Disney BEAUTY & THE BEAST

The 1991 Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney animated film. I remember seeing it in the theater with my sister-in-law and being amazed at how real the library dance scene looked. Naturally, when I heard it was coming to the big screen as a live-action film, I was super excited.

Especially with it's all-star cast of actors like Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen, and Emma Thompson just to name a few.

Add the fact that Celine Dion is going to perform an original song "How Does a Moment Last Forever" for the film and I don't know if it can get any better.

I saw it twice in theaters during opening week.

Wait, there's something more...starting April 7th, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST fans will be able to sing along with their favorite characters when the “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” hits approximately 1,200 theaters nationwide! That's right, you can view the film with on-screen lyrics for several of the songs (as if you weren't already secretly singing along to yourself in your theater recliner seat eating sour patch kids).

Feel free to print of these activity sheets below to keep the Beauty and the Beast excitement flowing in your house. If you haven't seen this film yet (at least a couple times), what are you waiting for?!

 

Find BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and official website.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST opens in theaters everywhere on March 17, 2017.

#BeOurGuest

#BeautyAndTheBeast

GYM CHEAT

Does walking around in these heels for 8+ hours count as going to gym?

It's a workout sometimes, am I right ladies?!

UTAH IN SPRING

I love my state.

 Utah's capitol building is fabulous any time of year.

Add cherry blossoms in Spring

 and you have a fabulous sight.

 Bring your camera because you will want to document the enchanting walk through the tunnel of trees.

You can also drive a few blocks to temple square and enjoy colorful tulips 

and other brilliant flowers as you walk around the Salt Lake Temple.

 Spring time in Utah has got the BLOOM BLOOM WOW!

PS My jewelry is from Alex and Ani #obsessed.

NATIONAL PRO BBQ TOUR 2017

I had the opportunity to participate in part of the National Pro BBQ Tour presented Sam's Club and The Kansas City Barbeque Society.

The tour made a stop in Salt Lake City, UT this weekend.

 Great smells, tastes, and fun were shared by everyone who stopped in.

 The winners of this competition will move on to the next round in Las Vegas.

Find out more about the BBQ Tour here.

LDS GENERAL CONFERENCE

It's that semi-annual time of year when we head up to Salt Lake City, UT, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide General Conference.

 I had 3 tickets and invited my long-lost gal pals Aja and Michelle.

It was a great morning full of inspirational music, words, and great view of historic temple square across the street.

Find out more about General Conference here.

L'Oréal EverCurl

I had super naturally curly hair when I was younger. I then started to color and use heat styling on my hair and it is now less curly, but still wavy. I need product to help with my waves so I tried this Ever Curl from L'oreal. It smells great, helps with frizz, and won't make your hair greasy or stiff. Try it out to help tame your waves.

I received L'Oreal EVER products complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

The New DISNEY BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

I remember going to the theater with my sister-in-law in 1991 to see Disney's animated film Beauty and the Beast.  The library dance scene looked so unbelievably real. I was hooked on the movie and the music instantly.

You can only imagine my excitement when Disney announced a live-action adaptation of the Studio's animated classic. It is even more exciting to here the cast: Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast and as the Prince, Luke Evans as Gaston, Kevin Kline as Maurice, Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Stanley Tucci as Cadenza, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Audra McDonald as Garderobe, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts.

Throw in Ariana Grande and John Legend singing the Beauty and the Beast iconic song and this is sure to a hit that I am so excited to see when it opens in theaters everywhere on March 17, 2017.

Click here if that doesn't load to view on Youtube.

Check out BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the official movie website.

MIDWAY ICE CASTLES

I have been trying to see the ice castles in Midway for years, but the crazy winter weather seems to warm up before my visit date and melts the ice. However, this year, I made it!

The ice castles are an amazing sight to behold.

 You can purchase your tickets online for a certain day and time. This is really nice so it isn't super crowded.

The first castle was built in Alpine, Utah, in the front yard of Brent Christensen. He was building an ice cave for his daughter and then the Ice Castle concept was started.

 It is like a Frozen movie lover's dream come true. There are slides, mazes, and fountains that are available all day/night.

Make sure you dress warm during your visit because you are walking around ice! It's like being in the frozen foods section at the grocery store the entire visit.

