A Cinderella Story Christmas Wish Review

Movies

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this blog post. Opinions here are my own.

A Modern Twist on Cinderella for the Holidays

Just in time for holiday family entertainment, stocking stuffers, and gift giving, A Cinderella Story Christmas Wish (rated PG) from Warner Bros. has launched on Bluray, DVD and Digital. This contemporary twist on the classic fairytale is beautifully presented as a musical feature film that kids and parents will enjoy watching together.

All images in post © 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Laura Marano in A Cinderella Story Christmas Wish 

The fifth installment in the A Cinderella Story movie series, this is the first one with a Christmas theme. Part teenage problems, part high school love story, and part discovering the true meaning of Christmas, this romantic comedy stars Laura Marano (as beautiful Kat Decker), Isabella Gomez (as Isla), Gregg Sulkin (as Dominic Wintergarden) and Barclay Hope (as Terence Wintergarden). 

Special extra features on the Blu-ray DVD combo include 

• The Looks and Costumes of Christmas Wish
• The Mic and the Stage

Go behind-the-scenes with costume designer Valeria Halverson for a sneak peek of one of the bonus features on costuming and the critical role wardrobe played in the filming of this movie.

A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish is available in-store and online including on Amazon.

Save The Manatee Adoption Holiday Gift Idea

Nature

Giving Back Gift to Endangered Animals

Encountering mother and baby manatees up close, not behind glass in a zoo but instead peacefully swimming side-by-side in the wild in their natural environment. That breathtaking personal experience -- the opportunity to appreciate these truly beautiful, gentle giant creatures while recently kayaking near Key West, Florida with my family -- is one memory I will always treasure and hold close to my heart. The manatee is indeed one of Florida's most beloved animals, but sadly it's also one of the region's most imperiled species due to a host of environmental and man-made causes. 

How to Help Save Manatees

With their very existence under threat, as a nature lover and advocate who is particularly fond of manatees, I'm sharing how you can join me to help. You don't even have to get into a kayak or visit Florida. From wherever you live you can make a difference in the manatees' future by supporting the non-profit organization Save the Manatee Club and their Adopt-A-Manatee program.

For the animal lovers on your holiday gift list, consider adopting real live Florida manatees for family and friends this season. This is a unique, nature-inspired gift they will love which helps increase Save the Manatee Club's protective activities on behalf of these threatened marine mammals and their aquatic habitat.

See Manatees While Kayaking or Paddle Boarding, Key West, Florida

Meaningful Gift Idea for Animal Lovers & Teens

Through the Save the Manatee Club, mom Sarah Young gifted her 14-year old daughter Sophia a manatee named Aqua. 

Young says, "I chose Aqua to adopt not only because it's my girl's favorite color, but also because this particular mammal had just given birth to a calf. Sophia was just ecstatic and says this is one of her all-time favorite gifts to have ever received. 

"We may live in Virginia, far away from where these creatures live, " Sophia's mom notes, "yet her deep love for manatees and personal involvement is inspiring my teen's dream to be a marine biologist one day. She is learning a lot, and absolutely loves the videos and pictures posted on the Facebook page, so there's no doubt the manatee is her chosen spirit animal."

There are 30+ unique manatees available for adoption by the public and these can be viewed on the club's website SaveTheManatee.org. Among the newest manatee adoptees offered are Millie and Illusion. Membership adoption levels are affordable, too, starting at just $25. 

The recipient of your present receives a personalized gift packet including an adoption certificate, photo and life history of a real Florida manatee, as well as a fact-filled membership handbook, Save The Manatee 2020 wall calendar, and more. Adoptions are available to gift givers for purchase worldwide, with free shipping in the US. International shipping details can be found on the organization's site.

About Save The Manatee Club

Save the Manatee Club is a 501(c) nonprofit organization which was co-founded in 1981 by internationally renowned singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffet and Bob Graham, former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator. Funds raised from holiday gift manatee adoptions help the club increase public awareness as well as support education, research, rehabilitation and release activities. They also work to actively protect manatees and their habitat including helping to influence boating regulations and designating sanctuaries. The group's efforts reach beyond Florida to the Wider Caribbean, Central and South America, and West Africa. 

Me at Jimmy Buffett's Original Margaritaville, Key West, Florida

Learn more about Save the Manatee by calling 800-432-5646, or by visiting the non-profit's official site where you can also see their fanciful 2019 Holiday Guide of mantee gift items. You can also stay up to date on all the news by following Save the Manatee Club on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Caramel Apple Hot Toddy Halloween Cocktail

Entertaining

Easy Fall Drink Recipe 

Here's a fun, easy and delicious new drink to mix up for guests at your Halloween celebration this year. I just love this creative and spooky twist on this classic party drink  by Leigh Ann Chatagnier of MyDiaryofUs and I think you will too. After all, why should all the Halloween fun be limited to the kids? This original Spiced Caramel Apple Hot Toddy Cocktail is the perfect adult only treat for mom and dad, especially as nights gets chilly. This also be easily made without liquor for  a non-alcohol drink both kids and sober adults will appreciate.

