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Archives for September 2014

Frozen: The Songs {Review} {Giveaway} | A Disney Mom’s Thoughts

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I was sent a complimentary copy of Frozen: The Songs for review as part of Entertainment New Media Network. This giveaway is sponsored through the network by A Disney Mom’s Thoughts with prizes provided by Walt Disney Records. The opinions here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link.

Even though we are a family with all boys, we love Frozen!  We can’t get enough of it.  I recently downloaded the entire Frozen album to my iPhone when it was on sale at iTunes.  My youngest boys have burned it up on my phone!  When I was offered the opportunity to receive a copy of the CD to review, I jumped at the chance!  This way, we could listen to the CD in the car and my iPhone battery could be preserved.  


Walt Disney Records is releasing Frozen: The Songs featuring all 10 songs from the Oscar ®-winning film TODAY, September 30, 2014!! The specially priced Songs CD also includes a fold-out poster and stickers. The Frozen soundtrack is the top-selling album of 2014 and spent 33 consecutive weeks in the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, including 13 consecutive weeks at No. 1. It is certified triple Platinum, selling more than 3.2 million units and over 8.4 million tracks.  To say this album is popular is an understatement! 

When we first listened to this album, we were so excited!  My boys (ages 5 & 2) were singing along as best they could.  They were both already familiar with the songs from watching the movie and listening to my iPhone, but it was different hearing it through “real” speakers! It’s obvious my older sons favorite song is “Frozen Heart.” He actually said he wants to be an ice man when he grows up now.  That’s a manly song to him! 🙂  My youngest still loves “Let It Go” or “letta doe” as he says.  My favorite is still “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”  I’m not sure why it’s my favorite, but it is.  My favorite part is when Anna says, “It doesn’t have to be a snowman…”.

The song sheet with the lyrics is the best!  I’m notorious for making up my own lyrics when I can’t fully understand what is being sung so this addition was perfect for me.  My boys like the poster, but since it’s mostly for girls (yuck!) it won’t be hung on any of our walls.  We’ll just keep it to look at and read the lyrics.  And the stickers??  I’ve already had to remove them from places where they shouldn’t be!

Frozen: The Songs track list follows:

1. Frozen Heart ~ Performed by Cast
2. Do You Want to Build a Snowman? ~ Performed by Kristen Bell, Agatha Lee Monnand and Katie Lopez
3. For the First Time in Forever ~ Performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel
4. Love Is an Open Door ~ Performed by Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana
5. Let It Go ~ Performed by Idina Menzel
6. Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People ~ Performed by Jonathan Groff
7. In Summer ~ Performed by Josh Gad
8. For the First Time in Forever (Reprise) ~ Performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel
9. Fixer Upper ~ Performed by Maia Wilson and Cast
10. Let It Go (Demi Lovato Version)
 ~ Performed by Demi Lovato

Frozen: The Songs, Frozen: The Songs Vinyl Soundtrack, Frozen Canciones de Una Aventura Congelada and the Frozen Score digital album will be available on September 30, 2014. The Songs album and vinyl are now available for pre-order at Amazon.com:

For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, like on Facebook or follow on Twitter. To purchase Disney music, visit the online store at www.disneymusicstore.com.If you want to enter to win you own copy, please enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below!

  • Two lucky readers from A Disney Mom’s Thoughts will win a Copy of “Frozen: The Songs” CD.
  • Prizes will be sent directly to the winners from Walt Disney Records. Please allow 6-8 weeks for shipping.
  • The winner will be chosen by random number generator via Rafflecopter.
  • The winners must reply by email within 24 hours to claim their prize. Make sure that you provide an email address that you check regularly.
  • The giveaway is open to United States residents only. 
  • The winners will be announced on A Disney Mom’s Thoughts Facebook page & Twitter, after the winners have accepted their prizes.
  • If it comes to my attention that the winner of my giveaway has won the same prize on an additional blog, I reserve the right to choose another winner.

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Couscous Salad from Morocco~ Virtual Food & Wine Festival

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I am so excited to participate in this year’s Virtual Food & Wine Festival hosted by Focused on the Magic.  I always look forward to times when I can work with some of my favorite Disney Bloggers! 
 

