The TRUTH About Motherhood

Tag: Sponsored

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Chatbooks though all opinions about designing your own holiday cards are my own.
They say is a picture is worth a thousand words and, as a writer, I believe it. 1000%. Though I am a woman of many words, I am visual whether that be held in my hands or born of my imagination.
Every year, I love to send holiday cards. For many reasons but mostly because I like to connect with friends and loved ones. I do the dance. I send a card and tell them a little about our year and they do the same.
For me, I tell people about our lives every day. It’s my job. I’ve made a career of telling the world what’s going on with me and my family. Really, nothing is off the table. Don’t believe me? Go check out my blog or my Insta Stories.
But that is not how the world is for everyone. While I do have a lot of friends who are bloggers because that is my field, I have a lot of friends and family who are not. They don’t read my blog. Whew;) They don’t put all of their wins and losses online. So we connect in person, at family gatherings, via a Great-aunt gossip line and through those once year holiday cards.
They say it’s the thought that counts and the older I get, the more I believe that. There is truly nothing that makes me happier than thoughtful surprises in the mail. It doesn’t need to be of high monetary value, what I love is a well thought out gift. My favorite is a card with photos and a personal inscription (hey and bonus points if there’s a mixtape in there or some of my favorite tea.)
My point is that if you care enough to sift through your pictures from the past year, write a heartfelt message and wish me love and happiness that means more to me than any store bought gift ever could. This is why I do it. I hope it means as much to you that I thought of you. That you are in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers every day even when we don’t see each other.
This is why every year, I take a day (and honestly, with Chatbooks it was a matter of minutes) and sift through my cloud and find a few pics of my family to share with my friends. Not because we did anything special or my kids are particularly good-looking (though they are pretty stinkin’ cute) but because I know that I miss your faces and your children’s faces and I want to see them grow. I want to know how things have been going for you and what is new in your family’s life.
Sometimes space and time separate us from the people who mean the most to us. But space and time can’t stop that love we feel for them in our hearts. It can’t stop the ache to know those we love.
Life is busy for all of us. We all have places to be, things to do and people to see that are right here and right now. Sometimes it’s impossible to get to where we really want to be…home.
But, just because we can’t talk to the people that we love every single day, hug them and catch up whenever we want, we don’t have to lose touch. That’s what holiday cards are to me. They are an opportunity to reconnect with those I love most. It’s a way for me to let them know that they are in my heart.
It’s an opportunity to open up the lines of communication. You know sometimes, time passes so long that it almost feels hopeless to try to reconnect. You feel embarrassed to be like, “Hey, I know it’s been years but I just wanted to say hi!”
There’s no reason to give up. I know, personally, there is no statute of limitations on friendship for me. If we were friends, unless you killed my dog, we’re still friends…forever and you and your cards are always welcome in my life.
So maybe we can’t give a lot to everyone we want to this year but we can always afford to give a quick hello. And right now, using my special code, you can get 20% off of your holiday card order from Chatbooks.
It really is one of the easiest ways to create professional Photo Books albums and Holiday Cards out of your favorite social media pictures. It’s an amazing gift to give to loved ones or a way to physically keep all of your favorite memories in your home.
Holiday Cards are only $1 and you can order in packs of 20. The cards are made with premium and durable paper. Books start at just $10 – making them very affordable. Oh yes, I will be ordering a few. Did I mention how easy it was to create this year’s holiday cards? It seriously took me, from beginning to end, maybe 30 minutes.
If you want, you can subscribe to Chatbooks to auto-create and ship albums whenever you reach a certain number of new social media pictures. Then you will never have to worry about making the time again.
It’s so easy. Go here and click the link to order your cards now in time for the holidays.
Ordering Instructions:
1. Go to chatbooks.com
2. Create however many Holiday Cards ($1 each) you need, in increments of 20.
3. Select Premium shipping so you can get your cards in time
Thank you Chatbooks for sponsoring this post and for the first time, in a long time, allowing me to get my holiday cards out before Thanksgiving.
What are you waiting for? Order your holiday cards using my 20% off code Deborah20 and send well wishes and love to all of your friends and family.
2018/11/16
Set Tour #ABCTVEVENT The Kids are Alright
Thank you to Disney and ABC for inviting me to Los Angeles on an all-expense paid trip, in exchange for coverage of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms and the #ABCTVEVENT event. I was hosted by Disney for the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent and given a set tour by Caleb Foote of The Kids Are Alright and to meet some of the cast including Michael Cudlitz but all opinions are my own.
Last month in Los Angeles, I got a sneak peek of ABC’s “The Kids Are Alright.” I have to admit, that this is one of my favorite new shows this season because it reminds me of growing up in my parents’ house in the 70’s and 80’s. There were 8 of us in a small house. There wasn’t a lot of money but there was a lot of love and faith in God, in each other and in family. There were also a lot of shenanigans.
Set in the 1970s, the ensemble comedy “The Kids Are Alright” follows a traditional Irish-Catholic family, the Clearys, as they navigate big and small changes during one of America’s most turbulent decades. In a working-class neighborhood outside Los Angeles, Mike and Peggy raise eight boisterous boys who live out their days with little supervision. The household is turned upside down when oldest son Lawrence returns home and announces that he’s quitting the seminary to go off and “save the world.” Times are changing and this family will never be the same. There are 10 people, three bedrooms, one bathroom and everyone in it for themselves. Honestly, on the set visit, I felt like I was back home at my mom’s house.
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
The series stars Michael Cudlitz as Mike Cleary, Mary McCormack as Peggy Cleary, Sam Straley as Lawrence Cleary, Caleb Foote as Eddie Cleary, Sawyer Barth as Frank Cleary, Christopher Paul Richards as Joey Cleary, Jack Gore as Timmy Cleary, Andy Walken as William Cleary, and Santino Barnard as Pat Cleary.
On the day we visited, we were shown around the set by Caleb Foote, who plays Eddie Cleary. We also had the chance to meet Tim Doyle, creator and executive producer, whose life the show is about, production designer, Michael Whetstone, set decorator, Claudette Didul, costume designer, Susan Michalek, line producer, Kris Eber and Michael Cudlitz ( who plays Dad, Mike Cleary) as well as several of the other Cleary family members. It was amazing.
The Cleary House
The attention to detail is crazy. The Kids Are Alright house is based on a house the producers found in Sherman Oaks.
“Whetstone: This house is based on a house that we found for the pilot back in March and I think it was built in 1932. It was very, very small. It was one of the first ranch houses in Studio City or something. And our director loved it tight. He wanted it to feel crowded. Usually, when you go to stage, you say, “Oh, I’m gonna make it 25% bigger for shooting.” We didn’t really do that.”
