Arts and Entertainment

‘Sherlock Gnomes’ Hits the Big Screen March 23

March 21, 2018

I don’t know about you, but my kids are so excited to see Gnomeo and Juliet team up again in the new animated sequel “Sherlock Gnomes,” which hits theaters Friday, March 23^rd.

They’re back on the big screen with even more fun backyard antics that the entire family will enjoy.

After a string of garden gnome disappearances in London, Gnomeo and Juliet look to legendary detective Sherlock Gnomes to solve the case of their missing friends and family.

Paramount Pictures “Sherlock Gnomes” hits theaters this Friday, March 23rd.

With spring underway, (although New York City didn’t get the memo) it’s the perfect movie to celebrate the new season. Plus, who doesn’t love cute little garden ornaments? To see them come to life in a larger than like way will surely bring smiles to kids’ faces—my daughter included. When she saw the trailer a couple of weeks ago in the theater, she looked at me and said, “Mommy, we must see this movie!”

The film stars the voices of legendary actor Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, James McAvoy, Mary J. Blige and Chiwetel Ejiofor. With a lineup up like that, I’m pretty sure this computer-animated comedy will be a joy to watch.

Spring into action and get your tickets to see it this weekend with your family. We can’t wait!

To celebrate the upcoming release, my kids had a fun time creating a DIY gnome hat and beard, as well as their own ceramic garden gnomes.

Check them out below:

Below, check out the trailer:

Are you planning to see “Sherlock Gnomes” this weekend? Did you see the original, “Gnomeo & Juliet?”

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

10 Date Night Ideas: Disney Cruise Style

March 19, 2018

You already know better than to think Disney Cruise Line is just for kids, right? Well, if you weren’t aware, keep reading.

I recently attended the 2018 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (#DisneySMMC), which included 3-days at the Walt Disney World Resort and a 3-night sail aboard the beautiful Disney Dream. Talk about a magical vacation. While Walt Disney World is truly heaven on earth, a Disney cruise is heaven on the high seas.

It’s obviously jam-packed with fun family activities, but also offers a wide variety of cool things for couples to do too. From catching a movie to arranging a romantic evening on the adult-only deck, the opportunities to reconnect with your significant other abound.

Disney Cruise Line boasts four vessels currently in commission with three more coming in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The current fleet offers five-star adult-only dining, adult-exclusive areas of the ship, chic lounges, state-of-the-art movie theaters, topnotch spas and more!

Since my husband and I live in a different state from our closest relatives, date nights are few and far between. Needless to say, we were pretty excited about spending some quality time alone. Our main priority was seeing the newly-released “Black Panther” movie sans kids. One word: awesome! We also checked out a few of the lounges, nightclubs and relaxed on the deck.

If you’re wondering how parents can squeeze in a date night with kids, don’t worry—Disney has you covered! Disney Cruise Line provides top-of-the-line childcare services for newborns (It’s a Small World Nursery: 6 months to 3 years) and children (Disney’s Oceaneer Club/Disney’s Oceaneer Lab: ages 3 to 12), as well as clubs and safe hangouts for teens that stay open well after 10pm. Rest assured that when your kids aren’t with you, they’re always in good hands. Oh, and trust me—they’re having a blast while they’re away. Our kids never wanted to leave the Oceaneer Club.

While we didn’t get the opportunity to take a whirl in the whirlpool, treat our palates to exquisite cuisines, or receive a relaxing massage, we still managed to experience a lot of what Disney Cruise Line offers for adults and couples.

Below, check out a list of all the wonderful things you and your sweetie can do while cruising on Disney’s Dream:

Eat like royalty: Indulge in fine dining at Palo, a northern Italian-themed restaurant or Remy, a French inspired eatery—two of the the adult-only dining options aboard the ship.

Catch some waves: Relax on the adult-exclusive side of the ship and watch the mesmerizing waves in a serene setting.

Get your feet wet: Grab your bathing suit and watch all of your worries disappear as you take a dip at Quiet Cove Pool.

Listen to live tunes: In the lobby, enjoy smooth sounds from musicians including incredibly talented pianists and violinists.