This year I made an unusual choice.  I went with the Couscous Salad from Morocco’s Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot.  Last time, I played it safe and chose to make my great grandmother’s spaghetti sauce.  While it wasn’t an official Epcot or Food & Wine recipe, it was an authentic Italian dish.  The reason this year’s Couscous choice is unusual is because my visit to Morocco’s Tangierine Cafe a few years ago was one of my least favorite meals in Walt Disney World!  

I’ve continued to read recipes on Pinterest and in magazines that use couscous, so I thought I’d give Moroccan food a second chance!  Thanks to Deb at All Ears for publishing this recipe.

Couscous Salad from Morocco
Yield – 4 servings

Ingredients:
Olive oil
1/2 of a red onion
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 of a sweet red bell pepper
1/2 of a sweet green bell pepper
1/2 of a chopped zucchini
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Nutmeg to taste
Cinnamon to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1 cup orange juice
12 ounces cooked plain couscous
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup tangerine segments or mandarin orange segments
Mint sprig for garnish

Method:
  
In a large nonstick skillet, sauté onion, garlic, sweet bell peppers and zucchini in olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. 
  
Add 1/2 cup olive oil to vegetables along with raisins, chickpeas and orange juice. 
  
Toss vegetable mixture with couscous and pan juices. Add parsley and gently fold in citrus segments. Mound mixture onto a serving platter and garnish with mint.

Happy cooking! 

Walt Disney World Freebie Friday: Candy at Main Street Confectionery | A Disney Mom’s Thoughts

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While I have not experienced this personally, I have had several friends confirm this freebie truly is FREE!  While walking down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom, stop by the Main Street Confectionery.  If the park is not too busy, you will possibly see a Cast Member with samples of cookies, candy, fudge, or cotton candy.  Sometimes after the fudge demonstration, they will give away samples as well.  Most likely after tasting these samples, guests can’t resist buying! 🙂

image from Disney Mamas! 
Main Street Confectionery is located on the right corner past the statue of Minnie and Roy as you walk towards Cinderella Castle.  It’s a DON’T miss on Main Street!

Disney Pixar Spot It! Words {Sponsored}

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“Spot it! Words” is a new award winning game from Blue Orange Games.  This is an educational card game where 55 circular cards are covered with images from Pixar films along with corresponding words for beginning readers.  The object is to match picture to picture, picture to word or word to word.  Between any 2 cards, there is always one, and only one, match.  This fast paced game is great for developing word recognition, vocabulary and reading comprehension.  

There are three games suggested in the instruction pamphlet.   Game 1 is Twins: Be the first to find the matching symbol/ word on both cards.  The player with the most cards wins.  Game 2 is The Tower: Each player has their own card.  As the top card on the pile (or the tower) is turned over, be the first to find the matching symbol on your card.  The player with the most cards wins.  Game 3 is The Well: Each player tries to get rid of their personal cards by finding the matching symbol on their top card and the center card.  The player to run out of cards first wins.  

This game is created for children ages 6 and up, but some children who are younger may be able to play.  While my 5 year old is not reading, he was able to play by matching pictures.  We matched pictures that were true matches (Woody & Woody) and pictures that matched based on their film (Sully & Boo).  He had fun and the 2 year old enjoyed looking at the cards naming the characters and trying to make the cards stick to his shirt since he thought they were stickers!

While we are still a bit young to play the three games suggested in the pamphlet we still enjoyed this game.  The pictures are fun, familiar images.  My boys enjoyed looking at the pictures and naming them!  I think in a few years we will really start playing this game competitively!  For now, it’s a great, compact game to throw in the backpack when we go to Disney!  It’s small and won’t take up space and can be a great distraction while waiting in lines or for shows and parades.

Spot it Words from Amazon

Magic Kingdom Attractions: Tom Sawyer Island

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Tom Sawyer Island is located in Frontierland in the middle of the Rivers of America. It opened in Magic Kingdom in 1973.  You travel to the island on a log raft.  Once on the island, you’ll find lots of trails and paths to follow leading you to Harper’s Mill, Potter’s Mill, Tom Sawyer Scavage Fort, Injun Joe’s Cave, Fort Langhorn and more.  

