Disney Movie of the Week: The Puppet and the Mouse

So a few days ago my mom decided to take a girls vacation to California for her birthday weekend. I was so excited! If anyone deserves to sit on a beach and relax it would be my mom. The woman works 6 days a week. We would go lay on the beach, check out Hollywood oh and...GO TO DISNEYLAND!!! It doesn't even seem real that I'm going back. We leave in 18 days. Which gives me this chilling challenge (10 points for catching the "Haunted Mansion" reference..): to watch all the Disney movies!

Well almost all...I have 36 movies on my list. 18 days, 36 movies, means I have to watch 2 movies a day. Today my body decided to wake up at 6 am (well my dog decided it was time to wake up at 6 am, my body decided to stay up) so I think we'll get a good start today.

Today we are starting with:

Pinocchio

This classic Disney movie has brought joy to people for 74 years! It holds the dreamers ultimate anthem, "When You Wish Upon a Star" which is one of the most well known songs (and has the ability to make me bawl my eyes out...ahem...). I love this movie dearly. 

Favorite characters:

Jiminy Cricket

Jiminy is always there for words of wisdom and a great song. He shows us that even sometimes the wisest people still need to learn lessons. I think the world would be a better place if we all listened to the Jiminy Crickets in our life. 

Figaro and Cleo

Figaro is spunky and feisty while Cleo is sweet. This unlikely duo compliment each other. Figaro is truly the original Grumpy Cat and reminds me of my own Grumpy Cat, Taffy. 

Favorite Songs:

Fantasia:

Ok so confession time: this is not my favorite movie. I actually only watch this when I'm having a hard time falling asleep. I'm watching it as I write and the writing is the only thing keeping me awake. When I was younger the Dinosaur scene and Chernabog scared the crap out of me. However I do enjoy the scenes with the centaurs, the scene with the dancing ostriches and hippos and of course the classic Sorcerer's Apprentice. And at 125 minutes it is a long movie. If you want to show Fantasia to your kids, I suggest breaking it up in 2 or even 3 showings. It is a good movie to show if you want them to learn about music but if they watch it in one shot it might be hard to keep their attention. 

Disney Movie of the Week: Toy Story

Ah childhood...a time where all you needed was your teddy bear and a Barbie and everything was alright. You lugged your favorite toy around everywhere. The doctors, the grocery store, even the park. You cried when it got lost, and rejoiced when mom or dad found it again. 

Now we have mortgages and jobs and crap like that. Yippee. 

Toy Story is the story of kids and adults everywhere. It reminds us about the simpler times where your biggest worry was where you put your favorite action figure. 

I love the Toy Story trilogy and I am way excited to make the first one our Disney Movie of The Week!!

What We Love: The characters, the iconic songs, the nostalgia. We love pretty much everything in this movie! It's one of those movies that make you laugh out loud. And when you get older you get more of the jokes. When I watched it last week I finally got this quote:

I was snort-laughing for about 10 minutes after this...

What we don't love: Dude what's up with Sid? If I was his mom I'd be like, "slow your roll..you psycho spawn of Satan.." And then I'd ship him off to military boarding school. Like a boss. 

Favorite Quotes: 

Woody: "The word I'm searching for, I can't say, because there are preschool toys present,"

Mr. Potato Head: "You uncultured swine!"...I may or may not use this as an insult in my daily life...

Buzz: "You are a sad strange little man, you have my pity."

Toy Story in Disneyland: Toy Story Mania in California Adventures is a great ride for all ages. You basically get to ride through an arcade and play numerous arcade favorites. This is one of those rides that you go on for the air conditioning, but it's great fun for the little ones. I LOVE Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. again it's a great AC ride, but great for all ages. Armed with a laser cannon while operating a XP-40 space cruiser, you'll fly through the galaxy protecting all intergalactic citizens from the evil Emperor Zurg. You can get some bookoo points depending on what you hit. 