Pamper yourself: Melt away stress by treating yourself to a massage at Senses Spa & Salon

Schedule some screen time: Catch first-run features and other new movies releases and classic blockbusters in the beautiful Buena Vista Theatre.

Chill out: Grab a soft-serve ice cream cone from the deck (after hours of course) and chill out with your mate.

Pop some bottles: Nothing says “date night” like having a nice drink with your spouse. Set the mood and have a sip at Pink, a posh champagne and wine bar with cushy pink banquettes and a glittering chandelier.

Dance the night away: Put on your dancing shoes and head to one of the nightclubs like The District or Evolution and get lost in the music.

Embrace cabin fever: If you have a verandah and don’t want to venture out, stay put—order room service and lounge in the comfy chairs while listening to the sounds of the ocean with your love.

As you can see, Disney Cruises aren’t just for kids. There are plenty of magical adult activities to make it a dream vacation to remember!

Have you ever gone on a Disney Cruise? If so, what was your favorite adult activity?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features | 1 Comment

‘Muppet Babies’ Reboot Set to Premiere on Disney Junior March 23

March 19, 2018

When I first heard that the “Muppet Babies” was getting a reboot on Disney Junior, I nearly jumped off the couch with excitement.

On March 23, the lovable felt, playroom friends are returning to television after nearly 30 years—hence, my giddiness over the news.

See, the “Muppet Babies” is my all-time favorite cartoon. As an ‘80s baby, the series was a staple in my Saturday morning cartoon rotation. Because it was such a fond childhood memory, I’ve always wished I could share the series with my children—now I can.

The reimagined, CG-animated series premieres with two back-to-back episodes in less than a week (Friday at 10am ET) and I don’t know who’s more excited, the kids or me. I get to relive a bit of my childhood while my kids are introduced to new lovable characters.

Disney Junior

Like the original Emmy-nominated series, “Muppet Babies” chronicles the always-fun adventures of the younger versions of Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal (bonnet and diaper-free) and a brand-new playmate, Summer Penguin—as they use their imaginations to go places far beyond their playroom.

The series encourages young viewers to unlock their imaginations and dream big, which is what I tell my children all the time. In every episode, through a rainbow transition, the Muppet Babies use their imaginations to transport them into a fantasy sequence, each with a distinct style ranging from collage, comic book and classic cartoons to live-action footage—just like the original. While spotlighting the comedy that the characters are known for, each story is also designed to introduce viewers to the unique problem-solving power of imagination.

Disney Junior

If my excitement for the upcoming show could get any higher, it reached a fever pitch when I got the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the series. Last month during the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (#DisneySMMC), an invitation-only professional conference for social media-savvy mom bloggers hosted by Disney, I had the pleasure of seeing the first episode, “Sir Kermit the Brave.” Attendees got the scoop from Tom Warburton, the series’ executive producer on how the reboot came to be, as well as other fun tidbits about the project.

If you’re wondering if Miss Nanny is still in the picture, rest-assured—she is! Her trademark green-and-white striped tights have been updated with patterns (i.e dinosaurs, etc.) that serve as clues about each episode. However, if you’re hoping you’re going to get a glimpse of her, you’re not in luck. True to the original series, viewers will never see Miss Nanny’s full body. I was happy this element remained unchanged.

One change I was thrilled about was the addition of Summer Penguin. She’s smart, spunky and brings some girl power to the series. Now, Piggy will have a partner-in-crime when it comes to hanging tough with the boys.

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Tom Warburton, executive producer, Muppet Babies with my son, MJ during the 2018 Disney Social Media Moms Conference in the Bahamas.

After Tom’s presentation, he met with us moms to chat further. I took my preschooler son, MJ, to meet him. After telling him his favorite Disney characters, MJ received a cool, autographed poster and got a picture with the man responsible for spearheading a series that will hopefully create lasting memories for him like the original did for me.

Get to know the new Muppet Babies here:

Did you watch the “Muppet Babies” as a child? If so, who was your favorite character?

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7 Ways to Help Your Child Avoid the Post-Disney Blues

March 16, 2018

If you’ve ever taken your child(ren) to Walt Disney World, chances are you’ve encountered tears and I’m not talking about the happy ones at the beginning.