This imaginary place pays homage to the stories about Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn written by Mark Twain.  Children of all ages will enjoy this hidden gem in the Magic Kingdom.  Adults can reminisce about the days they were reading about Tom and Huck, building forts in the backyard and exploring through the woods.  Children can run around and pretend to be in the adventures of Tom and Huck throughout the island.  While the kids are playing, parents can sit in rocking chairs and take in the scenery while sipping on a cool drink.  Or they can immerse themselves in the imaginary play themselves!

Our families favorite parts of Tom Sawyer Island are the caves and secret tunnels, Fort Langhorn and the barrel bridge.  My son at age 3 spent at least an hour on the island and didn’t want to leave! 

One interesting bit about this attraction is how influential Walt Disney was in creating the original attraction in Disneyland in 1956.  This attraction is the only one designed by Walt Disney himself.  Walt loved the world Mark Twain created in his works and he was not happy with the original design of the island.  Days before construction was to begin on the original attraction, he went home and re-imagined the landscape design adding the caves, inlets, and coves and changing the shape of the island.  The island at Disneyland today is what Walt created that night.  

Tips:

  • This attraction closes at dusk.
  • Guests must be ambulatory.  This island is not wheelchair friendly.
  • Children must be accompanied and supervised at all times.  There are many secret tunnels, dark caves and twist and turns where children can easily get lost or scared.
  • Younger children will appreciate this attraction more than teenagers and adults.  Teens will probably want to skip it. 
  • Restrooms are located on the island at the raft landing and at Fort Langhorn.
  • Many people believe once you see and experience Tom Sawyer Island, there is no reason to return.  I disagree!  I think this is a hidden gem at Walt Disney World!

Star Wars Rebels Products from Disney

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Most of my friends and family know we are a tad Star Wars obsessed at the moment.  My five year old thinks Star Wars is the best thing EVER!  This year for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, we are all dressing up as 101 Dalmatians: Cruella Deville, Jasper Badun and a puppy… C-man refuses.  He’s going to be Darth Maul.  Oh well!  At least he’s going and dressing up!

These new Star Wars Rebels Products look amazing!  Even from a mom who knows very little about Star Wars!  Am I bad if I don’t share this information with my son???

Disney Consumer Products Extends Epic Storytelling with the Launch of Star Wars Rebels Product Assortment

Glendale, Calif. (September 22, 2014) — Disney Consumer Products has unveiled an intergalactic assortment of products celebrating the release of Star Wars Rebels, the new Disney XD animated television series which debuts October 3rd on Disney Channel and continues on Disney XD starting October 13th. With all new exciting adventures and memorable new characters, Star Wars Rebels will introduce a new generation of fans to the Star Wars galaxy, inspiring new lines of figures, spaceships and lightsabers, apparel and accessories, home décor, books and more from best-in-class licensees including Hasbro, LEGO, Mad Engine, Rubies and Jay Franco.

“Star Wars Rebels extends the franchise’s legendary storytelling while refreshing nostalgic play patterns with a new audience,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing, Disney Consumer Products. “With updated classics like multi-functional lightsabers and buildable spacecraft, kids will be able to recreate the epic galactic space fantasy that has been shared by multiple generations.”

Star Wars Rebels is also supported by Disney Publishing Worldwide with a new book program and series of interactive mobile apps from Disney Lucasfilm Press which expand upon the Star Wars Rebels series. The first wave of Star Wars Rebels books includes Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero by Pablo Hidalgo, an action-packed picture book that uses dynamic concept art from the show, and Star Wars Rebels: Servants of the Empire, an original chapter book series written by Jason Fry. Star Wars Journeys, an episodic series of apps from Disney Publishing, will be updated this October to include the stories that lead up to the action-packed adventures in Star Wars Rebels. In early 2015, Star Wars Scene Maker: Rebels will launch to feature the locations and characters from the series, giving fans an unrivaled user-generated storytelling experience that allows them to re-imagine and re-create scenes from Star Wars Rebels.

