construction - Joy is guided through Riley's mind by a radical non-conformist, Bing Bong, outraged by the demolition of older areas like Imagination Park.
· Commentary - Commentary includes participation from directors Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen, and producer Jonas Rivera.
· Mind Candy – A montage of toolkit and interstitials produced for Inside Out.
· Inside Out Trailers - A collection of domestic and international trailers made for Inside Out.
*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
Blu-ray 3D
· LAVA
DVD:
· LAVA
· Commentary
DMA Exclusives:
· Designing Abstract Thought - Inside Out character designer Albert Lozano describes the challenging, exciting and appropriately nonlinear process of designing the films "Abstract Thought" sequence.
· Deleted Scenes
Joy Alone - Pursuing a lost memory underneath the ocean, Joy is given a chance to fulfill her heart's desire.
Imagination Park - Joy is chased through a reactivated Imagination Park by an antagonistic Freddie.
MY THOUGHTS:
We have been waiting anxiously for this movie to come out on Blu-ray! Ever since we saw it in theaters, the entire family has been excited to see it again. The movie is so full of emotion. As a mom, I found it to be eye opening to get a look into how a kid might be feeling without fully letting you in. Even my daughter found some sadness in the movie and cuddled closer to me at some touching moments. It was great to see it together and be able to talk about it after. I loved having that opening to tell her that it's ok to feel sad.
But aside from being moving and heartwarming, it was also fun and funny! The characters are incredible. My daughter really was drawn to sadness. She loves to lay down on the floor and pretend to be her. I personally love Bing-Bong. I mean really, he cries candy! I would love to see him reappear in his own little short!
I feel like this movie has so much to offer. It has an incredibly interesting concept. I love the idea of the islands that make up who you are. Riley's islands were made up of all the important people and things in her life that made her who she is. There were just so many awesome little concepts that just all pulled together to make a brilliant story, like long term memory and the train of thought. Cute plays on words. It's the perfect movie for families to watch together. To laugh and cry together. And to take the opportunity to talk about feelings and how ever feeling is important and valid. It's a fun family movie night for sure!!
The Bonus features of this film are also outstanding. We really enjoyed LAVA when we saw it in the theater. The music was beautiful and the tale of true love was so beautifully illustrated. So it was a lot of fun to be able to relive that moment again.
I also really enjoy getting a peak into how these films come to life. An amazing amount if time and work goes into creating something so magical. And the human mind is truly a fascinating place that these artists have created!
But my absolute favorite feature was the all new short, Riley's First Date? I love how the emotions are carried over to the different characters and they take on a whole new persona! It is so clever and well done. And it's very humorous to see how everyone reacts to this new journey in Riley's life!
I would highly recommend you check this movie out! And here are some fun coloring sheets to help make the most of your fun family movie night!
Synopsis: Do you ever look at someone and wonder what’s going on inside their head? Disney-Pixar’s “Inside Out” takes an exciting and hilarious journey into the mind to find the answer. Based in Headquarters, the control center of 11-year-old Riley’s mind, five emotions are hard at work, led by lighthearted optimist Joy. She strives to make sure Riley stays happy as she operates alongside fellow emotions Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. It’s “an instant classic,” raves Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times. Experience it like never before on Disney Blu-ray!
When I had my daughter, six years ago, cord blood banking was mentioned to me in passing. I wasn't provided with too much information and it wasn't brought up again after that first and only mention. It wasn't something I heard other moms talking about and wasn't on my list of things to research as an overwhelmed new mom-to-be. But it should have been.
Over the years I have learned so much more about it. Perhaps it's because I am now aware, but I see advertisements and have noticed fliers in doctor's offices. But the information needs to be easily available. Someone needs to be informing new moms about the choices they have for cord blood banking.
Knowing your options when it comes to cord blood banking is so important. I think it is something every mom-to-be should be informed about and given enough information to make the best decision for their family. It is something that is so easy to do, and could potentially save your child's life.