The end of a dreamlike vacation at the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” can dredge up sad emotions for little ones. The never-ending fun that ensues at Disney is a mind-blowing experience for them. To no longer have pixie dust sprinkled throughout their days can be a harsh reality.

After each of our family trips to Disney, my super sensitive daughter (she’s under the age of 10) bawls her eyes out as our time winds down. In our case, the silent sobs start the night before we leave and lasts off and on until our flight leaves Orlando.

While it’s heartbreaking to see her cry, I try to keep in mind that tears are a sign of a good trip. Plus, I’m usually feeling a bit weepy too because who doesn’t want to stay in the place where wearing Mickey ears and Minnie bows are part of your daily ensemble?

My daughter, Ava, soaking up all the magic during our last night at Magic Kingdom last month at Walt Disney World.

After our last trip, I was prepared. I came up with a few tricks to avert the waterworks and keep the magic going long after Mickey has said, “See ya real soon!”

Check them out below:

Tip 1: Purchase a surprise plush souvenir the night before you leave and give it to them at bedtime.

Tip 2: Download a favorite Disney soundtrack so they can listen to it on the ride or flight back home.

Tip 3: Buy a coloring book featuring their favorite characters for usage in the car or on the plane.

Tip 4: If they’re old enough, ask them to write down their favorite parts of the trip.

Tip 5: Stream one of their go-to Disney movies to watch during the trek back home.

Tip 6: Hit one of the candy shops and pick up some Disney-inspired sweet treats to take for the road/flight.

Tip 7: Prior to the trip, arm them (if age appropriate) with their own digital camera or mini-cam so they can take photos/videos throughout the vacation. On your trip home, have them select their best shots. It’s a great distraction and fun way to get over the post-Disney dumps.

While some of these tips might seem like spoiling a child, try to remember: they’re only kids once. Cherish this precious stage because it’s fleeting.

What’s your best tip to help you or your child get over the post-vacation blues? If you’ve ever had a Disney World vacation, what’s your most memorable moment?

*Disclosure: I attended Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, which included accommodations, park tickets, gifts, etc. for a nominal fee. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment

Going to Walt Disney World? 6 Tips to Help You Maximize the Magic

March 8, 2018

This past October, my family and I got invited to the coveted Disney Social Media Moms Land and Sea Celebration. I kept the golden invitation under wraps from my kids for a little over two months—eventually, surprising them with the best gift ever on Christmas Day.

We’d attended the celebration in the past, but this time I was more prepared than ever and it paid off! I’ve learned from experience that having a game plan is the best way to maximize your time at Walt Disney World (WDW), especially if it’s your first visit to the “most magical place on earth.”

Over the course of three days, we covered so much ground across all four WDW theme parks including Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and my all-time favorite: Epcot. A couple months before our land and sea celebration got underway in February, I took an afternoon to plot and plan our entire trip from start to finish—taking my conference sessions into account.

Admittedly, I’m not the most regimented person who makes lists or schedules, but for Disney, I quickly became one. Being fully immersed in the magic is essential to making memories that will last a lifetime and that requires thoughtful pre-planning.

Below, find tips on how you can plan a trip of a lifetime and maximize the fun!

Download My Disney Experience App
First thing’s first, you MUST download the My Disney Experience app to your smartphone as soon as you decide you’re going to WDW. It’s essential to your entire experience. From scheduling FastPasses (more on that below) to providing details on rides and attractions, the My Disney Experience app will be your lifeline to all that WDW offers. It will keep all your plans organized and is super user-friendly and easy to navigate. With a few taps, unlocking the fun will be right at your fingertips!

Stay on WDW property
Nothing adds value and magic to your WDW vacation like staying at one of their gorgeous resort hotels. Whether you prefer a New England-style stay (Beach Club Resort) or a blast to America’s pop culture past (Pop Century), WDW has numerous properties to suit your family’s tastes. All the resorts offer awesome amenities for kids and adults alike. Plus, your family will get a kick out of the subtle ways Mickey and his friends are incorporated into your preferred hotel’s design. Not only will staying at one of the WDW resort hotels satisfy your Disney-décor desires, but it also has major benefits.