I would also like to clear something up: There is a rumor that if you yell "Andy's coming!" to any of the Toy Story characters, they will fall to the ground. I've been trying this for like 5 years, and it doesn't happen. I'm thinking it's because of  the costumes. Or the chance that they might be trampled on...I heard that they used to do this but they don't anymore...sorry to burst your bubble folks. 

Do you prefer Toy Story Mania or Buzz's Astro Blasters? What is your favorite part of the first Toy Story? Let me know in the comments! Also don't forget about my giveaway that you can find here!

Get Stitchy Wit It

The AC is FINALLY fixed!!! YAAAAAAAYYYY!!! I will never take it for granted again! Anyways...moving on...

We talked about our love of Lilo and Stitch here. Stitch is a big deal in our house. Brody and I both adore him. In fact it is one of the few Disney movies that Brody will watch the whole way through. (He watched Frozen but there might have been duct tape involved...ahem...).

Why doesth thou love Stitch? Well here are a few reasons..

1.) The things he says..

OMG the words that come out of that aliens mouth...hilarious and yet sometimes so insightful...

2.) His style

The dude has some great fashion sense...just saying..

3.) He's cute and fluffy

How can you be mad at that face?

SQUUUEEEEEEEEE!!!! He's so cute I can't stand it!!!

Wouldn't it be fun if you had a Stitch of your own? Me thinks everyone should have a Stitch. So I am giving away a special plush of Stitch! Enter below to win and then on July 7th I will announce a winner! If you don't happen to luck out on this giveaway, you can purchase your own Stitch plush here. Good luck kidlets!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Maleficent: My Review

The first part of this post will contain general information about the film "Maleficent". It does not contain any big spoilers.

On Friday night my mom and I saw "Maleficent". I was very skeptical at first. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Sleeping Beauty. Since I can remember it was one of my favorite stories. So I was worried about the re-telling of this Disney classic. 

I had heard many things about the movie. There was a ton of media hype. I was put off by it. I like Angelina Jolie but I have never been immersed by her acting. She never seemed to disappear into her roles (with the exception of "A Mighty Heart" and "Changelings") so I was worried about her performance of Maleifcent. Maleifcent is one of the best Disney Villains. She is ruthless and heartless. I wanted that to be portrayed in the movie.

First let me say, Angelina Jolie was AMAZING! She was everything a villain should be. I absolutely can not picture anyone else in this role. And her cheekbones are out of this world...remember friends: highlighting and contouring...

I was also surprised at Elle Fanning's performance as Aurora. I was worried about how my favorite Disney princess was going to be portrayed but Elle was adorable. In every way. She was stunning in this movie!

I will say that the twists were well done and the imagery was gorgeous. The Moors (were Maleficent is from) is a gorgeous placed filled with wonderful creatures. I really liked this movie. I suggest watching it with an open mind and I think you'll enjoy it too!

Before I move on to the second half I will say this: I saw lots and lots of little ones in the theater. A ton of them got really scared and I heard some of them start to cry and scream at certain parts. The movie is rated PG. If your kids can handle some scary stuff then I think they could handle it. My suggestion would be is to watch it first and then decide if your kids could handle it. Common Sense Media says it's appropriate for children 8 and up. You can find their review of it here.

*************************SPOILER ALERT!!!**************************

 The movie explains how Maleficent became evil. And I thought the story was very well written. Long story short, the creatures of the Moor and Humans do not get along. A young (and GORGEOUS) Maleficent, a fairy with huge mighty wings, meets a human orphan named Stefan. They become close friends and even grow to love each other. Stefan is power hungry and wants to be king, his ambitions stops him from seeing Maleficent for a long time. The king declares war on the Moors and Maleficent kicks his ass. The king says who ever can end Maleficent will become king. Stefan goes back to Maleficent, butters her up with some alcohol like drink, and then takes off her wings and delivers them to the king.