Spiced Caramel Apple Hot Toddy 

Cocktail Recipe

Make this for the grownups with bourbon or just leave out the liquor for a non-alcohol version that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Time to Make: 15 mins or less
Makes 2 Drinks

Ingredients

• 3 oz Bulleit Bourbon
• 1 cup Apple Cider
• 1/8 cup Fresh Orange Juice + 1 Whole Orange Slice
• 8 Caramel Candies
• 1 Splash of Water
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 2 Star Anise
• 8 Whole Cloves
• 2 Apple Slices for Garnish

Directions

1. In small saucepan combine apple cider, orange juice, 4 caramel candies, cinnamon stick, star anise, orange slice, and whole cloves. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until fragrant and caramels have melted.

2. In two heat safe glasses, add 1-1/2 oz of bourbon each.

3. Take the remaining caramels and add a splash of water to a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until caramels are melted smooth. Alternately, melt caramels in separate pot on stove.

4. Strain the warmed spiced caramel apple cider into each glass equally, stir with the bourbon. Then garnish each with an apple slice and drizzle melted caramels over the rim of each glass.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy.

About Leigh Ann Chatagnier

Leigh Ann is founder of My Diary of Us, a site where she invites visitors into her family's kitchen to cook with her. Born in Tennessee and inspired by the food of Louisiana, she now lives in Houston, Texas with her hubbie and son. A frequent guest on Houston Life and Home & Family on The Hallmark Channel and NBC Syndicated Daytime, she is the author of two cookbooks, Natural Baby & Toddler Treats: Homemade, Nourishing Recipes for Baby and Beyond (2019) and The Unexpected Cajun Kitchen: Classic Cuisine with a Twist of Farm-to-Table Freshness (2016).

For more fun and delicious ideas follow check out Leigh's Ann new cookbook. 

Recipes/Photos reprinted with permission by 
Leigh Ann Chatagnier / MyDiaryofUs.com

Disney The Lion King Bluray Giveaway Review

Movies

MBE partnered with Disney Studios for this review and giveaway

Animation You'll be Convinced is Live Action

One of my favorite Disney movies to see on the big screen this year is The Lion King (2019). Now available on Digital and starting October 22, audiences will be also be able to enjoy this technologically-advanced family movie masterpiece on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. 

Amazingly Real Looking Animation, Image courtesy of Disney

The storyline -- the drama of a lion cub, the dad he looks up to, and the wicked uncle who seeks to rise above them both to crown himself king of the jungle -- follows the 1994 original animated movie closely.

Talent Behind & In Front of the Cameras

Using Disney's The Jungle Book (2016), which won an Oscar for best achievement in visual effects as the foundation, Director Jon Favreau took this year's The Lion King remake to the next level. The result in his latest endeavor is animals and scenery that looks as real as what I personally experienced on my family's dream trip African safari earlier this year. 

With original songs by Tim Rice and Elton John, performances by Beyonce (who also plays the voice of Nala), and magnificent voice over articulations by icons like James Earl Ray as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejofor (the evil Scar), Donald Glover as Simba and Seth Rogen (the comical Pumbaa), this is a film multiple generations will appreciate in various ways.

However, as speaking from the perspective of a mom, as much as I think this is technically amazing, I have to tell you that this movie is rated PG. It's rated that way for good reason: there are several very realistic-looking, graphic sequences of violence and peril that may be way too scary for younger and more sensitive viewers. So you'll definitely want to consider that before your kids watch this.

Janis Elspas on a Safari With Family in Africa

The Lion King Blu-ray Bonus Extras

• The Journey To The Lion King Documentary
• More To Be Scene
• Spirit Beyonce Music Video
• Song Selection Sing Along With the Movie
• Audio Commentary with Director Jon Favreau
• And More

Disney The Lion King Giveaway

Disney The Lion King Movie

MBE Giveaway

on Instagram

Thanks to Disney Studios, ONE (1) lucky MBE giveaway participant will win the new Disney The Lion King Blu-ray DVD combo movie. To enter this Disney The Lion King Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest open to US residents only and qualifying winners will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends October 31, 2019 at 12 am PST/3 am EST. Disney Studios is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

More About Disney's The Lion King

Learn more about Disney's The Lion King, visit the official movie website as well as follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

FREE Halloween Pumpkin Carving Templates

Crafts

DIY Pumpkin Stencils & Other Clever Ideas

Looking for the best DIY pumpkin carving ideas for Halloween ever? We've got you covered with more than 100 FREE downloadable stencils and templates for every level of pumpkin crafter from beginner to intermediate and advanced. From scary to fun to just plain creative and easy, you will find something for every taste and style.

Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Everyone

• Pumpkin designs for kids and adults featuring traditional Halloween icons like witches, black crows, skulls, and haunted houses
• Pumpkin templates featuring your favorite Disney and other movie characters
• Pumpkin ideas to carve the likeness of your favorite person or pet
• Trendy, of the moment stencils of sloths, unicorns and all the rest
• Even some no-carve, super easy pumpkin craft inspiration sources

Free Printable Pumpkin Templates & More

So if you haven't already gotten started, now's the time to find your perfect pumpkin to carve before they run out from your favorite store, roadside farmstand or you pick pumpkin farm. Then, start planning this year's pumpkin design by grabbing one or as many as you'd like of the pumpkin carving ideas we want to share with our readers.

Lots of Kids Characters Pumpkin Carving Templates from PBS Parents
Featuring beloved classics and contemporary: Curious George, Cat in the Hat, Sesame Street, Arthur and others

Scary Pumpkin Carving Templates from HGTV

30 Days of Painted No-Carve Pumpkins from Martha Stewart

31 Best Pumpkin Carving & Crafts also from Martha Stewart

Movie Characters, Politicians + More Templates from Celebrating Halloween

The Good Dinosaur Arlo Pumpkin Template based on the Disney Pixar movie

43 Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Carving Stencils from Popsugar

Free Pumpkin Carving Patterns + More from The Pumpkin Lady

Pumpkin Carving for Families Templates from Pumpkin Pile

Printable Pumpkin Stencils from Better Homes & Gardens

Sloth Pumpkin Stencil and more from Pumpkin Stencils

Click Image to Download this 

Simba Stencil

Bookmark this page NOW &

Watch for New Ideas We Add

Happy Halloween!

Other Halloween posts you'll like

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10 Free Fun Halloween Mobile Apps for Windows
Tofu Halloween Ghost Pumpkin Mummy Pop Cakes
Free Halloween Party Kids Printables

Easy Fall Eco Friendly DIY Decor Crafts

Eco Fall DIY

I just love this time of year as well as kids fall crafts that are environment friendly. The Jewish High Holidays are wrought with meaning and inspiration, especially now that we are moving into a new year with a wonderful festive observance called Sukkot.

Here are my favorite fall ideas for making something new and creative to decorate your home or table -- or for those of you who like me are celebrating Sukkot -- some pretty decorations for your sukkah. For those of you who celebrate Halloween and/or Thanksgiving, I think you'll also appreciate the good to the earth DIY creative ideas in this post. 

Image from Two Girls Being Crafty

Recycled Paper Tree Craft

This eco friendly craft idea from the blog Two Girls Being Crafty is so clever. Though originally intended by the designers as a spring project to use up scraps of scrapbook paper that were too small for memory keeping books, this craft is easily applicable to Fall holidays, too. Even if you've never been into scrapbooking, there's always left over children's arts and craft papers or all that colorful junk mail that is sometimes hard to throw out because it's so pretty that you can use to make this.  Directions

Image from The Thrifty Abode

Oversize Initial Letter of Leaves Craft

Here's another green craft, this one from The Thrifty Abode. This would be really pretty for decorating for any Fall holiday, but I think the first letter of your last name made from colorful natural Fall leaves you gather in your neighborhood could be a real statement if you hang this at the entrance to your Sukkah or on the front door of your house.  Directions

Image from Kaboose

Corn on Stalk Table Centerpiece, Place Cards

Though these aren't 100% recycled, this cute craft idea from Kaboose is made from green construction paper with real popped corn glued on, then add a wood tongue depressor or popsicle stick as the stem -- so it qualifies! These would be great stuck in rows into a piece of styrofoam as a centerpiece. Add the name of a guest to each cob and they'd also make rather unique name cards for your fall or Thanksgiving holiday table.

Apple Honey Dish Craft

If you think this honey dish looks like a real apple filled with honey, you are totally right! My 14 year-old daughter made the craft you see pictured, which our family later ate after the honey was gone. The inspiration for this idea comes from Martha Stewart. It's simple, elegant and will make a beautiful addition to your fall dinner table or party. Both kids and parents are likely to be enchanted by this. Directions

Image from The Bride's Cafe

Apple Chair Swag Craft

Speaking of using real fruit to decorate. Isn't this chair decoration from The Bride's Cafe simple yet elegant? You and your child can make this easily together for any special fall occasion with some apples and some twine strong enough to thread the apples. Then add a colorful ribbon tied in a bow to the chair at each end for a festive seasonal touch.

Comment & Share Your Fall Green Craft Ideas!

Which of these fall crafts is your favorite? Do you have other ideas to share on this theme? Feel free to comment and share your own idea for fall-themed green DIY projects.


FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Disney Toy Story 4 Movie Giveaway + Home Release

Movies

 

MBE partnered with Disney Studios for this review and giveaway

G-rated Family Home Entertainment

Forky! The new heart-warming character introduced in Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Toy Story 4 (2019, Rated G) has been charming fans since the animated feature movie graced the big screen. Now, multiple generations of viewers have another reason to celebrate because Toy Story 4 is now available on Digital, Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD to enjoy at home, on mobile and practically to infinity and beyond.

New & Old Characters Join Forces

New comer Forky (Tony Hale) steals the stage and our hearts as he joins familiar faces from the 1995 original Toy Story: Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Bo (Annie Potts), and Mr. Potato Head (culled from 25 years of unused archival voice recordings of the late great Don Rickles). Also featuring other old and new characters, Toy Story 4 which reaped $1 billion at box offices around the world, continues to ride on its success demonstrating to industry skeptics that G-rated animated films are still enjoyed and desired by family audiences in a very big way.

These Toy Story costumes I designed and sewed for each of my four kids (big brother, followed by triplets born just a year later) when they were younger were so much fun to make. 

Toy Story 4 Blu-ray Bonus Extras

• Deleted Scenes
• Bo Rebooted
• Cast & Crew Beloved Childhood Toys
• Woody & Buzz: The Legendary Friendship
• Toy Box: Meet the New Characters
• Ally Maki on Voice Over Recording
• Lots More Fun

Disney Toy Story 4 Giveaway

With such a good, wholesome G-rated Disney movie now available for fans of all ages to watch at home, MBE is thrilled to announce another MBE Giveaway in partnership with Disney. See details below to enter for your chance to win this great prize for the Disney fan in your life.

Disney Toy Story 4 Movie

MBE Giveaway

on Instagram

Thanks to Disney Studios, ONE (1) lucky MBE giveaway participant will win the new Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 4 Blu-ray DVD combo movie. To enter this Disney Toy Story 4 sweepstakes Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest open to US residents only and qualifying winners will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends October 17, 2019 at 12 am PST/3 am EST. Disney Studios is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

More About Disney Toy Story 4

Learn more about Disney Toy Story 4 , visit the official movie website as well as follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

SpiderMan Far From Home Movie Giveaway + DIY

Movies

MBE partnered with Sony Pictures, post contains affiliate links

Giveaway, Mysterio Cupcakes DIY Below

At the top of the month we're celebrating the billion dollar movie blockbuster Marvel Studios Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) from Sony Pictures. A big hit at the box office, fans can now see this exciting live action super hero feature film at home on Digital as well as on 4K Ultra HD Combo, Blu-ray Combo, and DVD.

Tom Holland, who appeared in the last chapter Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017),  is back as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Far From Home. This time around Peter decides to take a break from his super hero duties and sets off for some well-deserved r&r with Ned (Jacob Batalon), MJ (Zendaya) and friends on a vacation trip to Europe. 

Before Peter knows it, he finds himself reluctantly taking on his Spider-Man persona to help Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) investigate some mysterious creature attacks. Before you know it Spider-Man and Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) are teaming up to fight the chaos that's spreading across the continent. With lots of twists and turns in the plot, you never know what will happen next.

Spider-Man: Far From Home Bonus Content

• Special Peter's To-Do List Short
• Alternate and Extended Scenes
• Gag Reels
• Easter Eggs
• More Special Features

Mysterio Cupcakes DIY + More Fun

Add to the fun and excitement of the latest Spider-Man live action home entertainment release by making some Mysterio Cupcakes like we did. Super fun and easy to make with kids, just follow these simple directions.

Try this kid's Spider-Man Punch Drink which uses just three ingredients, too. And for even more family-friendly fun, check out these fun magic illusion activities you can do with a few simple materials, inspired by the movie Spider-Man: Far From Home, including Levitation, Square Bubble, and Bending Light experiments.

Spider-Man: Far From Home Movie Giveaway

Don't miss your chance to win the brand new Marvel Studios Spider-Man: Far From Home DVD plus some exclusive movie-themed swag from the film including a cool t-shirt and travel card wallet. ONE (1) lucky MBE contest entrant will win this 3-piece prize package. What are you waiting for? Enter below to win this now!

Spider-Man: Far From Home Movie Giveaway

on Instagram

Thanks to Sony Pictures, we are giving away this super special Spider-Man: Far From Home prize package to the winner. To enter the sweepstakes Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends  October 18, 2019 at 12 am PST/3 am EST. Sony Pictures is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

More about Spider-Man: Far From Home

The new home entertainment release, rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language, and brief suggested comments, has an approximate run time of 129 minutes. Learn more by following the hashtag #SpiderManFarFromHome and visiting this movie enterprise on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.