My son, MJ, enjoying the room at the WDW Pop Century Resort.

Guests staying at a WDW resort hotel will have access to free transportation to all the parks, including Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Disney Springs. Just steps outside the hotel lobby, you’ll find a bus depot with a fleet of Disney buses waiting to transport you to your park destination. Taking Disney transportation is convenient because it saves time and money—a perk that’s hard to pass up.

Plus, staying at a WDW resort hotel allows guests to take full advantage of extra magic hours offered at various parks. Each day, guests staying at select WDW resort hotels can enjoy select attractions in at least one of the four theme parks, before or after regular operating hours.

Master the park maps (via the app or paper map)
Once you download the My Disney Experience app, you’ll have access to all the park maps. Mapping out your day is crucial to maximizing your visit. Trust me, you don’t want to wing it and wander—the parks are expansive. If you don’t have the app (see above and download!) or if your smartphone battery dies, go analog and grab a map at one of the nearby shops or stands.

Sure, you can map things out in advance prior to your trip, but trust me, you’ll need to look at it several times once you arrive. Plus, with the app, you can time how long it will take you to get from Point A to Point B. The walking distance feature is awesome and will help you gauge which rides (more on that later) are along your path. Since more than likely you’re traveling with little ones, pinpointing the nearest restrooms in advance will save you time and sanity.

My husband with our daughter, Ava, riding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom.

Pick your preferred rides in advance
Walt Disney World has dozens of rides. You’ll need to choose the ones that are the most suitable for each member of your party. For example, my 4-year-old son didn’t want to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster, but my 8-year-old daughter rode it four times! Selecting the rides that are age appropriate and have height requirements in advance should be a priority when mapping out the attractions you want to hit. My family failed to do this during our first day, but quickly learned that we missed so many rides and attractions that we would’ve enjoyed had we researched and planned in advanced.

My son MJ using his MagicBand to gain entry to the park.

Get in the fast lane with FastPasses
FastPasses will be your gateway to avoiding long lines for popular rides. FastPasses (included with park admission) allow guests to reserve access to select up to three WDW theme park attractions, entertainment and Character Greetings in advance. Be sure to select FastPasses as soon as you’re able to depending on your check-in date. Remember, if you’re staying at a Walt Disney Resort hotel, you’ll be able to reserve your FastPasses 60 days in advance of your arrival, which is a 30-day priority over those who aren’t staying on WDW property. Choosing your FastPasses will give you back precious time to fully explore the parks. Time is of the essence when you’re a thrill-seeker determined to ride as many attractions as possible.

My kids MJ and Ava posing with Winnie the Pooh at the Crystal Palace restaurant at Magic Kingdom.

Make dining reservations
WDW is smorgasbord of all your culinary dreams. Booking a reservation at one (or maybe a few) of their restaurants is key to taking advantage of your time at the House of Mouse. Reservations can book up fast, so be sure to arrange as soon as possible.

From dining with Winnie the Pooh at the Crystal Palace located in Magic Kingdom to a Hibachi grill experience at Epcot, reserving your family’s table at one of these dining spots will save time and keep you on schedule. Avoid “hangriness” and last-minute scrambling by simply booking your dining experience via the app suggested above.

Take all these tips into consideration and you’re bound to have a magical time without meltdowns and missed opportunities.

*Disclosure: I attended Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, which included accommodations, park tickets, gifts, etc. for a nominal fee. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

What’s your favorite Walt Disney World park?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features | 2 Comments

Disney’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Will Unlock Black Girls’ Imaginations Everywhere

March 5, 2018

If you’re anything like me and my 8-year-old daughter, you’re probably counting down the days until Walt Disney Studio’s “A Wrinkle in Time” opens in theaters this Friday (March 9^th).

We’re so excited to see a movie that’s directed by a black woman (Ava DuVernay) and stars a young heroine of color (Storm Reid). After watching the trailer, Ava, excitedly blurted out, “That little girl looks like me!” Her giddy reaction made it clear that this was a movie we needed to see and support.

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Storm Reid in a publicity shot for “A Wrinkle in Time” alongside my daughter, Ava.