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright

“Foote: In most cases, they would expand the set in the recreation of the studio. But, having the tight-knit family is a big part of our show.”

The thing I really loved about the house is that you really got the feel of what it’s like to live during those times in a small house with a big family. As I mentioned before, this is exactly how I grew up with the exception of us being in Chicago, 3 boys and 3 girls and being Latino Catholic versus Irish and the story is pretty much my childhood. I can tell you from experience, a claustrophobic home filled with children and love may feel like a noose on your neck at sometimes but mostly, it feels like a hug from a mom and it’s something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
The dining room is the heart of the Cleary house; it’s where meals are served, where the important conversations take place and where Peggy and Mike dole out nourishment and wisdom to their 8 boys. The thing I loved about it the most was that it is so small and so full of things that the family can barely all fit in it at once. In fact, if you pay attention, you will notice that each episode, a different son sits at a tiny side table.
You might also notice that most of the decor looks like it’s from the 1950s and 1960s since the family is on a tight budget with all those boys. This is keeping it real.

The Yard
One thing that I absolutely loved is that they created an actual outdoor yard to film in. They did have the soundstage yard but that infamous treehouse and who could forget that brotherly love fight scene sandbox, that is all outside and it is magical. From the clothes on the line to the car in the driveway, you felt like you were transported back to the 1970’s.

We met the show’s creator Tim Doyle. The Kids Are Alright is based on Doyle’s childhood and he narrates each episode. This is his childhood and he reminisced with us about how different growing up in the 70’s was versus growing up now.
“Doyle: It’s a funny thing. It’s amazing that we all survived that period but some of us didn’t. But all the ones that are here are like, “Oh, yeah, it’s okay. You don’t have to have parental supervision. Let kids run around like feral animals. Let them do whatever they want.” That’s the people who survived talking. There are the other ones and a lot of bad stuff happened but we’re not telling those stories. We’re glossing over those.
We’re not saying don’t be good parents. We’re saying be good to your kids and supervise them. But there was a different way… We’re giving a taste of, as accurately as we can, what we remember it being like.”
The 70’s
The vintage clothes, the vernacular and even the television shows and magazines lying around the house…The Kids Are alright producers did not miss a beat in capturing the 1970’s era.
We got to see wardrobe with costume designer Susan Michalek. The collection of clothes needed for a show with 10 principal actors is huge.
“Michalek: We need so much that what we really get from is all the rental houses in L.A (Los Angeles). ABC has a costume house, Warner Brothers has a costume house, and then there are some private ones too. There are about eight or ten in L.A. Their buildings are the size of football fields and really high with racks of clothing where we go get most of it.”
The Kids Are Alright is all about conjuring up the nostalgia one feels when going home. None of this happened by accident. Extensive research was done to insure that the Cleary home was filled with just the right furniture, knick–knacks and even the wall hangings.
“Didol: We actually lucked out with a couple of estate sales. We literally took this whole drapery rig right out of the house as is, and it is so fragile that I couldn’t get it dry cleaned and we’re going to just see how long it lasts… But we really do try to do our due diligence, finding things that were from the right period.”
On tonight’s episode, Peggy sees an opportunity to put Eddie’s Girlfriend through a test before letting her into the Cleary family circle on an all-new episode of ABC’s ‘The Kids Are Alright, Tuesday, November 13.
Peggy’s Day Out-To hide a mess Eddie made, his girlfriend, Wendi, tries to distract Peggy by insisting she take a day off with a fun day out while they take care of the housework. To everyone’s surprise, Peggy accepts the offer and requests Wendi tag along, with the ulterior motive of teaching her a lesson. Meanwhile, Eddie enlists the help of his brothers to clean up and keep Mike out of the house while Wendi and Peggy are out. Elsewhere, Pat introduces Timmy to his secret dog on “The Kids Are Alright,” TUESDAY, NOV. 13 (8:31-9:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.
Follow along on social:
Facebook: @TheKidsAreAlrightABC
Twitter: @TheKidsABC
Instagram: @thekidsarealrightabc
Hashtag: #TheKidsAreAlright
Make sure to watch The Kids are Alright on ABC. It came out on October 16, 2018 and airs Tuesdays at 8:30|7:30c on ABC; also available streaming and on demand.
2018/11/13
Interview with #DWTS Pros : Gleb Savchenko, Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten
Thank you to Disney and ABC for inviting me to Los Angeles on an all-expense paid trip, in exchange for coverage of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms and the #ABCTVEVENT event. I was hosted by Disney for the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent and given the opportunity to Interview with #DWTS Pros but all opinions are my own.
Have you watched Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) or Dancing with the Stars Juniors (DWTS juniors) and thought to yourself, “I can do that?”
Yeah, me neither. You all know I trip over my own feet and let’s be honest, I’m dangerous. People can get hurt… most likely me!
READ ALSO: Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Movie
Due to the break heard around the Internet, consequently I pretty much dance like Elaine Benes and Frankenstein had a sweet little pirate baby. It’s not graceful or pretty.
Photo Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin
But a couple weeks ago, I was invited to Los Angeles by Disney for the Nutcracker and the Four Realms red carpet premiere event and the bonus was a session at Pro Dance L.A. owned by Gleb Savchenko and his wife, Elena Samodanova. Located at 744 N Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA,90046 and offers classes to dancers of all ages.
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you”
I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing “Dancing with the Stars” pros and “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” mentors Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten and Gleb Savchenko. Most noteworthy, about that dance lesson, I’ll write more about that in another post but let’s just say, most noteworthy, there’s video!
Photo Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin
My girls are dancers. First of all, they’ve been dancing ballet since they were 2-years-old. Consequently, they love it and they work hard at it. As a result, they were very excited that I would have the chance to interview Gleb, Alan and Brandon. I was impressed by the words of inspiration these pros had for young dancers.
Photo Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin
Interview with #DWTS Pros; Gleb Savchenko, Alan Bersten and Brandon Armstrong
Above all, what messages would each of you give to young dancers who are following their dance dreams?
Brandon Armstrong: Never give up.
Gleb Savchenko: Never give up. Just push forward and you know, anything is possible.
Alan Bersten: If you can dream it, you can achieve it.
Gleb Savchenko: I grew up in Moscow with no money in literally one-bedroom apartment with my parents and I do the most amazing show in the whole world. So, just dream and work really hard. Never give up. Don’t let anybody push you down. You know, stand your ground and just, just pour your soul and heart into what you do.
Alan Bersten: I think that’s beautiful. I think if you’re passionate about it, no one can stop you. If anyone is passionate about anything, no matter what, they’re going to be stubborn about it. And I think that’s actually one of the best qualities you can have them especially in a dancer because there’s a lot of nos before you get a yes.
Brandon Armstrong: I think that it is so important to be unique.
