Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK – Superpower of STEM Challenge

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK – “Superpower of STEM Challenge” is up and running and goes until September 23rd. Girls ages 15-18, in grades 10-12, are encouraged to channel their superpower of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) for a chance to win a trip to the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK, an immersive three-day mentorship in New York City with Disney Imagineering, the opportunity to appear on Good Morning America, and more! Here is a video with Cate Blanchett (“Hela”) that has more information:

“Born in China” on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack available Aug. 29!

Disney's Born In China, narrated by John Krasinski, transports audiences to some of the world’s most extreme environments of China where few people have ever ventured to witness wildly intimate and adorable moments in the lives of three animal families - a doting panda bear mother, a 2-year-old golden snub-nosed monkey, and a mother snow leopard. It is the seventh theatrical release from Disneynature, which brings the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share wildlife stories that engage, inspire and educate. The breathtaking footage and high-definition quality picture is captivating for audiences of all ages and is a must-add to the in-home collection. Disneynature’s newest true-life adventure film “Born in China” journeys into homes on Digital and Blu-ray™ Combo Pack on Aug. 29.



I absolutely loved this documentary. It always amazes me how filmmakers can get so close to nature to give a glimpse into the lives of animals. This is something that we would never see if not for them. This movie is cute and interesting and great for the family. If you have not seen it, please do. It is available today on a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack.


BONUS FEATURES (Blu-ray & Digital)*:

Panda Suits & Bamboo Shoots – Join the team as they struggle through an almost impenetrable bamboo forest in an effort to capture footage of pandas in the wild.

Walking with Monkeys – The shivering crew bundles up to film the adorable golden snub-nosed monkeys engaged in a surprisingly human activity.

Masters of Camouflage – Go behind the scenes as the filmmakers set out on a quest never before achieved: to find and film a snow leopard family in the wild.

Wading Through Wetlands – A crew travels to far northeast China to catch the first moments of a red-crowned crane chick’s life.

“Everything Everything” Music Video Performed by American Authors – check out the full music video of American Authors end-credit song “Everything Everything.”

Disneynature: Get Inspired, Get Involved –Join Disneynature and the Disney Conservation as they thank our audiences and the animals who star in the films for helping to make Disneynature and its conservation efforts a success.

*Bonus features may vary by retailer

Disney's The Lion King on Blu-ray Aug. 29!

One of the biggest animated films in history, The Lion King, the coming-of-age masterpiece, filled with humor and heart, breathtaking animation and soul-stirring Academy Award®–winning music (1994: Best Original Score and Best Original Song, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”), joins the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection.

Audiences will fall in love all over again with the treasured classic, and a new generation of fans will laugh with Timon and Pumbaa, cry with Simba and Mufasa, burst into song, and find their place in the “Circle of Life.” The Walt Disney Signature Collection release includes over three hours of classic bonus material and exclusive, brand new features inviting viewers to sing along with the film’s award-winning music, observe recording sessions, step inside the story room, witness the evolution of a villain, and join Nathan Lane (voice of Timon) and Matthew Broderick (voice of Adult Simba) for an extended conversation regarding the legacy of “The Lion King.”

“The Lion King” is the fifth title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. It takes its place alongside “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio” and “Bambi.”

I loved the Lion King when I was younger. It is definitely one of my favorite Disney Movies. It is touching and fun. The music is amazing. And watching it 20+ years later, it still maintained it's magic and whimsy.

The Lion King roars to its rightful place in the Walt Disney Signature Collection on Blu-ray™ TOMORROW!



Bonus Features:
BLU-RAY, DIGITAL*:

1. Brand New Sing-Along Version

2. Audio Commentary – View the film with commentary by producer Don Hahn and co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.

3. Visualizing a Villain – Against a backdrop of live dancers and the animated “Be Prepared” sequence, artist David Garibaldi paints a masterpiece of evil.

4. The Recording Sessions – Watch rare footage of the actors recording their roles, matched with the final animation. Intro by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.

5. Nathan and Matthew: The Extended Lion King Conversation – Nathan Lane (Timon) and Matthew Broderick (Adult Simba) offer candid and hilarious insights into their Lion King experiences.

6. Inside the Story Room – Co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff present archival footage of five original story pitches.

1. Circle of Life – See how color creates emotion and meaning in the film's iconic opening.

2. Simba & Nala – See how elements proposed in story meetings evolve into what appears onscreen.

3. Simba Takes Nala Out to Play – …And, sometimes what seems funny in story meetings never makes it into the film!

4. Hakuna Matata – Co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff sing, act and dance their hearts out as they pitch the "Hakuna Matata" sequence.

5. Rafiki and Reflecting Pool – Co-directors Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff pitch a sequence that became the emotional heart of The Lion King to Producer Don Hahn.

7. Music & More – Sing along to your favorite songs from the movie!

1. “Circle of Life”
2. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”
3. “Be Prepared”
4. “Hakuna Matata”
5. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”

8. Galleries
1. Visual Development – Explore a gallery of striking artwork that inspired the movie's look and feel.
2. Character Design – Trace the development of the film's unforgettable characters through early concept art drawings.
3. Storyboards – Examine storyboards created in the development of “The Lion King.”
4. Layouts – Feast your eyes on layouts created in the development of “The Lion King.”
5. Backgrounds & Layouts – Journey through a gallery of landscape paintings that shaped the world of “The Lion King.”