This scene is hard to watch. I would also think it is hard to explain to young curious children. It becomes even harder to watch when Maleficent wales up and discovers her wings are gone and she is in immense pain. Some people have said it was like watching date-rape. I didn't think it was that intense but then again it's a different view for everybody.  

After Maleficent finds out her wings have been taken, she gets a little pissed off and she makes herself Queen of the Moors. She meets a raven named Diaval, and he becomes her right hand man to spy on the now King Stefan (She can change Diaval into any creature, she turns him into a man, raven, dog and he becomes the iconic dragon as well). When she finds Stefan and the queen have had a child she becomes very angry and then we see the scene like in the original animated film.

The blessing scene is my favorite. She was so deliciously evil! Both scenes are very very similar so I loved that touch. It was awesome to see Angelina in this scene and this was when I became fully immersed into her character. This is were I felt like they had made the perfect choice for Maleficent.

One thing I didn't like was how they renamed the three fairies. And how different their characters were from the animated film. But I guess that's how it had to be in order to set up the story line twist of Maleficent becoming a silent guardian for Aurora. Although I wasn't thrilled with the three good fairies I did like the story line of Maleficent befriending Aurora.

I'll stop there with how the story goes. But I did LOVE the twist at the end. It was definitely not was I expected and I love when a movie does that. 

My Overall Thought for the movie:

With the exception of a few things I really loved this movie. Angelina Jolie surprised me for sure. I thought the story line was fantastic and I thought the imagery was awesome. I really liked the character Diaval! 

I was surprised with how many comedic moments there were in the movie as well. They were subtle but they made the movie even better. 

Will I see it again?

Yes for sure! I'll most likely buy it as well! 

Do I still love the classic?

Of course! I think both versions are great. I really think people should put them in different categories though. I think if you spend the entire movie comparing the two you are going to hate it. 

Have you seen Maleficent yet? Let me know what you think about it in the comments! and don't forget about my Disney movie giveaway! As soon as I reach 100 FB likes and Twitter followers I'll give away one of the Disney Movies (could even be this one!) to a lucky reader! 

  

Disney Movie of The Week: Lilo and Stitch

So last week we cooled down with a family movie night from Frozen. This week we are heating things up to a trip to Hawaii to see Lilo and Stitch! Here is what we love about this movie and how you can make this week's family movie night a night to remember! 

What We Love: Stitch is seriously adorable. Who wouldn't want a Stitch. To me he reminds me a little bit of Brody, who can sometimes be a Stitch himself, but is still adorable so I can't be too mad... I also love Lilo's sister, Nani. She is spunky and she tries super hard at being a good sister and parent to Lilo.  This movie makes ya cry and laugh all at the same time...which makes it a great Disney movie! It has great lessons about the importance of family and never leaving anyone behind.  

Is it weird that I dress Buttons up like this??

What we don't love: That part when Stitch leaves and he's all like, "I'm lost.." OMG cry fest over here!! 

 Favorite quotes:  

"Pudge controls the weather. " 

"Oh good! My dog found the chainsaw! " 

"Thus far you have been adrift in the sheltered harbor of my patience." (If I ever meet Ving Rhames I'm going to totally ask him to say this..) 

How To Make It A Fun Movie Night:  

To serve: Fresh fruit, or even a peanut butter or tuna sandwich (although if you with the tuna you might be an abomination...) 

To wear: you can buy leis from the dollar store, as everyone is coming into the living room before the movie hand them out! 

To decorate: So I'm not super big on decorating for a movie that lasts like an hour and a half. But it can be fun to add some mini umbrellas to your drinks or even just throw a grass skirt over your coffee table. Little touches can be fun for a movie night! You can also check out some super fun ideas here!

What do you like about Lilo & Stitch? What is your favorite part or quote from the movie? Let me know in the comments!

That One Time I Decided to Run a Half Marathon

So Utah decided to be Utah and drop down like 20 degrees this week. So that means people all over are using their heaters to warm their little tushies. However, in the Freestone/Boardman house we have no heat. YAY home-ownership!!! So I'm sitting in my office wearing 5 layers of clothing and a pair of gloves. Oh the joy.