Alan Bersten: But be unique, especially all you kids out there, be unique. Don’t look at somebody else and say I want to be Gleb. You know, take all the things that you think are great about him and develop yourself but still be yourself. Be unique.
How do you teach kids about failure?
Alan Bersten: I think if the kid knows that they’re doing their best nothing else matters. I grab that for myself and it’s great to know that if you do try your hardest and you feel like you did your best, nothing else should matter.
Gleb Savchenko: Sometimes for kids it’s really hard because they’re kids. My daughter, she’s going to be eight. She dances but she’s not really into it. You have to really want it. You have to be inside of you, there has to be that competitive feeling.
My girls are ballet dancers. How would you recommend I encourage my daughters and build up their self-esteem?
Gleb Savchenko: This is a good question. That’s a really good question. Just tell her to keep doing what she is doing and try really hard. It’s never always a number one, number two and number three. There is a process of becoming someone. And through that process, you have a lot of down times, a lot of failures, and a lot of losses. Before I won a competition, I lost five years.
Alan Bersten: I think that struggle is what really builds the character and the willpower.
Gleb Savchenko: It builds your character. It builds the want and the willpower.
Alan Bersten: If you can make it through that struggle, that’s when you know you want to do it.
Brandon Armstrong: I grew up doing the same thing. I grew up as a studio rat. I would be in the studio 10 hours, two hours of jazz, two hours of ballet and I would just get pounded all day long. The thing that my dad used to tell me that everybody else, all the people that I looked up to whether it was Misty Copeland in the ballet world or Travis Smalls in the contemporary world or hip-hop, whatever it was, they did the same thing.
Nobody gets to cut corners in this industry, especially if you want to be elite. If you want to be great at what you do, nobody can cut corners. My dad was a little bit more tough love. He was a colonel in the military. He’d to be like “you’ve got to suck it up because all the people that you’re looking up to did the same thing. It’s time for you to decide if you want to do it or if you don’t. And realize that everybody’s working hard.
Finally, did you ever have a teacher who told you that you couldn’t succeed? What would you tell a child who has been told that they can’t do something?
Gleb Savchenko: I was doing gymnastics since I was five until I was eight and I grew really quickly and that’s exactly what my trainer came to my parents, actually my grandma, and said he’s going to be too tall. Take him out.
Brandon Armstrong: Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. This guy just got drafted in the NFL and he has no arm. He’s leading the league in picks. There are ways for you to be unique and to make it happen.
Alan Bersten: If someone tells you that you can’t do it, that’s when you prove them wrong.
Brandon Armstrong: Then, above all figure it out. You can be the atypical version of what you do.
Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” airs Sundays at 8|7c on The ABC Television Network or streaming or on the app. / “Dancing with the Stars” airs Mondays at 8|7c on The ABC Television Network or streaming or on the app.
READ ALSO: Exclusive interview with Misty Copeland
You can follow Pro Dance LA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, too, for more info! There is also a YouTube page for both DWTS and DWTS: Juniors HERE.
‘DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE! – A NIGHT TO REMEMBER HITS THE ROAD THIS WINTER DANCING ACROSS AMERICA To buy tickets to the DWTS Tour coming to a city near you: dwtstour.com #DWTSTour
All New Show to Feature “Dancing with the Stars” Season 27 Dancers Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev, Val Chmerkovskiy, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, Sasha Farber, Alan Bersten, Jenna Johnson, Brandon Armstrong and More!
TV’s biggest dance show returns on tour this winter with “Dancing with the Stars: Live! – A Night to Remember” Kicking off December 15th in Columbia, SC, the show will feature fan-favorite professional and troupe dancers in a brand-new production showcasing every type of dance style as seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, ranging from ballroom and jazz to modern and hip-hop. Choreographed and creative directed by Emmy© Award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore and Dancing with the Stars Executive Producer Ashley Edens-Shaffer, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, glamour and glitz they see in the ballroom every Monday night live in theatres in their hometowns.
The tour delivers a spectacular night of show-stopping dance performances from world-renowned dancers including Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Jenna Johnson, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, Hayley Erbert and Britt Stewart, with more surprise casting to be announced.
Tickets for “Dancing with the Stars: Live!” are on sale now. To purchase tickets and to get the full list of tour dates, please visit dwtstour.com. VIP packages will be available through VIPNation.com, giving fans the chance to purchase premium tickets, meet and greet opportunities with the cast, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities.
My Interview with #DWTS Pros; Gleb Savchenko, Alan Bersten and Brandon Armstrong was a day I’ll never forget.
2018/11/09
Exclusive Interview with Misty Copeland: Chatting with Disney’s Ballerina
Thank you to Disney and ABC for inviting me to Los Angeles on an all-expense paid trip, in exchange for coverage of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms event. I was hosted by Disney for the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent and given the opportunity to interview Misty Copeland but all opinions are my own.
Last week at this time, I was interviewing Misty Copeland. Just so you know, I felt like I was floating above my own body and could not believe that I was in the same room with such an inspirational and empowering woman who is not only a game changer in her field but an advocate for change for girls and women everywhere. More than that, she is my little girls’ personal shero.
READ ALSO: Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms Movie Review
I can honestly say that Misty Copeland was one of the most gracious and authentic people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. On top of all of this, I had had the opportunity to ask her a question that my daughter really wanted me to ask. Her answer was pure inspiration.
Exclusive Interview with Misty Copeland
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
How Misty Copeland got involved with The Nutcracker and the Four Realms:
They reached out to me which was kind of shocking. I’m not an Actress but I understand the Nutcracker connection, clearly. It was like a really organic fit and they were just really open about letting me kind of take the lead. They’re like, we don’t know Ballet, this isn’t our world so please teach us. We’re going to entrust that you’re gonna have the right team.
They allowed me to choose a choreographer so I selected Liam Scarlet. He’s a Choreographer in Residence for the Royal Ballet in London and I had worked with him before.
When they brought the idea to me, it was based on the book, the Nutcracker Book. It wasn’t based on the Nutcracker Ballet so there was no Ballet in this version of the story. They were like we can’t do the Nutcracker and not have Ballet in it, so they created this Character for me, the Ballerina Princess just as a way to have ballet in it. I’m the storyteller so it’s like a performance within the movie to share the story of the four realms and tell it to Clara. It’s awesome.
READ ALSO: Exclusive Interview with Mackenzie Foy
Was there a specific piece of choreography that you were taught by a Choreographer that made it click for you that you wanted to dance professionally? And what was it?
I don’t know if there was a step. I feel like the first ballet class that I took was on a basketball court at the Boys/Girls Club in San Pedro, California. I don’t want to say that I hated it but it was not something I thought I was gonna do. I think all the other kids that were also coming from underprivileged backgrounds like me and none of them had danced. They were all older. I was 13.
