Look up! You just might see a giant yellow Minion floating high above you, because Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me 2 Despicablimp, has begun its journey across the U.S.!
In celebration of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me 2 [hits theaters July 3, 2012], the Despicablimp [pictured above] will travel 20,000 miles; going coast-to coast and points in-between. Cruising at an average height of 1,000 feet, the Despicablimp will delight onlookers with it's giant Minion graphic as it passes overhead.
Fans can follow the Despicablimp’s journey by visiting the Despicablimp Command Center at www.despicablimp.com to track the airship via GPS and see the tour stops it is making along the way.
Spring / Easter break has arrived! It's the perfect time to break out the crafting supplies and other upcycled materials from around the house {and the great outdoors} and get to crafting with the kids! We kept busy over the weekend with these fun Spring themed crafts. Each of these cute projects take about 30 minutes to complete and only require simple supplies and upcycled materials {that you most likely already have on-hand around the house}.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a press junket for The Croods, in Manhattan. The day included round table interviews with Nicolas Cage [the voice of Grug], Ryan Reynolds [the voice of GUY], Emma Stone [the voice of EEP] and The Croods co-writers / co-directors Chris Sanders and Kirk DiMicco.
Nicolas Cage voices Grug, in DreamWorks' new Animated film, The Croods. Grug is an overprotective [caveman] father. He teaches his family to fear everything andonly finds comfort in routine and his familiar [cave] surroundings. Though a bitextreme and overly cautious,Grug has the heart of a loving father and he means well. At the end of the day, he would do anything for his family.
In reality, Nicolas Cage is a father of two [boys], so we were interested to see if he could relate to his character's parenting style. While he is certainly a concerned parent, he does not take it to the same extremes as his character, Grug.
"Without getting too personal, I do have those feelings at times of concern for my family and feelings of being protective. But, I like to think that I live my life in a way where I'm willing to take chances in my work and also in my life. So, in that sense, I don't relate to Grug because he's more surviving as opposed to living, whereas I do believe there's value in taking chances and exploring" said Mr. Cage.
In The Croods, Grug is fighting a seemingly uphill battle; against the ever-changing World, his combative mother in-law [voiced by Cloris Leachman] and his adventurous [somewhat rebellious] daughter, EEP. He's trying to juggle it all, and for a guy who hates change, it's an awful lot to process!
There are definite relatable parallels to be found in The Croods. The ever-changing landscape of parenthood [prehistoric and modern day alike] can be difficult to navigate. Nicolas Cage offered up some sage words of wisdom on parenting, that I couldn't agree with more! "I think the two most important things you can give to a child, if you want my opinion, are love and a good education. Those are the two most important things and a feeling of home and safety at home, that that's a safety zone" said Mr. Cage.
Finding common ground to connect with our children, is also incredibly important. In The Croods we see Grug attempt to mirror Guy's pioneering/innovative ways [see clip above].He wants his family to look at him with the same respect and admiration, as they do Guy. He wants to find a common ground on which he can relate to his family [mainly his rebellious daughter Eep]. Though Grug fails in some ways, he succeeds when it's most important.
So, how does Nicolas Cage find common ground with his own children? In-part through his favorite Apps. "I like music. And I like movies, obviously. I need to keep current with what's happening now with film and also with music. I love classical music and also want to hear what's happening with the new rock music because my oldest son is immersed in that. So, it's something I want to keep up to date on" said Mr. Cage.
Overall, Nicolas Cage was incredibly happy with his character [Grug] in this film and how the movie turned out.
"I remember, years ago, there was some discussion about doing Shrek. And I didn't want to look like that. I didn't want to be the ogre. I didn't. Now, I maybe should have. But, I'm glad that Jeffrey [Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation] thought of me again for this and, finally, we found the right one. It's been many years where the two of us have been trying to find the right match.And I must say I'm happy with this result. I like the quality of the humor in this film. I think it's humor that parents will be comfortable with their children copying. It's pretty wholesome humor. And so, I like that" said Mr. Cage.
Agreed, The Croods is definitely a film that the entire family can enjoy!
Music plays a huge role in our home. Our son plays 3 instruments and has been enamored with music and instruments, since infancy. As a parent, I cannot imagine his world, without music. It's who he is. For so many children, a world without music education is becoming reality.
VH1 Save The Music Foundation is fighting to preserve music education and enrichment programs for our youth. They held their Annual VH1 Save The Music Family Day - a free, family fun day that was open to the public - at The Anderson School in New York. The daylong festival saw over 1,400 guests and featured live performances from TBNB and Out of Ideas, both a part of the “Come Join The Band!” music school. An exciting live deejay set was performed by nine-year-old sensation DJ Fulano [a protégé of DJ Cassidy]. Congressman Jerrold Nadler was also in attendance, showing his support for the interactive music expo that gave children of all ages a stage to express their love of music, culture and creativity.