 Yeah so, running. I don't do that stuff. Ever. So why did I decide that running 13.1 miles would be a super duper great idea? I don't know, because it's in Disneyland...I really think I was dropped a few times as a baby. 

I have decided that I will be running in the Tinkerbell Half Marathon next May. I figured that would give me time to train so I won't kill over. A lot of people said that I don't need a full 11 months to train..ahem...um...I ran for two minutes straight the other day and thought I was going to die. 

I'm going to start out with the From Couch to 5k plan and then go from there. I've only been training for a week but so far so good. Whenever I feel like giving up I just think of the discounted Disneyland tickets I'll be getting, and all the Dole Whips and Turkey Legs I'll be eating afterwards...Holla!

Brody might also be running with me. I warned him that it's a ladies themed run...but hey, if he runs with me I'll know that I will have the best team mate there. 

I also need to think of a costume! If you do a RunDisney event it's kinda like an unwritten rule that you have a costume. Have any of you ran in a RunDisney event? If so, what's your advice on costumes? I'm kinda nervous to run in a costume just because I can't even run in clothes made for running (ps: last week was the first week I used yoga pants for like working out and stuff...amazing!). Also if anyone has ANY advice on running (what kind of shoes to wear, diet, yada yada yada..) I am so down to hear it. 

Already on my Christmas list mom....ahem...AHEM..

I wanted to share some of my favorite running blogs that I read religiously. When I feel super lazy I just read a few posts on these blogs and they make me feel crazy motivated again (like 'Eye of the Tiger' running up stairs, beating up hanging meat motivated..)!

Glitter Girl Runs  

Mommy Runs It

Livy Loves to Run
My No-Guilt Life

If you have a running blog let me know! Imma need all the help I can get the next few months...now if you'll excuse me...I am in search of an oxygen tank, which I will be needing..

Disney Movie of The Week: Frozen

To say that this week's movie caused a frenzy would be an understatement...from crazy lines to meet the characters at the Parks, to people wreaking havoc to buy merchandise at the stores, this movie is probably one of Disney's most popular animated films since the 90's. And although some people are totally over it, I still LOVE this movie! So pop some popcorn (or a snow cone might be more appropriate), and grab a blanket because your house is about to get:

 

What we love: I love how this movie is reminiscent to classic Disney. It made me think of the princess movies that I grew up with and cherished. The songs were on point, the voice actors were great (um hello, Idina Menzel? Seriously? Amazeballs...had to say it), and the story had a ton of great lessons (ie: guys pick their nose, don't get engaged to a guy you just met like 12 hours ago...I'm looking at you, Utah population..). 

What we don't love: Yeah this guy:

Yeah he looks innocent...but DON'T TRUST HIM

Without giving too much away, I hated this guy more than any Disney villain ever. Yeah. Intense.

Also I thought Kristoff needed another song. I mean seriously, if you are going to cast a Broadway star like Johnathon Groff, you give him more than a 30 second song. I think they should have replaced the Troll's song with another Kristoff number. In my opinion.

Lovable characters: I totally want a Sven. And an Olaf. They are so so adorable! Olaf's song "In Summer" is one of thee cutest Disney songs to date!

Frozen Frenzy: This movie caused a ton of frenzy in the parks, mostly Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. With lines to meet Elsa and Anna exceeding 4 hours, people got a little cray-cray. There were reports of pushing and shoving causing injuries just so people could get in line first. Ok first of all: For those who think that it's acceptable to do that: 

YOU ARE RUINING EVERYTHING GOOD AND MAGICAL ABOUT DISNEY WORLD! Seriously?! You have to HURT people (including children!!) in order to see a princess for what, 30 seconds?! And you are teaching your children that is it totally fine to push and shove and be mean in order to get what you want? Get real! Walt would be SO disappointed in you! Oh yeah I pulled the "Walt card", that's how serious this is...