But they all had their gear on, whatever it was. They had leggings or tights and I was in these baggy basketball shorts and socks and I was like, this just isn’t right. It just doesn’t feel right.
I think it wasn’t until the first time that I was taken on scholarship into the local ballet school and I put on the pink tights and the leotard and I could see myself in front of the mirror. That’s when it clicked, I felt beautiful for the first time in my life. I felt right. I felt like everything. Who knows if it was actual reality but in my mind, being a black young girl, being super skinny with long legs and these massive feet, big hands and little head, of which everything was just wrong in the real world. I stepped into the studio and it was like Oh, everything is exactly right. These are the proportions and I was just like woah! It gave me such power and confidence like I’d never experienced before.
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
What advice would you give a girl who desires to be a professional dancer but is told she is starting late?
I feel like, first of all, if you like it do your research. I think the majority of like the greatest ballet dancers all started after the age of 13, which is kind of crazy. I think that it’s just proof that it’s not about that. I understand the reason that they (the ballet schools) like to start you out before you hit puberty, it’s so that they can really mold the body and it (movements) becomes second nature. You know because the ballet technique is so detailed, that once you get to the level of a Professional dancer, there are so many other things you’re thinking about that you can’t be thinking about technique.
You’re learning Choreography for up to 10 Ballets in a week that you’re performing. You’re growing as an artist and becoming a character. There’s so much to think about and that’s why we start so young. But it’s possible. I think that it’s about what you do with the time that you’re in the studio. I was taking 3 to 4 classes a day, just trying to catch up. But I think with the right support and the right will and push. If you’re working with a teacher that’s telling you that you can’t do it, then you need to go somewhere else. It’s possible to be anything you want to be, if you have someone that supports you and if you have representation to look at.
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The Nutcracker and The Four Realms with Misty Copeland – In Theatres Playing Everywhere Now!
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
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2018/11/06
Christopher Robin Blu Ray Movie and Bonus Features Review
Thank you to Disney and ABC for inviting me to Los Angeles on an all-expense paid trip, in exchange for coverage of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms and the #ChristopherRobinBluRay event. I was hosted by Disney for the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent and given the opportunity to preview Christopher Robin on Blu Ray but all opinions are my own.
In Disney’s heartwarming live-action adventure, the young boy who shared countless adventures with his stuffed animal friends in the Hundred Acre Wood has grown up and lost sight of what’s important in life. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin rediscover the joys of family life, the value of friendship and to appreciate the simple pleasure in life once again.
Doing Nothing often Leads to the Very Best Kind of Something -Winnie the Pooh
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. The producers are Brigham Taylor and Kristin Burr, with Renée Wolfe and Jeremy Johns serving as executive producers. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Keith Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.
READ ALSO: A picnic with Pooh and Tigger Too; Interview with Jim Cummings
Bringing the Iconic Characters to Life
A great deal of care also went into their creation, with special attention being paid to Winnie the Pooh’s tummy (to make sure it had the proper cuddle factor), to Tigger’s expressions (so he could eff effectively register surprise, anger and bewilderment) and to Eeyore (to make sure he had the proper amount of sag).
Disney legend Richard M. Sherman, “There’s something sentimental and sweet and nostalgic about Pooh. He’s like your childhood buddy, who we sometimes forget about when we get older, but when he finds out that Christopher Robin is in a bit of trouble, he comes back to remind him what it’s like to have an imagination and to have wonderful times together doing nothing.” “I think Pooh will be around for the next 200 years because he is so special and so dear,” he says. “There will always be people rediscovering Winnie the Pooh or finding about him for the first time.”
Watching the movie, I fell in love with these characters from my childhood all over again. They seemed more real to me than they ever had before. They became tangible; not just apparitions of my own imagination but walking, talking, living and breathing embodiments of childhood. This was also the way my daughters and my husband felt after seeing the movie.
Humor
One of the most endearing parts of Christopher Robin was the humor. Though it tackles many serious topics, it does so with levity and love. It tells the story on a very basic, human level that people of all ages cannot only comprehend but embrace. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
“When you are able to make people laugh and cry in the same movie and you are able to tell the story with integrity and ground it in reality and have the magic realism on top of it, it lifts your spirits and connects you with the people you love,” says Forster.
And this is a story Forster believes has never been more relevant. “I think it’s something we desperately need in the world,” he says. “We could all use a little bit of Pooh’s heart and wisdom right now.”
Family
Christopher Robin reminds us of the importance of family, in all of its forms and for all of our lives. You never outgrow the ones you love and who knew you before you became who you were meant to be; the ones who love you unconditionally.
Finding someone to personify an adult Christopher Robin posed a unique challenge for the filmmakers. The boy forever immortalized in E.H. Shepard’s iconic illustration sitting with his best friend on their thinking log has grown into a loving husband and father and a hard-working employee at Winslow Luggage, but the burdens that come with adulthood have caused him to forget the good times of his youth and he has lost sight of the person he once was. I think Ewan McGregor was the perfect choice Christopher Robin.
Hayley Atwell (“Howards End,” ABC’s “Agent Carter”) was cast as Evelyn Robin. A fictitious character married to Christopher Robin, she personifies home and love and holds the family together. “They were very happy at the beginning of their marriage, but she sees him becoming a workaholic and losing that connection with his family.”
Bronte Carmichael plays Madeline Robin, the bright nine-year-old who, much like her father, has a passion for make-believe. She wants nothing more than to have her father read to her every night before she goes to bed, but he wants her focused on her studies.
“Madeline is a very serious girl at the beginning of our story and really wants to please her father, studying very hard all the time,” says Forster. “She is prepared to go to boarding school, but what she really wants is to stay home with her family.”
When Madeline comes across a box belonging to her father with a drawing of Pooh and his friends along with other keepsakes from the Hundred Acre Wood, it gives her a glimpse into his childhood for the first time. “Times were different then, and so was the way people related to their kids,” says McGregor. “You can see that she wants love from him in a way that isn’t just him providing for the family, and that’s what the story is about really, and by the end of the film he is able to give her that.”
I Always Get to Where I’m Going By Walking Away From Where I’ve Been. -Winnie the Pooh

Imagination and Play
Disney’s “Christopher Robin” brings the timeless charm and nostalgia of A.A. Milne’s stories and characters to the big screen in an imaginative tale about the joy and purity of youth. Speaking to the child in all of us, the film is a gentle reminder to let some of those qualities infuse our adult lives.
“Translating a lovely, simple story with an uncomplicated, targeted message into a feature film can make one’s own life a better experience for the effort,” says director Marc Forster. “The simpler things in life are, indeed, often those that make us the happiest. And in ‘Christopher Robin’ we see a man who has lost sight of that which tethered him to humanity in broad strokes, and who is reminded of his better self through reconnecting to his childhood, his own imagination and to a love of wonder. In so reconnecting to his own better spirit, he finds his way back to the loves of his life, his wife and daughter, and for that, his life is enriched. All for remembering that the simpler things in life are not to be left behind or forgotten.”