Throughout the day, friends and families had the opportunity to play, learn, share and celebrate music. The festival offered a number of fun activities including: “Welcome To The Jungle” interactive stations, “Try This” Instrument Discovery Zone, “We Got The Beat” Drum Circle presented by NAMM, Juice Box Rated Workshops hosted by Disney, Rock ‘N Read Story Time with Tracy Delio and more. In the parking lot, the street vendor food showcase included La Bella Torte, Toum, Coolhaus and Palenque Homemade Colombian, all of who donated 10% of each sale to benefit the Foundation.
We are eagerly awaiting the Spring weather in our home; we have had more than enough snow and we can't wait for some sunshine and time outdoors!
We read one of our favorite children's books this afternoon [with the perfect theme for Spring] "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Then we got crafty and made some "Very Hungry Caterpillar's" of our own!
This craft super fun and simple to make [takes about 30 minutes] and requires simple supplies that you most likely already have around the house.
DreamWorks' highly anticipated animated adventure, The Croods, is set to hit theaters this Friday, March 22nd! Get the kids geared up for the film with these fun crafts and Printables. I love the beautiful "Ugga's Cave Wall Art Leaf Paintings" craft [steps pictured above]. It's super simple to do and only requires a few simple supplies [that you most likely already have around the house and yard]!
Kids can get crafty and creative with these fun printable creature masks that feature the fun animals/creatures from The Croods. Just print, cut out and add an elastic band for endless hours of creative imaginative play!
EEP struggles to find privacy and independence from her family in The Croods. Let kids stake their claim on their personal space with these fun themed printable door hangers featuring EEP, GUY, and Belt.
Kids and adults alike will delight in this fun The Croods themed printable stationary! Three different stationary paper designs to choose from, plus an envelope printable! Stationary designs feature the character's and creatures from The Croods.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a press junket for The Croods, in Manhattan. The day included round table interviews with Nicolas Cage [the voice of GRUG], Ryan Reynolds [the voice of GUY], Emma Stone [the voice of EEP] and The Croods co-writers / co-directors Chris Sanders and Kirk DiMicco.
After screening The Croods, I couldn't help but feel that all families, prehistoric and modern day alike, are comparable to The Croods. Our manners are far more advanced, yes, but at the crux of every family unit liesthe same innate desire to protect each other.
The father, Grug [voiced by Nicolas Cage], finds comfort in routine and regularly reminds his family of the dangers that exist in the unknown. His motto is, well, prehistoric! Basically, if you do anything that strays from the norm..... you DIE! But in life change is inevitable and for The Croods, change is just on the horizon.
It all begins when the Croods' rebellious daughter, EEP [voiced by Emma Stone] ventures outside of the cave one night to follow "the light". EEP encounters GUY [voiced by Ryan Reynolds], the source of "the light" [fire] and all of their lives are ultimately changed forever.
As I mentioned, The Croods, as a family, are highly relatable. Though the animated adventure is set in prehistoric times there are definite parallels. I believe Ryan Reynolds said it best, when he said "Love was the same back then as it kind of is now". I couldn't agree more; love and the family bond is universal and timeless.
EEP's character reflects the rebellious nature of modern day teens. She is trying to find herself and "stretch her wings", while her over protective father [Grug] only wants to shield her from harm.
Having experienced both the rebellious phase in my teen years and now motherhood, I can definitely respect that there is a fine balance in parenting that isn't easily achieved.
Emma Stone did an excellent job voicing EEP. I was interested to see if she could relate to her character's rebellious nature during her own teen years. "I wasn't all that rebellious. But, I definitely wanted to forge my own path and do something different. Neither of my parents are actors or performers of any kind. I was born a court jester. It was as if someone was holding me down, and I was like, "Let me shine." So, I can relate to that." said Ms. Stone.
The Croods, though slightly intrusive and overprotective as parents, mean well. I think we can all remember a time when our parents [or even as parents ourselves] overstepped the boundaries just a little. Ryan Reynolds can definitely relate. When asked if they [Ryan and Emma] had met Cloris Leachman [the voice of Gran] while voicing the film, they both responded that they had not. However, Ryan did go on to share how he met Cloris Leachman by chance [not while working on the film], through his Mom!
"I met Cloris Leachman once. My mother was visiting and she can't help herself. If she sees anybody that's in the SAG Union she has to immediately speak with them, exchange phone numbers, and then spend her remaining days with them. So, Cloris Leachman I just know, which is weird, through my mom. Because my mom accosted her at a Starbucks in L.A. one day." said Ryan Reynolds.