9. Classic Bonus Features (Digital Only) – These offerings from prior home entertainment releases include hours of bonus material, such as bloopers, audio commentary, deleted and alternate scenes, and in-depth journeys into the music, film, story, animals and stage show.

Facebook: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing
Website: Movies.Disney.com/The-Lion-King

Roasted Eggplant Caprese Salad Recipe!

We have been eating a little better these days. I have been trying to make more low fat, low salt foods. We are also eating a lot more vegetarian recipes. Now you all know I don't follow recipes but I have been having to do that lately.

Here is one of my newest and favorite vegetarian meals. It is so good that you do not even miss the meat. It is actually quite filling because of the eggplant. I have found that eggplant is a great substitute for meat in some dishes. And if you grill that eggplant, it is heavenly.

It's also a really easy meal. You need eggplant, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and burrata cheese or mozzarella cheese. I prefer burrata cheese because it is creamy and decadent. The only think you actually cook is the eggplant. And you can actually put these ingredients on a bed of greens if you want food.

Here is the "recipe":

Cut the eggplant into one inch size pieces. Lay them out and add a little salt. This is to draw out the water. Eggplant is watery so you want to be sure to dry them out a bit. 

Next make a quickie pesto. You will need olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. I usually use a handful of basil, 4 or 5 cloves of garlic (because I love garlic) and olive oil. I also add a little salt and pepper.

Blend the ingredients together and presto you have Pesto! 

See how much water was drawn out of the eggplant. 

Place eggplant on the grill.

Cook them until they are soft. I prefer mine very charred because that brings out a really smoky flavor out. I usually cook them for about 15-20 minutes. 

Cut the tomatoes and salt them lightly. This also draw out the water. I try to use heirloom 

tomatoes if available because they are so delicious!

This is burrata cheese. It's basically mozzarella with creamy cheese inside. It is the bomb! If you can;t find it, use regular mozzarella. 

Once the eggplant is grilled arrange the plate. I piece of eggplant. Then add a slice of tomato and continue. If you use regular mozzarella add a slice of that after the tomato. If you use burrata, just spread it across the tomato and eggplant. 

Finish with the fresh pesto and some salt and pepper. OMG this is so delicious!!

Buen provecho!!

Taste and See North Carolina Subscription Box Review & Giveaway!

Living in North Carolina has taught me that there are many different regions here. I used to live in Western North Carolina and it is very different than Eastern North Carolina, where I live now. When I visit Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro or Winston Salem, I find different foods and products. It is pretty amazing. But it is always hard to decide what to buy because I have no idea.

I was recently contacted by a new subscription box service called: Taste and See North Carolina. I had not heard of them but am so glad that I had the opportunity to learn about it. Launched in 2016 this Durham-based small business is transitioning to a quarterly subscription box instead of the previous monthly subscription, representing different cities in North Carolina. Each box will have has seven to ten small-batch snack items and cooking ingredients from all over the state.

This December, the boxes will be categorized by theme instead of destination (think: The Pantry Box, The Cocoa Box etc.). There are a few City Boxes available throughout the summer and fall but Taste and See NC will be going to a quarterly plan in December.

I received one the Charlotte box. This box of small-batch products featured a nutritious snack bar from Bruks Bars, marinara sauce from Cannizzaro Sauces, Mac's Speed Shop barbecue sauce, granola from Bungalow Picnic Company and a bar of handmade Peppermint and Rosemary soap from Small Keys, made with Light Rail Pale Ale beer from Charlotte-based craft brewery Triple C Brewing Company.

I loved it. I have gone to Mac's Speed Shop before so it was a treat to get some of their BBQ sauce. The granola from the Bungalow Picnic Company was great with some fresh yogurt. The best thing in the box was the handmade Peppermint and Rosemary soap from Small Keys. I am a fiend for soap and this is soap was very high quality and I am definitely buying more of it!

These are really great boxes. You can get a sampling of some great products from different regions. If you are a subscription box lover or a lover of unique and different products, these are for you. These would also make great gifts. If you want to try on of the boxes, here is a $5 off custom coupon code willynillyness. If you want to win a Taste and See NC mystery box, enter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 blasts into homes on 4K Ultra HD™ and Blu-ray on Aug. 22.

Tomorrow Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be available on 4K Ultra HD™ and Blu-ray. If you are a fan, you need to pick up your copy!

The Guardians (Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot, and Bradley Cooper as Rocket) must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. This blockbuster sequel featuring the world’s favorite band of intergalactic misfits.

I have to admit that this one id not as good as the first movie but it was pretty darn good. The plot is not as tight but it kept my interest. It also is hilarious. I found my self laughing out loud several times. Even my hubby who tolerates my love of these movies, laughed a few times. He had to admit he was thoroughly entertained. As usual, the soundtrack is as amazing as he first one.