Ok enough of that drama. 

Anways, Frozen is a fantastic movie for Family Movie night! It is filled with amazing music, the lesson of the importance of family, and some great belly laughs! Make it even more special by serving snow cones (just not lemon flavored..) or ice cream! I absolutely enjoy this movie and it definitely hasn't gotten old for me!

What is YOUR favorite part of Frozen? And what do you think about all the hype it's causing? Do you think it will calm down anytime soon?

Hint for next weeks DMOTW: We are leaving the cold of Arendelle and setting off for a big adventure on the islands of Hawaii!! 

The 10 Best Ways to Get Over A Bad Day

Bad days. They happen sometimes right? I can definitely say that I have had my share of bad days. But what I hate about bad days, is when they get worse. But, do you think we should stay in a funk when we get down? NO! We find ways to turn our frowns upside down! And what better way than to have some of our Disney pals show us how!  

1.) Breathe!  

Good stuff in, bad stuff out...Sometimes everything keeps piling up and it can get intense. Take a moment. Forget everything you need to do. And just relax...taking a few minutes to yourself can ease your mind and you'll be feeling better in no time! 

 

I know Ariel, I know...those dang Sea Witches..they really bug.

2.) Sing and Dance to a Happy song 

Music is such a great mood influencer. Crank up some happy tunes and belt it out! No one will judge you. Promise! While you are practicing for your American Idol audition, bust a few moves! I have something called a 30 second dance party. Whenever I start getting stressed, or need to shake something off, I yell "30 SECOND DANCE PARTY!!!" And everyone has to dance for 30 seconds. Yes, everyone.  

3.) Go to your happy place. 

We all have a happy place right?! You close your eyes and visualize something that makes you happy! For me I picture myself going on Splash Mountain. I close my eyes and visualize myself walking through the line and going on the ride. Although it's definitely not the same as the real thing it still puts a smile on my face. When I'm super sad and stressed, I think of the fireworks at Disneyland!   

4.) Hang out with friends that'll make you laugh 

Laughter is the best medicine! If you can't be with your friends at that moment, just text them, or call them, When you surround yourself with positive people, it gets you out of that negative mindset! 

5.) Watch a funny movie 

Find a movie that will make your side split from laughing! It'll get your mind off of your stresses and it is a great way to relax at the end of a hard day. 

6.) Keep Moving Forward 

Sometimes when we get upset, we end up being stuck in our feelings. This makes it hard to move on and grow. You might have failed a test, or got passed up for a promotion or new job. Don't let it bring you down to the point where you don't want to try! As Walt Disney and the Robinson family says: "Keep Moving Forward!!" Don't look back! "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow!" 

7.) Get in touch with nature 

Stand barefoot in grass, go for a hike, walk through a garden. Something about nature helps you realize how beautiful the world is and all those things that made you feel sad or mad will disappear! 

8.) Take a nap 

umm...self explanatory...naps pretty much solve EVERYTHING! Don't you wish that you took full advantage of them back when nap time was mandatory? Sometimes after the carton of ice cream and the funny movie has failed, you just got to crawl under the covers for an hour and slip off to dreamland.  

Expectation....

Reality...

9.) Think of A Wonderful Thought 

Much like number 3, this is all about positive visualization. Send a few minutes thinking about anything that will put a smile on your face. Think of Christmas, or think of snow! Think of mermaid lagoon, underneath a magic moon! See, you're already smiling! Now only if you had some pixie dust.... 

10.) Let It Go! 

Elsa definitely taught us something didn't she? There are going to be bad days at work, home or school. People will say things that irk us or hurt our feelings. The best thing we can do, is just let it go. Don't let it bother you for too long. Recognize you feelings and then start to get into a positive mindset.  

Like a boss...

My favorite bad day remedy? Throw on some sweats and put on a Disney movie (or 2....or 3...orrrrr 4...). What do you do when you're having a bad day? Share with me!


All images and rights belong to the Walt Disney Company.