Both Ryan and Emma were thrilled to work on this project and expressed pride in the finished product.
"Being a part of this from its genesis and kind of watching it go from these rough storyboards to this living, breathing, hulking thing that jumps off the screen into your senses, was incredible" said Mr. Reynolds.
"I really like the story and the character. It was very exciting. And Kirk and Chris [The Croods Writers/Directors] are amazing" said Ms. Stone.
Pictured Above: Look 1: Land's End Women's Regular Short Sleeve Border Stripe Faux Wrap Dress Look 2: 1. Land's End Women's Regular Original Pattern Cotton V-neck Flare Dress 2. Land's end Women's Regular 3/4-sleeve Fine Gauge Supima Dress Cardigan Look 3: Land's End Women's Regular Pleated Skirt
It's Spring Fashion Week at Ebates!
Perfect timing to stock your wardrobe with fabulous fashions all while earning cash back on your purchases! I am absolutely in love with some of the super cute Spring dresses and skirts at Land's End [currently 6% cash back] this season [pictured above]. These Land's End finds currently top my wish list and would transition perfectly from day to night, in both the Spring and Summer months.
Ebates is offering amazing cash back deals on brands you love. Check out some of the Spring Fashion Week cash back offers and deals currently being offered at Ebates:
Magazines.com – 60% off Real Simple. 40.0% Cash Back
Sephora – Save Up to 50% off Skincare Value Sets. 8.0% Cash Back
Last Call Neiman Marcus - Free shipping on $75+ order with code LCMAR75. 5.0% Cash Back
Nordstrom – Shop New 2013 Spring Collection and Free shipping. 5.0% Cash BackVictoria's Secret – Free Shipping on orders of $100. Use offer code SHIP13. 4.0% Cash Back
Ulta – $10 off $60+ order. Code SAVETEN. 8.0% Cash Back
Coach – Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $150! 3.0% Cash Back
J.Crew – Extra 30% off all sale items. 6.0% Cash Back
Piperlime – Free shipping and Free Returns.7.0% Cash Back
Lancome – Free 4 Piece Sample and Free shipping on $49+ order. Code LANMARCH . 10.0% Cash Back
Brooks Brothers – Up to 60% off Women's Clearance Items. 5.0% Cash Back
TOMS – $5 off $25+ order. Code TOMSSPRING5. 10.0% Cash Back
HSN – $10 off $50+ jewelry, fashion, shoes or beauty order. Code SPRING10HSN. 4.0% Cash Back.
Ashford – $15 off $140+ order and Free shipping. Code AFFSAVE15. 6.0% Cash Back
eBags – March Savings! 20% + Free Shipping over $49! 12.0% Cash Back
Lands' End – Free shipping on $50+ order. 6.0% Cash Back
Blue Nile – Spring Savings! Save up to 20% on jewelry with code SPRING13. 5.0% Cash Back
Kohl's – 60-80% off Gold Star Clearance. 6.0% Cash Back
Umi Shoes has unveiled an absolutely adorable on-trend collection for Spring. We love all of the bright colors and patterns that they have Incorporated into their new line. All of the trends that we are seeing for Spring/Summer 2013 are reflected nicely in umi's new collection; bright pops of color, gorgeous pastels, florals and {my personal favorite} polka dots!
The "Quin" girl's canvas tie-up's [pictured above top] feature bright pops of color, embroidery, a 3D fabric flower and a reinforced toe [an absolute essential for kids!]. The Quin tie-ups are available in two different color schemes; pink - which is pictured above, and blue.
The "Dann" boy's canvas tie-ups [pictured above] feature bright pops of contrasting color, patterned plaid panels and a gum sole reinforced toe. The "Dann" boy's canvas tie-ups are available in two color choices, the Navy Multi - which is pictured above and Taupe Multi. The "Dann" boy's canvas tie-ups are pretty versatile; they mix & match nicely with just about everything.
Going through Downton Abbey withdrawl now that season 3 has concluded? No worries, PBS' MASTERPIECE Classic is bringing an enticing new storyline to your screen on March 31st. The new series is based on Lindy Woodhead's Novel, "Shopping, Seduction & Mr. Selfridge", which is based on the life of Harry Gordon Selfridge; an American retail tycoon who made a name for himself in the early 1900's in London.