In addition to the collection of Star Wars Rebels products available at Disney Store locations nationwide, www.DisneyStore.com will feature a “Create Your Own” tab that allows fans to personalize a variety of items from tech accessories and school supplies to apparel and party invitations that feature their favorite characters from Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars Rebels is set between the events of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith andStar Wars Episode VI: A New Hope. It is a dark time in the galaxy. The evil Galactic Empire has tightened its grip on the star systems and the noble Jedi Knights are nearly extinct. Star Wars Rebels follows the brave and clever ragtag crew of the starship Ghost — street-smart hero Ezra, cowboy Jedi Kanan, ace pilot Hera, Zeb, the muscle, explosives artist Sabine, and Chopper, the grumpy astromech droid — who embark on thrilling adventures and become heroes with the power to ignite a rebellion.

Highlights from the product line include:

Action Figures & Role-Play:

  • Star Wars Rebels Action Figures by Hasbro (MSRP: $5.99-9.99): Team up characters or pit them against each other with these awesome action figures, featuring heroes and villains from the new animated series, Star Wars Rebels.
  • Star Wars Rebels Inquisitor Lightsaber by Hasbro (MSRP: $29.99): The signature weapon of the fearsome new villain from Star Wars Rebels – the Inquisitor — comes to life in toy form. Start the battle with a single blade, and then attach the second blade to the special hilt for three feet of double-bladed power. And, for the first time ever, launch the Force Disc for a long distance strike!
  • Star Wars Rebels The Ghost by LEGO (MSRP: $89.99): Get ready to battle the Empire with the rebel heroes’ awesome starship – the Ghost! The ship has plenty of weaponry on board with 2 spring-loaded shooters, storage for a spare missile and a lightsaber.

Apparel:

  • Star Wars Rebels Costumes by Rubies (MSRP: $21.99-29.99): Show your support for the Empire or rebels this Halloween season with costumes inspired by the Star Wars Rebels characters.
  • Star Wars Rebels Tees by Mad Engine (MSRP: $12.95): Demonstrate your allegiance to the rebel cause with character-inspired tees that feature a graffiti-inspired motif.
  • Star Wars Rebels PJ Pals by Disney Store ($16.95): He’ll be sleeping under the stars every night wearing this comfy cotton PJ Pal set featuring favorite characters from theStar Wars Rebels animated series.

Decor:

  • Star Wars Rebels Defeat The Empire Bedding Set by Jay Franco (MSRP: $14.99-32.99): Head for bed with the coolest group of heroes in the galaxy! The set of sheets, pillowcases and comforter will inspire out-of-this-world dreams, while the Chopper decorated Pillowtime Pal adds extra comfort.
  • Star Wars Rebels Wall Decal by York Wallcoverings (MSRP: $15.99): Turn your bedroom into the rebels’ starship Ghost with removable wall decals of your favorite characters.
  • Star Wars Rebels Posters by Trends (MSRP: $5.00-8.00): Show your support for the Empire or rebels with these awesome propaganda posters that are inspired by the epic rivalry.

Accessories:

  • Star Wars Rebels Lunchbox & FUNtainer Bottle by Thermos (MSRP: $9.99-16.99):Carry around your lunch in style with the insulated Stormtrooper themed lunchbox and stainless steel FUNtainer hydration bottle.
  • Star Wars Rebels Vinyl Binder by Disney Store ($18.95): Create eye-catching Avery Custom Signature Binders for home or office, featuring the characters from Star Wars Rebels.
  • Star Wars Rebels Hera iPhone Case by Disney Store ($39.95): Protect your iPhone 4 or 5/5S with a customizable Barely There Case-Mate case. This form-fitting case covers the back and corners of your iPhone with an impact resistant, flexible plastic shell, while still providing access to all ports and buttons.
  • Star Wars Rebels Watch by MZB (MSRP: $19.99): Help your Jedi-in-training learn to tell time with this Stormtrooper themed stainless steel watch that features labeled hour and minute hands!
  • Star Wars Rebels Scooter by Huffy (MSRP: $39.99-89.99): Race to your next adventure in a Star Wars Rebels branded scooter! The orange aluminum scooter deck is fully wrapped with grip tape and printed with a scene from the new animated series!