Cord blood banking is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collect, process and preserve your baby’s stem cells for future medical use. Collecting your baby’s cord blood is a simple and safe procedure that happens immediately after the birth and usually takes the healthcare provider about 5 minutes to collect and package for shipment to our state-of-the-art facility located in New Jersey. Cord blood is an important source of rich stem cells, and has been proven in treatments to help replace and rebuild diseased blood cells. Today, cord blood stem cells are used in the treatment of more than 80 diseases, 1 including various types of blood disorders and cancers such as leukemia.
Advanced Biobanking A New Generation of Proactive Life-Banking Services: Advanced Biobanking Ongoing medical research is showing that the stem cells in cord blood have transformative potential and are used to treat more than 80 different diseases and are being studied for the treatment of dozens more.1 But cord blood is only the beginning. Advanced Biobanking. Their Future is Here. You want the best for your baby and family. So do we. That’s why we’re combining our years of experience and leadership in stem cell research and development to deliver a new generation of advanced, first-in-class biobanking services.
There is a lot to learn about the possibilities of Advanced Biobanking, from placental blood banking to complete placenta banking to cord vessels and cord platelet rich plasma. The LifeBankUSA website has everything you need to know to make an informed decision for your family on cord blood banking.
I wish our family had been provided with more information, and I hope that this reaches some new moms-to-be out there who will at least take a few minutes to look over LifeBankUSA's website. A little information can go a long way!
Over 12 Minutes of Additional Scenes, Including an Alternate Opening,
Plus the “Frozen Fever” Theatrical Short!
SYNOPSIS:
Celebrate Disney’s “Cinderella,” a modern classic that shines with beauty, imagination…and magic! Despite being mistreated by her stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, a spirited Ella (Lily James) resolves to take charge of her fate. Add a royal ball, a Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham-Carter) and a glass slipper, and suddenly – magic becomes reality!
My Thoughts:
For as long as I can remember, Cinderella has been my favorite Disney movie. When my daughter was three years old I was so excited to share the classic story with her, and was thrilled when she fell in love with it... just like I did. She is now 6 years old.... and taking her to see this new movie in the theater was beyond magical! Her uncle also came with us, and after the movie he said his favorite part was watching her watch the movie. He saw excitement and magic in her eyes throughout!
Now if you ask my daughter her favorite part she will tell you two things.... when the pumpkin grows too big for the green house and when the Fairy Godmother gives her the gown. Oh the gown! Every girls dream... no matter how old... is to wear a gown that beautiful!
I am so excited to have this now on DVD so that my daughter and I can relive the magic any time we want. It is filled with magic and laughter, as well as a little sadness and tears. My daughter cried when Cinderella's mother died, which made me cry! But the movie is filled with so much goodness. The words, "Have courage and be kind," are words I want my daughter to live by. Cinderella is a beautiful, kind, caring girl who rises above life's greatest challenges and heartaches. And she comes out stronger and even more beautiful for it. Inside and out.
This movie is a classic brought to life. It is a must see for all princesses... no matter their age!
When a group of children find a mysterious animal napping in their backyard, they set out to learn what it is and where it’s from. They search and search, never noticing all the posters and news articles about a sloth that's broken out of the zoo…
When the kids finally discover the identity of the snoozing creature, they hatch a plan to get it home… boy, will this sloth be surprised when he wakes up!
Frann Preston-Gannon has created an endearing, adorable, and huggable title character; a group of intrepid children; and a wildly humorous situation in SLOTH SLEPT ON (Sterling Children’s Books, September 2015)!
Frann Preston-Gannon is the author and illustrator of The Journey Home (Pavilion Press), as well as How to Lose a Lemur and Dinosaur Farm (both Sterling). In 2011, Frann became the first UK recipient of a Sendak Fellowship and spent a month living with and learning from the great master of illustration, Maurice Sendak. She lives in London.
My Thoughts:
I have always had a love for the slow moving, adorable sloths. And the sleepy sloth in this story is definitely adorable! I love how the kids in this story have such creative imaginations. They want to know who this sloth is and where he is from. A pirate? An astronaut? While they may not notice all the posters looking for this sloth, they do figure out a way to learn all about him.
I think it's fabulous how the author combined imagination and fact to make this story so interesting. From outrageous ideas like a sloth knight to all of the interesting facts about sloths, it's a great way to encourage imagination and learning about animals and what makes them who they are. It was a fun story that both of my kids enjoyed!