“Life goes by so fast, but hopefully this film will remind people to take a look at their own lives and re-evaluate how they spend their time…and with who,” says Forster.
There’s Always Time for a Smackeral of Wonder. -Winnie the Pooh
The fun-filled tale features A.A. Milne’s timeless characters from the Hundred Acre Wood—Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl—making their first appearance as three-dimensional characters who remind Christopher Robin, and viewers of all ages, to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
READ ALSO: Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Red Carpet Experience
Bonus features included with Disney’s Christopher Robin BluRay provide a heartfelt look at the making of the movie, showcasing the magical artistry that brings the classic characters to life, the human actors’ techniques for interacting with stuffed animals, and the filmmakers’ passion for their project. Bronte Carmichael, who plays Christopher Robin’s daughter Madeline, takes viewers on an exciting journey from the drawing board to film locations throughout the United Kingdom. Features flashback to highlight Walt Disney’s fondness for Winnie the Pooh and recall the voice actors who lovingly portrayed the unforgettable voice of the iconic character. An exclusive digital bonus feature explores the actual teddy bear, given to Christopher Robin Milne 98 years ago, which inspired the original Pooh stories that have been shared and adored by families around the globe.
Christopher Robin Blu-Ray Bonus Features
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
- In Which … A Movie Is Made for Pooh– Filmmakers and cast share their passion for this story in a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie.
- In Which … Pooh Finds His Voice– Discover what it’s like to voice Winnie the Pooh, from voice actors Sterling Holloway to Jim Cummings.
- In Which … Pooh and Walt Become Friends– How did Walt Disney and Pooh meet? Take a journey through time to explore the legacy of Walt’s first encounter with Pooh.
- In Which … Pooh and Friends Come to Life– See how Winnie the Pooh and Friends were brought to life as walking and talking stuffed animals in this magical live-action world.
EXCLUSIVE DIGITAL BONUS FEATURE:
- In Which … We Were Very Young– Meet the actual, original teddy bear who, along with his best friends, has inspired so much love worldwide for almost a century.
BRING HOME DISNEY’S CHRISTOPHER ROBIN ON BLU-RAY NOVEMBER 6th!
2018/11/06
A Picnic with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too Interview with Jim Cummings
Thank you to Disney and ABC for inviting me to Los Angeles on an all-expense paid trip, in exchange for coverage of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms and the #ChristopherRobinBluRay event. I was hosted by Disney for the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent and given the opportunity to interview the voice acting legend, Jim Cummings but all opinions are my own.
On Day 2 of my recent trip to Los Angeles with Disney, in honor of the release of Christopher Robin on Blu-ray, I was magically transported to 100 Acre Wood aka the beautiful Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. There I had the pleasure of attending a Friendsgiving picnic with 24 other bloggers and legendary voice actor, Jim Cummings. Yes, I had a picnic in the woods with Winnie the Pooh, and Tigger, too!

Disney’s Christopher Robin (available November 6th).
We dined al fresco at a long rustic table, sheltered by a large weeping willow with a magical door. Everything was perfect. It felt like a fairy tale. It was the perfect kind of day for the perfect picnic in the 100 Acre Wood.
Jim Cummings arrived and was seated at the head of the table. He is an amazing storyteller and I could listen to him talk for days. His comical one-liners, flipping back in forth between Pooh and Tigger were only outshone by his gracious and warm personality. He really is what I would imagine Winnie the Pooh in human form to be.
Photo credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
Jim Cummings has been Winnie the Pooh since 1987 and Tigger since 1989/1990. Yet, he still finds the magic. He told us he still tries to experience the movies as an outsider.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Jim Cummings in 100 Acre Wood and it was absolutely magical.
Since we were there to celebrate the release of Disney’s Christopher Robin on Blu-ray we asked Jim his first impression of being a part of the film.
I thought it was a great idea. What if Christopher Robin grew up and, and turned into a person and got stuck working like the rest of us. Now what? It was just so magical. And, you know, Pooh and the gang went out there and kinda saved him. Kind of returned the favor after all those waterfalls that he saved us from. (he said with a laugh) So, it’s great.
I had a question that I was dying to ask Jim and I got the opportunity to ask the legend himself. Of all the Disney characters you’ve ever done, which one do you relate to the most, and why?
Probably Tigger. Darkwing Duck maybe. Because I am the terror that flaps in the night. I don’t know if you knew that. But, they’re all Disney characters now, aren’t they? I like Hondo Ohnaka from Star Wars Clone Wars. And honestly, Ray from Princess and the Frog is one of my favorites of all-time.
I don’t know. I guess I have like five. It’s like which of your five kids are your favorite? Well, all five, you know.
Jim wasn’t always Winnie the Pooh. He took over for the original voice of Pooh, legendary voice actor, Sterling Halloway. He told us about that one time he unexpectedly stumbled upon his predecessor at a restaurant.
Before I was in this business many moons ago, Sterling Holloway, God bless him, he retired and he moved to Laguna Beach. We (my wife and I) were sitting down. And I was sittin’ down there with my wife, and we thought nobody was in the restaurant. And the waitress walks over to a corner — to somebody we couldn’t see in the booth and said, have you decided what you would like to have for lunch? Well, yes, I believe I’ll have the chowder. (in a Pooh voice)
So I had to get up and, and walk across the room, and there he was. God bless him. He was so cool. And I regret to this day that I didn’t go up and go…I don’t know I would’ve said. You’re Winnie the Pooh. What do you say?] You know, and now people do that to me.
What’s your favorite Winnie the Pooh quote?
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
A special thank you to Disney and Jim Cummings, for a magical day full of pixie dust and a one of a kind picnic with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too in the 100 Acre Wood. Who knew one of my childhood dreams would come true?
Christopher Robin will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and more on November 6.

2018/11/05
Exclusive Interview with Mackenzie Foy; Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Clara
Thank you to Disney and ABC for inviting me to Los Angeles on an all-expense paid trip, in exchange for coverage of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms event. I was hosted by Disney for the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent and given the opportunity to interview Mackenzie Foy but all opinions are my own.
Last week at this time, I was being whisked away to the infamous Roosevelt hotel where I had the pleasure of interviewing Mackenzie Foy, Clara in Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms. She was absolutely as sweet, kind and charming as you could imagine. She is such a smart and poised young lady.
READ ALSO: My Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Red Carpet Experience
Mackenzie Foy is a very talented young actress; turning 18 on November 10. Happy birthday, Mackenzie! I loved her in Twilight and The Conjuring but she really shines in Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms!