About Disney Consumer Products Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art. As the world’s largest licensor, DCP inspires the imaginations of people around the world by bringing the magic of Disney into consumers’ homes with products they can enjoy year-round. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around five strategic brand priorities: Disney Media, Classics & Entertainment, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Lucasfilm and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books, magazines, and digital products and also includes an English language learning business, consisting of Disney English learning centers across China and a supplemental learning book program. DPW’s growing library of digital products includes best-selling eBook titles and original apps that leverage Disney content in innovative ways. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide and is known for providing consumers with high-quality, unique products. Disney’s official shopping portals online are www.DisneyStore.com andwww.DisneyStore.co.uk. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Productswww.DisneyConsumerProducts.com or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving,www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving, www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving andwww.Pinterest.com/DisneyLiving and www.Instagram.com/DisneyLiving.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company’s activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS andINDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

OVER THERE Words and Pictures by Steve Pilcher {Review}

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Recently, I was asked to review the book Over There by Steve Pilcher which comes out today, September 23, 2014!  This book is a children’s book written for ages 3-5 but great for all young readers of all ages to read.  It’s a sweet story, complete with beautiful illustrations, about a small shrew named Shredder who loves his life and home, but feels there is something missing.  He heads out to search for something sparkly he sees in the distance.  While searching for the sparkling object he not only finds a friend, but courage.  

 
When we first received this book, but boys (ages 2 & 5) were not excited about it.  I could not convince them to let me read it to them.  It was not a “traditional” Disney book they were used to.  It was not a familiar character they see on TV or in cartoons and it sure wasn’t Star Wars!  Finally, after several days of asking, I finally made them sit and listen.  Like I suspected, they both loved it!  My 2 year old continued to say “Mo, mo, mo!” Translation: “More, more, more!”  My 5 year old loved to sit with the book and look at the pictures.  He discussed the detail in the artwork the most!  Since the first “forced reading” of Over There, this book has become a favorite at bed time!
image from Amazon

OVER THERE
Words and Pictures by Steve Pilcher Disney-Hyperion 

Age Range: 3 – 5 years; 40 pages; $17.99; ISBN: 978142314793-0
On sale: September 23, 2014

Steve Pilcher, Production Designer, Pixar Animation Studios

Steve Pilcher joined Pixar Animation Studios in July 2005 as a production designer. Pilcher worked briefly on the Academy Award® winning film “WALL•E,” before moving full-time onto Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award winning film “BRAVE.”

Born in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, Pilcher is a self-taught artist who began his career with a solo art exhibition of his work in 1974 at the age of 19. This show prompted the Art Gallery of Hamilton to invite Pilcher to create a solo art show. He was the youngest artist ever invited to show at this gallery, and the show sold out in less than an hour. Despite his success in the exhibit gallery field, Pilcher felt the need to explore more with his talents.

In 1978, Pilcher illustrated his first children’s picture book called, “Norbert Nipkin,” which has become a Canadian classic for kids. He continued to exhibit and show his work, but eventually decided to devote his time to illustrating more picture books. Pilcher wrote and illustrated his first book, “Elfabit.” He went on to join two of his colleagues in the publishing world to form an art-house where they produced and art directed a variety of illustration work for the educational publishing market in Canada and the United States.

Pilcher continued to work in Toronto, Canada as a commercial illustrator, creating a wide variety of artwork for children’s books, editorial, advertising, packaging and film animation clients. After completing a freelance project for Kroyer films in the United States, Pilcher was invited to join Warner Bros. Feature Animation as an Art stylist.

Pilcher was nominated for an Annie Award from ASIFA-Hollywood for his production design work on the Warner Bros. animated film “Osmosis Jones.” He also contributed his illustration talents to the one-sheet poster for Brad Bird’s “The Iron Giant.” Pilcher worked as an art director at Dreamworks Animation on “Shrek 2,” and briefly freelanced at Disney Feature Animation, before coming to Pixar.

Pilcher currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and their two children.


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