I won;t give out too many details since some of you might not have seen it yet, but if you love the Guardians, this is a must watch. It is fun for the whole family. Kids and adults alike will love the antics and action! It also has a nice message about family.

Take a look at the trailer!



BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Blu-ray:
The Making of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” – A four-part, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, done in the style of classic-rock album liner notes.
Visionary Intro – Director James Gunn provides context on how he continues and expands the storylines of these beloved characters in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
Guardians Inferno Music Video – Join David Hasselhoff and special guests for a galactic retro dance party.
Gag Reel – Laugh out loud at all the hilarious off-script shenanigans and bloopers that took place on the set of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” featuring all your favorite Guardians.
Four Deleted Scenes – Check out four specific scenes that had to be cut from the film, including two extended scenes and two deleted scenes.
Audio Commentary – Check out a special narration of the film by director James Gunn, who guides fans through an inside look at the making of the movie.

Digital:
All the features listed above plus four extra exclusives:
Three Scene Breakdowns (Digital Exclusives) – We’ll reveal the anatomy of a few key scenes from the film. Discover the process in bringing these scenes to life. It starts with a doodle and the rest is film history. Audiences will be given the option to view 5-6 layers of specific scenes in the film. Scenes include “Eclector Escape,” “Gamora and Nebula,” and “Rocket and Ravagers.”
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! (Digital Exclusive) – Get an exclusive sneak peek inside the most anticipated ride at Disneyland, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!. We’ll dig into the concepts and inspiration, and talk about what it took to bring the most epic ride at Disneyland to life.

Pick up your copy tomorrow!!

Black Panther opens February 16, 2018!

When the Black Panther showed up in Captain America: Civil War, I lost it. What a great character. When I found out that there would be a stand-alone Black Panther movie, I was so excited.

Here is the synopsis of the movie:

Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

Here is the teaser trailer!! Squeeeeeee


Black Panther opens next year!! Hopefully, I will have more info coming up in the next few months! I cannot wait!!

Like BLACK PANTHER on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackPantherMovie

Follow BLACK PANTHER on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theblackpanther  

Follow Marvel Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvelstudios/

BLACK PANTHER arrives in theatres everyone on February 16, 2018! 

NEW Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Zinc Oxide Sunscreen + Giveaway! #Tiempoparami #tinymomments

It's summer and it's time to be out in the sun! We live close to the beach so we try and get out there a few times in the summer. We are also out walking, going to the Farmer's Market, heading to the pool and working in the garden. Because of this, we need sunscreen that will ensure we are protected.

I received a sample Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen and Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Face Stick Sunscreen. These products harness the power of Active Naturals® ingredients and developed with leading dermatologists, the sunscreens contain the highest level* of zinc oxide for superior UVA/UVB protection for babies with even the most sensitive skin. Active Naturals® Oat to lock in moisture and soothe babies’ delicate skin, while 100% Zinc Oxide provides photo-stable, broad spectrum coverage to protect from the sun.

And they are fantastic. My husband's skin is sensitive, so we actually buy baby sunscreen for him. It is perfect for his skin and it gives him a lot of protection from the sun. I also use it because it is really gentle on the skin.

Sun protection is huge for our family and it should be for yours as well. Luckily, I have some great tips from Aveeno® Baby's Pediatrician Dr. Andres Cotton. These don't only apply to babies. Adults should be careful about how much time they spend in the sun.

* Apply sunscreen 1-15 minutes before sun exposure to all the product to absorb the skin
(Make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours)

* Remember the water, sand, cement and snow all reflect UV rays and can even give you sunburns 

* Sunscreen not only helps protect from sunburns but also from certain kinds of skin cancer 

* It is recommended to use sunscreens that contain minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide.

These are great tips for everyone. If you have babies or have sensitive skin, try Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen and Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Face Stick Sunscreen. It will protect your skin and make your summer even better than ever!

If you want to win some Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection products then enter below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Disney's Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Start Your Engines Activity Sheets!

Hey all, click the button and it will take you to some fun & cool activity sheets for the kiddos!! If you haven't watched Mickey and the Roadster Racers, check it out. It's a lot of fun! Plus, you get to see all your favorite characters again!

Disney's Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Start Your Engines makes its Disney DVD debut TODAY!

$25 Applebee's Gift Card Giveaway!

I have a $25 Applebee's gift card to giveaway!! Just leave a comment and enter on the Rafflecopter widget. YAY!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK! Trailer!! Opens November 3, 2017!

Okay, if you know me, you know I love all things Marvel. I love my superheroes! The next superhero movie coming up is Thor: Ragnarok.

This movie looks amazing. I especially love that the HULK make an appearance. Also, Loki is back probably causing trouble but always helping Thor. And Cate Blanchett is in this movie looking all bad ass and kicking butt. Take a look at the clip and let me know what you think!

In Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk! THOR: RAGNAROK is directed by Taika Waititi and returns Chris Hemsworth starring as Thor and Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as Loki. They are joined by Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson and Karl Urban, with Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins.

Like THOR: RAGNAROK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thor/  

Follow THOR: RAGNAROK on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thorofficial

Follow Marvel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvelstudios/  

THOR: RAGNAROK opens in theaters everywhere November 3rd!