Exclusive Interview with Mackenzie Foy
How does it feel to be a classical holiday character now?
It’s really fun. What’s beautiful about the Nutcracker that it’s such a beloved story throughout many, many years, so it’s really, really, really fun to be able to play a character that so many people all over the world can relate to and have this childhood connection from seeing the ballet when they were young, and I think that’s really important to be able to do.
What was it like to get the call that you were gonna be Clara in the movie?
It was really exciting. So I was actually in the shower and doing my hair when my mom ran in, and she was like, ‘the director’s on the phone’. I was like, oh my gosh, okay, and so I put a towel on and I answered and the director was like, ‘would you be our Clara?’ I was like, oh my goodness, yes. Thank you so much. And he’s like, all right, see you in a couple weeks.
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
Can you tell us about the interview process?
The audition process was actually quite long. It was about two months, which isn’t really, really long, but it is more than usual. And it was really fun. Once I did a screen test, they flew me to London to do it in full costume- hair and makeup; a partial set; real camera, it was like, oh my goodness. I didn’t really have too many details about the story of the character when I first got the audition. I just knew that it was a British character and that immediately piqued my interest.
Talking about stunts on Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms
I actually did a lot of stunts and stuff, which was really fun. I did horse training, which was awesome, and I went to this place- it’s called The Devil’s Horseman; they’re film horses, and so they’re proper stunt people. It was really, really cool being with these horses. It’s what you think of, the English countryside – that’s what it looked like there. So it was actually amazing training outside on these beautiful horses. It was crazy.
READ ALSO: Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Movie Review
What was your favorite realm in the film?
Which realm? It’s everchanging. Right now I really love the Land of Snowflakes just because it’s very blue and shiny, and very sparkly because it’s still kinda hot here. I’m dying for winter weather and winter cool.
What was your favorite Clara costume to wear?
I wear quite a few costumes in the film which was really, really fun. They were all handmade- all very, very intricate, which is really amazing. But I really love the purple party dress because that one has a bustle- and it’s really fun. Actually, I have a couple bustles in the film. I have a proper cage and then I have a bum pad.
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
More on costuming and makeup
It was very beautiful, but there’s a lot of detail that went into the costume design, from the tights to the shoes, to the many skirt layers, and the bodices, and the corset. So I have a very high respect for all of the costumes, and also they have kind of a different character to them, They kind of go with Clara’s evolution, which I really like.
I don’t really wear a lot of makeup in the film, just a little bit of concealer if I have a pimple or something. Then hair wise, it would vary, and there’s a couple of looks that took – I’m bald from wrapping my hair around wires and stuff. But there’s all the twisting with the braids and all that kinda stuff. The hair and makeup team was really, really amazing, and I loved talking to them every morning. I really enjoyed going in there because that’s kinda like a time you get to just sit and talk, and see how everybody’s doing. The actors coming in and out, and you talk to the hair and makeup people, and it was just really fun every morning.
What is your favorite scene in the film and why?
Misty Copeland performs a dance scene in this, and it’s really, really quite beautiful. What’s really cool, because you guys are gonna see it tonight, the sets in that scene, well, in a lot of the scenes in the film, were real. So when she’s in the trailers, you see she’s walking through and this castle pops up, and the flowers open in the ground. Those were real. Those are real people really making it all work. And so that’s actually a really cool thing about that.
And if you look in the background behind, the chairs, all of the extras are color-coded, and so they had an ombre effect. Wrapped around the set was this canvas of night sky, and they actually poked giant holes in it and then shone lights behind it so it looked like stars. And so the sets in this film are very, very intricate, and that one was one of my favorites just because it was so beautiful.
What advice do you have for young girls that look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
As for young girls, I hope they see this film, and I hope they see that Clara is unapologetically herself. That even though she’s this young inventor in her time period, it wasn’t really socially acceptable, but she still says – This is who I am. This is what I love to do, and I’m gonna do it. And I hope they see that and know you can do that. You can be interested in science. You can be in interested in mechanics. And you can still wear dresses and like those kinds of things.
What was it like working with Morgan Freeman? He seems like a father figure, so what was that like?
He’s a really nice guy. He’s very joyous and has a very fun sense of humor, so it was really fun just getting to know him and getting to talk to him, and seeing what he was like.
Can you tell us what a typical day would look like for shooting?
Yes. A typical day of filming – putting on the costumes and playing and working with them which was really fun. The set on this film- the cast and crew- everyone was really, really nice, so it was really fun, and very happy environment. I actually still keep in contact with a lot of the crew. It was really amazing.
There was a lot of young women in the crew, and so we all go along really, really well, and we’d talk about our shows that we watched on the weekend, and all of that stuff. If you’re a kid, you still have to do school – because of my age, I have three to five hours of a school a day. Whenever there was downtime, if they had to change the cameras and stuff like that, I would go and do schoolwork.
How does being the main character different from being a supporting character?
Well, every character, no matter how big or small has its own challenges because they’re all unique, and you have to do the research in order to properly create them. But I would say with Clara, and her being a main role, there was definitely- this is the story- it follows my character, so I have to make sure that everything is in line.
I have to make sure the past is in my head, and I have to make sure I know where she’s going. So with the bigger part, you have to go more in detail to all those things, especially how they relate to every single character in the film.
Do you see this film as being one of those traditional holiday movies that families will continue to watch every year?
Well, I definitely hope it is something that people want to see every year. I think the film really captures the spirit of the holiday season -when it starts to be cold, and you just have that joyous feeling. I think it really captures that, and I think it also has elements of the book and the ballet to where if you are older, you have seen it many times, you have that nostalgic feeling, but it also has kind of a new twists and turns, and so it kind of brings in the younger and all ages. It kind of brings everyone in together to watch it. So I hope that families like it, and that they go and see it every year.
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
Mackenzie Foy is an amazing young lady who plays a strong, independent Clara who will inspire little girls for years to come.
Be on the lookout for my next interview with Misty Copeland who plays the ballerina in Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
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2018/11/04
Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Movie Review
Attending Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Red Carpet experience gave me memories that will last a lifetime! I was hosted by Disney for the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent but all opinions are my own.
This week, not only did I get to attend the red carpet world premiere of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms, I got to see one of my most anticipated movies of the year for me. I won’t post any spoilers in this post because I want you to go see it and experience it the way I did with no preconceived notions. Below is my Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms Movie Review.
I will say that Christmas came early this year for my girls because Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms hits theaters today!
Let me start by saying that as a long time Nutcracker ballet aficionado, my expectations were high. I knew it would be different because one is a movie and one is a ballet. In a movie, you obviously have the luxury of using your words and in ballet, you only have your body as your means of expression.