At the unfashionable end of Oxford Street in 1909 London, an American retail tycoon arrives to jettison fusty British tradition and open the biggest and finest department store the world has ever seen: Selfridges. Three-time Emmy® winner Jeremy Piven (in his first television appearance since his iconic role as Hollywood agent Ari Gold in Entourage) stars as Harry Gordon Selfridge, the flamboyant entrepreneur and showman seeking to provide London's shoppers with the ultimate merchandise and the ultimate thrill.
[Pictured above: Concept Drawing of Fantasy Faire Village - Disneyland Park - Opens March 12, 2013]
From concept to completion! Check out the above concept drawing for Fantasy Faire Village [Disneyland], isn't it gorgeous? While Fantasy Faire Village won't officially open to the public until March 12, 2013, we have 3 videos of this absolutely beautiful new Disney Princess themed, storybook village. Take a sneak peek at what Disney Princess fans have to look forward to on opening day! Check out the sneak peek walk through of Fantasy Faire Village and the two new live theatrical shows [ Beauty and The Beast and Tangled ] that will be playing at the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire, beginning March 12th.
Fantasy Faire Village is located right next to the Sleeping Beauty Castle, in Fantasy Land. The picturesque storybook village offers Princess enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to meet their favorite characters from the following Disney classics: The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Tangled and Beauty and The Beast.
The Royal Hall is one of the main attractions in this quaint storybook village. Your little princess can always count on meeting her favorite Disney Princess characters at the Royal Hall! The Royal Hall features a beautiful gothic interior and breathtaking chandeliers.
The Royal Theatre will offer 2 brand new[magical] live shows! Both are performed in a beautiful gothic tent structure [dubbed The Royal Theatre] complete with stunning new entrance, portals and beautiful gothic banners and shields. One of the shows features Belle from Beauty and the Beast and the other features Flynn and Rapunzel from Tangled [ check out our sneak peek videos of the new shows below.]
Kohl's is celebrating 9 new retail locations in the U.S. with a fabulous sale that runs now through March 17th. I paid a visit to my local Kohl's yesterday and there were some great deals to be had! Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans [varying styles] were on sale for just $21.99; they also had my favorite brand [Lee] jeans on sale at rock bottom prices [only $27.99]!
It was fun to get a peek at some of the new Spring trends and exclusive lines available at Kohl's. Lauren Conrad [some of my favorite items pictured above] has a great collection this season! You'll find colored denim, floral /print denim, adorable tops and cute dresses. What I love most about her collection this season is her fusion of fashion forward trends and classic design. Jennifer Lopez and Daisy Fuentes also had some fun pieces that I would LOVE to add to my wardrobe this Summer.
Overall, everything is all about COLOR [pastels], florals and prints this season and you can find it all at Kohl's.
Check out my Kohl's Grand Opening Sale finds in the video below.
Bonus Buys: Wednesday, March 6 through Tuesday, March 12
30-50% off all handbags and wallets for her. Sale $14-$119.99 (Orig. $20-$300)
40-50% off select styles of active and fitnesswear from FILA SPORT and Tek Gear for misses. Sale $7.99-$25.99 (Orig. $14-$44)
40-50% off all decorative pillows and chair pads. Sale $13.19-$29.99 (Orig. $21.99-$49.99)
$49.99 Rachael Ray Bubble and Brown or Lasagna Lover (reg. $64.99)
$11.99 for all Croft & Barrow short-sleeved solid pique polos for men. (Orig. $26)
Grand Opening Sale: Wednesday, March 6 through Sunday, March 17
25-50% off select styles of Chaps sportswear collection apparel for the family. Sale $16.50-$82.50 (Orig. $22-$110)
25-30% off All 212 Collection, Chaps, Dana Buchman and Cathy Daniels collection apparel for misses, petites and women. Sale $15-$82.50 (Orig. $20-$110)
More Ways to Save
Kohl’s Cash: Wednesday, March 6 through Sunday, March 10, all shoppers get $10 Kohl's Cash back for every $50 spent (in store or online), with no earn limit, that can be used toward future purchases in store or on Kohls.com - good on all brands and sale prices. It's like getting paid to shop!
You can find the items pictured in this post and the items seen in our video at a Kohl's retail location near you and online at www.kohls.com . The Kohl's Grand Opening Sale runs through March 17, 2013.
Ready to stock up on some fabulous fashions for Spring? (1) One Savvy Mom reader will receive a $100 Kohl's Gift Card!
Today is the day! NOW you can bring home Disney's hit family film Wreck-It Ralph, on Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy and HD Digital Download! Wreck-It Ralph is a film the entire family can enjoy. There are so many fun references from the early days of gaming, that will undoubtedly stir some nostalgia for parents.
The Storyline of this film is pretty fabulous. There are several valuable lessons woven into the storyline, that kids can genuinely benefit from.