The ice looks blue during the day. At night, there are different colored lights that illuminate the ice masses. Some nights even have fire dancers/entertainers and you just might see Elsa or Ana princesses available for a picture while you're there.

These are a must see for the entire family. The castle staff encourage you pull your small children in a sled and leave the stroller at home. Pets are not allowed either (to prevent yellow snow).

There are ice castles in UT, NH, MN, WI, and AB in Canada. 

Buy your tickets here.

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

How many of you are excited for the new Disney Star Wars film?

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is now playing in theatres everywhere (since 12/16). 

In a time of conflict, this film attempts to tell the story of how a small band of rebels were able to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Here is one of my favorite Jyn Erso scene played by Academy Award nominee Felicity Jones:

#RogueOne

Find out more from STAR WARS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and the official website.

Disney MOANA

I was able to see Moana with my nieces and nephews a few weeks ago. My niece Jacq walked out repeating, "That was so good. I would see that again!"

MOANA stars voices from Dwayne Johnson (Maui) and newcomer Auli’i Cravalho (Moana). It was directed by Disney legends Ron Clements & Don Hall (“Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess and the Frog,” etc.) with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton”). 

The movie story celebrates the Pacific Island cultures and introduces new Disney characters that will keep you laughing and smiling throughout the entire film. It is a show that is great for the entire family.

The film opens in theaters November 23rd.

Enjoy some printables and games from the movie below.

Check out Moana on Facebook, Twitter, and the official movie site.

Christmas Love Letters from God #BOOK #GIVEAWAY

I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday. I love holiday movies, books, decorations, lights, and everything. Most importantly, I love the reason for the season.

I discovered a cool book for children ages 4-8 called Christmas Love Letters from God that tells the story of Jesus’ birth in a great way. The book includes 7 stories, beginning with Isaiah’s prophecy and ending with the visit of the 3 wise men.

After each story, children will find a letter addressed to them from God (there is a line to write his/her name). It is designed to make them feel special and inspire them with messages of love and hope.

I love this book. Check out this video of it.

It can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble. 

Want to win a copy to give to a young reader you know?

Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PROMISE RING

What's love got to do with it? What has happened to our world where your relationship isn't official unless you post it on social media?! People used to give a promise ring to show their love and commitment to each other. I find it really romantic.

Is this ring a passing fad or a new way for couples to declare their love?

Brilliance.com has a new Promise Ring collection. It is a lovely way to say "I Promise" to love you and be faithful to our relationship. Check them out and let your loved one know your promise of love.

SANTA PHOTOS

Attention Utah peeps,

Do you need some great shots of the kiddies, yourself, or *ahem* your dog?

Come to the American Heritage of South Jordan

(11100 S. Redwood Rd, South Jordan, UT)

Friday, November 11th 5:30pm-9:30pm &

Saturday, November 12th 9am-6pm

For $25 you will get multiple high resolution images that you can take home just minutes after your shoot. You will have full copyright privileges of the pictures so you can print them over and over and use them for whatever gift or card ideas you can think of in time for Christmas.

 Day-Z and I personally stopped in to check Santa out.

There will also be over 30 different vendors selling cool gifts there as well. Get your photos and do some shopping. You will be way ahead of schedule! A kid's corner will be available so the little ones will be entertained and supervised while you shop. 

Call 801-254-3882 to schedule an appointment.

VOTE

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

You only have a few hours left to cast your vote.

DOCTOR STRANGE

Marvel's DOCTOR STRANGE opened in theaters November 4th.

Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” follows the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange who, in his quest for healing his hands after a horrific car accident, discovers powerful magic in a mysterious place known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. He makes new friends and discovers a new set of magical powers in his grasp. 

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE FILM: 

For those of ya'll who like to travel, you should know this film was shot in London, New York, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Hong Kong. 

To research his character, Dr. Stephen Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch spent time with neurosurgeons, and the director, DP and production designer all visited New York City operating rooms and emergency rooms to guide them towards the lighting and textures they would need to create a realistic hospital environment onscreen. 

Doctor Strange’s car in the film is a Lamborghini, which he drives when he is a surgeon. Six Lamborghinis were required for filming. 

Here is a clip of one of my favorite parts:

Check out DOCTOR STRANGE on Facebook, Twitter, Marvel Instagram, and the official website.