READ ALSO: Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms A Must Say for Ballet Dancers
I didn’t know if Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms was going to be based on the ballet or the book. But I was excited to find out. I can now tell you that Disney’s Nutcracker is not based on the ballet, though there are elements of the ballet peppered within. It is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms Movie is rated PG and aside from a few Nutcracker Battle scenes it is very light. Safe for most children, in my mom opinion.

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Official Synopsis
All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.
Reasons Why You Should See Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
The Four Realms
Unlike the ballet that only has three realms, the move has four realms. The land of sweets, the land of snow, the land of flowers and a mystery land but you’ll have to go see the movie to see what the mystery is. All the lands are different and beautiful in their own way.
The Ballet
The Nutcracker would not be the Nutcracker for most without some ballet so fear not because not only did Disney bring the ballet they brought the best, Misty Copeland. If you’ve never seen Misty Copeland dance the Nutcracker, this is a definite bonus of seeing Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms. Ms. Copeland’s dancing inspires and delights.
Scenery
If you are a fan of the ballet, the scenery will not disappoint. One of my favorite things about seeing the production in the theater is the transformation of a stage into the land of sweets. Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms does not disappoint. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and transformative, transporting you through time and space. Crisp white snow falling against the colorful backdrops in the Nutcracker movie is cinematically breathtaking.
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Costumes
The costumes were beautiful and vibrant, each one a perfect reflection of the character wearing it. If you are familiar with the Nutcracker ballet you will see a lot of familiar costumes which will leave you with that warm fuzzy feeling of nostalgia that we all associate with the Nutcracker.
The Sugar Plum Fairy
Keira Knightley with her cotton candy hair, baby voice and bubbly personality gave me a whole new perspective of who the Sugar Plum Fairy really is. She will make you laugh but don’t be fooled, she is definitely more than just a pretty face.
Plot Twist
After seeing the movie, I can tell you this, expect the unexpected. Expect for your eyes to be dazzled by the beautiful imagery, your heart to swell with a new twist on a classic tale and your ears to find familiarity even amongst the exciting twists and turns that only Disney magic can provide.
Mackenzie Foy
Mackenzie Foy, to me, is the perfect Clara. A Clara for a new generation of girls to look up to. Not only is she what we’ve all imagined Clara to look like our entire lives, but she is also simultaneously a plot twist; an enigma wrapped up in a mystery. She may at first glance appear delicate but she is strong, self-assured, confident, smart and not afraid to face her fears. Not afraid to be the change, not afraid to say no and find her own way. She embodies everything we hope our little girls see in themselves and I think by seeing Mackenzie in such a strong, inspirational role they will.
Without giving away the ending for you, especially if you are a fan of the ballet, I really want you to watch Disney’s the Nutcracker with fresh eyes and an open mind. Pretend it is the first time you’ve ever seen the Nutcracker and enjoy every single moment. While it definitely pays homage to the classic, it stands alone as a new classic. You will want to watch this over and over again. It’s the movie you will watch with your children and your children’s children.
READ ALSO: The Nutcracker’s Tiniest Soldier
It’s heartwarming in all the best ways and recognizable enough to pull at your heartstrings with nostalgia. Just remember, and this is all I am saying, there is a plot twist from what you’ve known of the ballet and it’s more than just Mother Ginger. So go see it for yourself and expect the unexpected and them let me know what you think of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
I just saw it but you can believe that tonight, I’ll be seeing it with my girls. They’ve been texting me and begging me to tell them all about it since I saw it but I want them to experience the magic of Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms all for themselves and I can’t wait to be there to see their reactions. If you see it or take your children, I’d love to hear your reactions and what your children thought. Please leave them in the comments section. And if you see it, what was your favorite part? Why?
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS opens in theatres everywhere on November 2nd!
Follow #DisneysNutcracker on Social Media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneysNutcracker
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If your kids love the movie, as much as I think mine will, these Disneys the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Coloring sheets are loads of fun to color.
2018/11/02
My Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Red Carpet Experience
Attending Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms Red Carpet experience gave me memories that will last a lifetime! This post is sponsored by Disney for the #DisneysNutcrackerEvent but all opinions are my own.
On Monday, October 29^th, I had the privilege and honor of attending my first ever red carpet event and it was for a movie that I have been waiting over a year to see, Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms. It was more than I could ever have imagined.
The Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms Red Carpet Premiere was held at the El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles. I honestly am still having a hard time believing this is my life. It felt surreal. Today, I will be sharing my very own exclusive Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms Red Carpet Experience, complete with all the behind the scenes stuff I did to prepare for my first red carpet experience and photos of the things and people I saw.
READ ALSO: Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms a MUST see for Ballet Dancers
The event began like any other day, just kidding, it began like no other day of my life. It began with getting dressed in my fanciest red carpet outfit. I needed something worthy of such an event. The occasion clearly called for sparkles and a wow factor. This was not a test folks, this was the real thing. I dressed up like the inner Nutcracker princess that I’ve always been.
I chose a Morgan and Company fit and flare silhouette, sequined lace cocktail dress from Macys. It had a halter neckline and just a small hem of tulle in merlot. It was perfect. Shades of red remind me of the holidays and the holidays have always meant the Nutcracker to my family. I paired that beautiful merlot gown with a pair of gorgeous Cassiaa Peep-Toe Wedge Pumps in Platino. I felt elegant, beautiful and even a little magical as I left a little glitter everywhere I went.
Photo Credit: Disney/ Alex J. Berliner
As if all this was not magical enough, we headed to the Ray Dolby ballroom which had been ethereally transformed into the Four Realms. Guests were greeted by sparkly twinkle lights hung from floor to ceiling against a hanging black backdrop, majestic towers of lollipops as far as the eye could see and beautiful people just as excited to see Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms as I was. It was stunning and invigorating. The energy of the crowd and the anticipation was palpable.
Being greeted by jugglers on stilts wielding flowers and neon colored juggling pins gave the room a whimsical feel. There were crafts for the kids to build their very own snow globes and candy stations provided by Ziploc. Funky Hair was on site giving anyone who was interested a Nutcracker-inspired hairstyle makeover. You know me, I went all in and got a Nutcracker and the Four Realms inspired hairstyle, complete with candies, snowflakes and glitter. How could I not?
OPI was also providing manicures using the new Nutcracker and the Four Realms color sets for anyone who wanted them, as well. The new colors are absolutely breathtaking. I have the collection and have been wearing a different color since I returned home.
Photo Credit: Disney/ Alex J. Berliner
The food provided by Wolfgang Puck was absolutely delicious. Comfort and delectability met to delight your taste buds and inspire your palette. A few of my favorites were the braised short rib grilled cheese, the miniature pot pies, individual macaroni and cheese and the squash tortellini. Can you say delicious? I probably would have eaten more had my jaw not kept dropping open when I found myself rubbing elbows with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. After all, it was my first red carpet event. I found it exciting to be in the same room with Misty Copeland, Mackenzie Foy, MORGAN FREEMAN and so many others.