Adapted from the classic book of the same title, the movie follows Meg Murry played by newcomer Storm Reid on a quest to find her scientist dad who mysteriously goes missing. Throughout her magical journey, she encounters fanciful characters that assist her mission. The fact the central character is bi-racial and appears black, is beyond refreshing.

Storm Reid as Meg Murry in Walt Disney Studio’s “A Wrinkle in Time” in theaters everywhere March 9th. Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

As a mom, it’s so gratifying to finally witness this kind of representation on the big screen. Sure, there have been movies here and there with young black girls cast in supporting or minor roles, but I can’t think of a single film that features one—especially not a big-budget, sci-fi fantasy picture.

Having my daughter see someone who looks like her in a movie like this will undeniably have an impact on her. Who knows? It could inspire her to become a scientist, actress or possibly even a director. The point is that seeing yourself in larger-than-life roles can spark a child to pursue a career or unlock a passion they didn’t know existed prior to the exposure.

“A Wrinkle in Time” is groundbreaking on multiple levels. Not only is Reid’s role as Meg in the motion picture adaptation of the classic book a game-changer, DuVernay is at the helm of this $100 million-budget film—a first for an African-American woman.

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Oprah Winfrey as Ms. Which in Walt Disney Studio’s “A Wrinkle in Time” in theaters March 9th.

If that #blackgirlmagic wasn’t enough, the movie also stars the queen of all queens: Oprah Winfrey—who will surely give us all of the celestial godmother goodness that only she can bring with her portrayal of Ms. Which. Plus, this will be my daughter’s first time seeing a movie in theaters that isn’t animated—making this a movie milestone for her.

During my recent DisneySMMC trip (more on that soon), we bloggers were given “A Wrinkle in Time: A Guide to the Universe,” book for young readers, as well as tickets to see the movie when it hits theaters. My daughter is beyond thrilled about the book and movie. She’s already started the book, but probably won’t finish it before we see the film.

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“A Wrinkle in Time: A Guide to the Universe” by Kari Sutherland and Vivien Wu is available here, $11.

So, this weekend you know where we’ll be. Hope you’ll be there too—watching and basking in all the black excellence that this movie will surely showcase.

**UPDATE: I took my daughter and her best friend to see the movie this past weekend. Ava absolutely LOVED it! She was blown away by the incredible graphics and inspired by the story line. She was also pretty thrilled to see her name on the big screen as the credits rolled. Who knows? Maybe there’s room for another director named “Ava.”

Below, watch the trailer:

Below, please find a couple of “A Wrinkle in Time” coloring pages and activities for your kids to enjoy!

Coloring pages:

Click here

Activity pages:

Click here

Are you planning to see “A Wrinkle in Time” this weekend?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

‘Black Girls Rock!’ is a Beautiful Tribute to #BlackGirlMagic

March 5, 2018

When it comes to #blackgirlmagic, Beverly Bond is the QUEEN!

The multi-talented women’s empowerment leader is the fearless beauty behind the “Black Girls Rock!” awards show. She’s now giving us another dose of black excellence in the form of a gorgeous coffee table book, “Black Girls Rock! Owning Our Magic. Rocking Our Truth.”

“Black Girls Rock!” celebrates black women of diverse backgrounds who’ve made amazing contributions to society. From former First Lady Michelle Obama to the young actress and political activist Yara Shahidi, the book is filled with stories of inspiration, courage, perseverance and more.

“Black Girls Rock! Owning Our Magic. Rocking Our Truth” is available here, $27.

For example, Maxine Waters shares the personal fulfillment of service. Moguls Cathy Hughes, Suzanne Shank, and Serena Williams recount stories of steadfastness, determination, diligence, dedication and the will to win. Erykah Badu, Toshi Reagon, Mickalane Thomas, Solange Knowles-Ferguson, and Rihanna offer insights on creativity and how they use it to stay in tune with their magic.

Through dozens of unforgettable testimonies, “Black Girls Rock!” is an ode to black girl ambition, self-love, empowerment, and healing. Plus, stunning photography accompanies these inspirational essays and affirmations—illuminating and showcasing our undeniable beauty.