Ralph, resides inside a game [Wreck-It Ralph] where [per the descriptive title] he wrecks everything in sight and "Fix It Felix" [the hero of the game] puts everything back together. While Ralph is tasked to be the bad guy, on the inside, he isn't all that bad. He just wants friends. He wants to be liked by the other cast members of his game and he ultimately wants to prove to everyone that he's a good guy.
When Ralph leaves his game on a mission to prove that he's really just a good guy and a winner, he encounters many characters along the way that teach him valuable lessons and ultimately change his heart forever.
Film Synopsis
From Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Wreck-It Ralph” takes viewers on a hilarious journey. For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has played the bad guy in his popular video game. In a bold move, he embarks on an action-packed adventure and sets out to prove to everyone that he is a true hero with a big heart. As he explores exciting new worlds, he teams up with some unlikely new friends including feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman). The film is directed by Emmy®-winner Rich Moore.
Featuring an all-star voice cast including Jack McBrayer as the voice of Fix It Felix, Jr. and Jane Lynch as the voice of Sgt. Calhoun, plus breakthrough bonus features that take viewers even deeper into the world of video games, Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph” has something for every player. Over an hour of all-new bonus material is featured on the Digital and Blu-ray Combo Pack, including deleted and alternate scenes, the theatrical short “Paperman,” plus much more.
We got crafty last weekend and made this cute recycled kids craft. This wreath is super simple to make. It takes about 30 minutes to put together and is made using simple craft supplies that you probably already have around the house, and an egg carton. My daughter had tons of fun shaping each of the flowers' petals differently. We are definitely ready for the Spring weather to arrive!
Supply List & Directions:
1 (18 Count) Paper Egg Carton.Use the top to cut out leaves [in varying sizes]. Use the bottom 18 individual egg containers/holders to create your flowers.
Safety scissors.Separate each egg container using safety scissors. Shape each flowers' [each egg container/holder] petals to your preferences.
Crayola Washable Kids Paint [ or washable markers ]Paint or color your flowers. If using paint, allow adequate time for drying before completing the next step.
8 x 10 Poster Board [or you can use a recycled piece of cardboard from a packing box]Cut into a large oval and cut out an oval center. Use this as a base and affix your flowers.
Washable Craft Glue.Use to affix your completed [dry]flowers and petals to your poster board/cardboard.
Ribbon -(1) 12 inch piece + (1) 6 inch piece .Create a ribbon hanger for your wreath affix to the back of your wreath using washable glue.
Coffee and my Keurig brewer are a definitely a part of my daily routine. I'm a mom. Coffee is necessary. Parents, you know what I mean! What if you could combine wellness [vitamins and antioxidants] into your daily coffee/tea ritual? Think about it, no need for a huge change, just simply brew a K-cup of Coffee or Tea in your Keurig brewer, just as you would do anyway.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters recently conducted a survey that revealed nearly three out of four people (73%) who drink coffee or tea also take vitamins. Further, nearly half (48% of coffee drinkers and 53% of tea drinkers), say they sometimes forget to take their vitamin at least 1 time out of 10 times. Nearly Four-fifths (80%) of people said they’d be willing to set wellness goals if it did not change their day to day life.
In response to their survey, the company launched a new Wellness Collection, an assortment of coffee and teas that are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making it easy to enjoy the perfect combination of smart choices and great taste at the touch of a button…perfect for moms on the go.
Tina Fey is one of my all time favorite comedians. She is seriously one very funny mother! Her new film from Focus Features, Admission [starring Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Michael Sheen, Wallace Shawn, Gloria Reuben, Nat Wolff,Traveris Spears, Lily Tomlin] will officially release to theaters in the U.S. on March 22, 2013 and Focus Features is giving (1) One Savvy Mom reader a very special chance to attend the NYC Premiere of Admission in Manhattan, on March 5, 2013!
Film Synopsis
Tina Fey (Date Night, 30 Rock) and Paul Rudd (I Love You Man, Knocked Up) star in Admission, the new film directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Weitz (About a Boy), about the surprising detours we encounter on the road to happiness. Straight-laced Princeton University admissions officer Portia Nathan (Fey) is caught off-guard when she makes a recruiting visit to an alternative high school overseen by her former college classmate, the free-wheeling John Pressman (Rudd). Pressman has surmised that Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), his gifted yet very unconventional student, might well be the son that Portia secretly gave up for adoption many years ago. Soon, Portia finds herself bending the rules for Jeremiah, putting at risk the life she thought she always wanted -- but in the process finding her way to a surprising and exhilarating life and romance she never dreamed of having.
Admission will open in theaters everywhere on March 22, 2013.