Photo Credit: Disney/ Alex J. Berliner
READ ALSO: What’s so Special about the Nutcracker Ballet
In case you are wondering, I completely behaved myself. I didn’t obnoxiously bother anyone while they were eating or with their children to take a photo. But they were there and they were beautiful, and they were just like you and me, and that was exciting enough for this work from home ballerina mom.
Photo Credit: Disney/ Alex J. Berliner
Though, it was a little mind-blowing for me. I’m not normally one to fangirl but when you are 5 foot from a legend like Morgan Freeman, it’s hard not to get excited about it. I’ve grown up seeing this man perform in some of my favorite movies and there he was to my right, like anybody else, in a gorgeous purple blazer that was subliminally reminding me just how Hollywood royalty he really is. Don’t worry, I completely kept my cool, even if I was squeeing on the inside. I might have admired him for 3 minutes or so but I did it from a safe distance and didn’t embarrass myself.
I did however get this photo of me and Adina Porter. I have been a fan of hers for years from True Blood to Newsroom and now, American Horror Story. She was so kind and beautiful. Loved meeting one of my long-time favorite actresses.
The ambiance was electric and magical and I was definitely swept up. I felt like a princess. But it goes by fast so I had to keep reminding myself to stop, look around, breathe and take it all in. I wanted to soak every single second of that magic. It felt like trying to remember the details of an amazing dream that someone woke you too soon from. But that Disney magic, you can bask in that glow for some time. I’m still feeling pretty special from just attending.
After the party, we headed to the iconic El Capitan theater where I watched Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms from the second row while eating sugar plum popcorn, surrounded by all the movie’s stars and some of Hollywood’s most up and coming stars. Morgan Freeman and Mackenzie Foy were just a few rows back from me. I didn’t figure that out until I was going through my pictures from the event tonight. I was actually trying to capture a selfie of my hairstyle that Funky Hair had done to send to my daughters. Talk about a happy accident.
I know red carpet events might be something others do often but it was my first and Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms was simply magical in the most delightful ways. It was truly a Disney dream come true for this lifelong Disney fan. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Red Carpet Premiere is definitely a highlight of my career that I will never forget.
Photo Credit: Coralie Hughes Seright
I’m back home but I’m still scratching my head wondering, how is this my life? I walked the red carpet with the stars from what I am sure will become a new holiday classic that generations to come will watch with their children.
I highly recommend that you take your family to see the movie. Make it a new holiday family tradition. Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms in theaters everywhere, November 2nd.
Photo Credit: Disney/ Alex J. Berliner
Are you going to see Disney’s the Nutcracker and the Four Realms? With who and why?

2018/11/01
The Ever Changing Rules and Regulations of Being a Teen Girl
My oldest is 13-years-old. Where did the time go? They are growing up faster than I feel like I can let go. Pretty soon, they are going to have to pry themselves from my cold dead hands. Then they’ll still probably have to break them in order for me to release, I’m just holding on that hard.
But the Big Guy, for as liberal as he pretends to be, is going to have an even harder time than me. He’s actually told the girls that they can’t date until they are 18 and he.was.serious. I just laughed. I told him that’s what my dad said too but I started dating when I was 15. I just didn’t tell my dad. That’s not what I want for our girls so we’re all easing into it.
READ ALSO: My Daughter Loves Me
The kids at school are all pairing up. 13-years-old, for me, is a bit young to be paired up BUT I do remember being that age and having crushes. In fact, I think somewhere in 8^th grade is where I lost my mind and went completely boy crazy. At least that is what my 8th-grade diary would have me believe. #SoEmbarassing
Bella’s always been too involved with ballet to have time to care about boys. But recently, there has been KJ Apa, Cole Sprouse and Robert Pattinson screensavers where there once was unicorns. But apparently, this is the case for the entire eighth-grade girl population.
A couple weeks ago she was homesick and instead of binge watching funny fails on Youtube she binge-watched the entire Twilight series and can’t stop talking Jacob’s chest. Kiss/Kill/Marry is the new favorite pastime with the girls.
I just watch and listen and let them know that it’s all normal. I don’t encourage or discourage. I simply pay attention and try to guide them through these confusing times of hormones and puberty.
There have been a couple boys and I can tell by my daughter’s sheepish smile and sparkly eyes that these boys are as good as KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse. But I don’t push. I don’t want them to feel like I’m pushing them to like boys (or girls) but I also don’t want them to feel like I am holding them back. I want them to know that as long as they respect themselves and aren’t cruel to anyone, it’s their choice to make. It’s a natural part of growing up.
Obviously, they are too young to actually date anyone but I can’t stop them from growing up. I can’t stop them from having feelings or wanting to get to know someone better. I can only encourage them to do it in a respectful, honest and dignified way.
A few weeks ago, when I picked Bella up from school, she excitedly recounted the day’s events which to my surprise involved a certain young man who knows how to use his words. It was a dress-up day and this boy, very sweetly pulled up his pant legs to reveal to my daughter a pair of socks with hearts on them. Then, he says, “I wore these just for you, Bella.”
She turned 50 shades of red and changed the subject. I know this because it’s exactly what she did when she told me about it. She’s shy, especially in this situation. What new teen wouldn’t be? Though I’m not quite ready for this next phase, the story was very sweet.
She’s starting to embrace becoming a teen and all which that entails; the good, the bad and the terrible. She’s even looking forward to high school when just this past summer, she wasn’t. She really is growing up so fast.
I’d like to think it has something to do with our style of parenting; let them know your love is unconditional and you will always be there to listen with understanding ears and an open heart but really, I think we just got lucky with a couple of good girls.
READ ALSO: Girl You’ll be a Woman Soon
Just a few months ago, puberty was barely on the horizon, off in the not so far distance. But that milestone has come and gone. We’ve got puberty covered. Thanks to lots of reading, lots of remembering my own teen years, lots of understanding and Knixteen’s period proof underwear and bras. Things are different from when I was 13-years-old.
Apparently, the teen years are a roller coaster of emotions and feelings and parents and kids alike are strapped in for the duration. All we can do is hold on to one another and try to enjoy the ride together. Never stop talking and more importantly, never stop listening. You never know what you might hear or what they might need you to say.
I know these sweet moments of blushing and sparkly eyes are just the beginning of what will become her long, complicated and beautiful story. I just hope she writes it down somewhere so when she’s a mom, she can look back and remember she was once at the beginning when things were confusing and new and scary and that will help her have the patience and courage and love it takes to get back on that roller coaster with her own daughter.
2018/10/26