Photo of the Week

School Bread from the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT. 

I wish this was my breakfast today.

Disney Crochet Kits

I love yarn crafts: knitting, crocheting, weaving, I love it all. So when I discovered a few new character kits, I knew I had to try them out.

The first kit I found was at Sam's Club.  Disney Classic Crochet by Megan Kreiner includes a book with easy to follow instructions to create 12 favorite Disney characters: Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket, Bambi, and Lady. There's also enough yarn to make Mickey and Donald, along with felt, a crochet hook, a needle, embroidery thread, and even stuffing. This kit was available for a very reasonable $13. Megan Kreiner has a Winnie the Pooh kit as well, and even a free pattern on her website to make Gus Gus from Cinderella.

The second kit came from Costco. Star Wars Crochet by Lucy Collin includes a book with instructions for creating 12 amigurumi characters: Yoda, Leia, Luke, Han, Chewie, R2-D2, C-3PO, Wicket, Jabba the Hutt, Darth Vader, Bona Fett, and a Stormtrooper. All of the yarn, a crochet hook, a needle, stuffing, and safety eyes needed to create Yoda and a Stormtrooper are included in the kit (however, I wouldn't recommend using the safety eyes as the safety washers break when used.) I made a tiny Yoda. He's quite cute. The directions were easy to follow and it didn't take long to go from start to finish. This kit was also $12. Lucy Collin has other Star Wars patterns for sale on her website as well as several free patterns for cute little critters.

Song of the Sea Review

All images: Cartoon Saloon

I absolutely adore the Secret of Kells animated film. So when I heard that Cartoon Saloon had made another movie, called Song of the Sea, I was very excited. Caution: Spoilers Ahead! 

Song of the Sea is based on the Irish legend of the selkies. Selkies were magical creatures who had two forms: their natural form was a seal, but when they removed their coat, they looked like a beautiful, human woman. They were the Irish version of a mermaid. Selkie women sometimes married human men and spent years on shore raising their children and dreaming of the sea. However, eventually they had to leave their families behind, called home by the song of the sea. This movie tells the tale of the children of a selkie and the adventure such a magical inheritance brings them.

This story begins with a mother about to give birth to her second child. She is putting her son to bed, singing him a Gaelic song and telling him stories of the legends of Ireland. Suddenly, she tearfully flees. Six years later, her husband is raising their son, Ben and the daughter, Saoirse, who was born that fateful night. Saoirse has never spoken a single word, and Ben does his best to ignore her, as he feels that she stole their mother away. Ben is afraid of the water, but Saoirse is drawn to the sea and the seals who play there. That night, after celebrating Saoirse's birthday with a special visit from grandmother, Saoirse is drawn to the magical shell flute her mother had given to Ben. When she plays it, tiny, glowing, fairy lights appear, and guide her to the trunk containing her selkie coat. When she puts it on and walks into the sea, she turns into a small, white seal. After playing with the seals, she washes up on the shore, a girl again. Her grandmother finds the girl, and fears for her safety, while Saoirse's father is afraid he'll lose her the way he lost mother.

The next morning, grandmother takes Ben and Saoirse to the city to live with her. This is the start of their adventure. Grandmother is rather strict, and sends the siblings to bed at 4pm on Halloween after Saoirse ruins her good fur coat. The fairies who live in a mound in the center of town, see the ruined coat as a sign that the selkie has come to free them from Macha, the owl witch. Macha has turned most of the fairies to stone by taking away their emotions. She originally sent her owls to help her son overcome his grief, but in time her own emotions caused havoc in her life, so she sought to protect everyone from their pain. But according to the fairies, if Saoirse can sing her magical song, they'll all be free to return home, whole once more. So Saoirse and Ben set out on an adventure where they meet many magical creatures and overcome many obstacles in their journey to free the fair folk.

Song of the Sea is a beautiful interpretation of Irish legend. I love the way it brings together tales of the selkies and fair folk, and the animation is just gorgeous. While the story can be somewhat dark and frightening at times, and has a few sad moments as well, it is well worth watching with your family.

Marvel and Her Universe

Have you seen the Her Universe clothing line by Ashley Eckstein? Ashley is the voice of Ahsoka Tano in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. Originally, she started designing feminine, Star Wars clothing for women who wanted to show off their fandom without looking like a guy. Recently, she expanded Her Universe to include an Avengers: Age of Ultron inspired line. This new collection arrives exclusively in Hot Topic stores in mid May.

I love the new 50s style dresses. They are dramatic without being over the top. There are two halter dresses and one sailor dress in the Avengers collection.

First up is a dress inspired by Captain America. This navy blue dress features Cap's shield and a red waistband. This dress will be available on May 19 for $60.

Next up is a dress inspired by Thor. This navy dress features Mjolnir, a red sailor collar, and silver button decoration. It will be available on May 12 for $60.

My favorite is this dress inspired by Loki. This green and black dress features Loki's helmet all the way around the skirt, and will be available on May 19 for $60.

The final dress in the Avengers collection seems to be more 1960s in style. Inspired by Black Widow, this black and red, sleeveless dress will be available May 12 for $45.

If you're not really into dresses, don't worry: Her Universe has a couple of Avengers jackets as well. First up is a red bomber jacket with the Stark Industries logo on the back and "Tony" on the front. The jacket will be available May 12 for $55.

The final item in the collection is a Black Widow jacket. This black, faux leather jacket features a belt with Widow's logo and a lining with a "My past is my own" design. The jacket will be available May 12 for $65.

Unfortunately, none of these items will be available for the premiere of Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, they would still be fun to wear for a night on the town. All photos courtesy of Hot Topic.

Tomorrowland PopVinyl

Funko recently released a few new POPVinyl figures featuring characters from Tomorrowland. There are two Frank Walker figures.

One is old Frank, as played by George Clooney.

And the other is young Frank, as a child.

A third figure is of David Nix, the Hugh Laurie character.

They also created two different Tomorrowland pins, replicas of the ones seen in the movie.

Photos courtesy of Funko

Tomorrowland Trailer 3

Disney

Tomorrowland looks more interesting with each new trailer. I'm expecting quite the adventure.

Unexpected Star Wars Merchandise

Have you seen the fun new Star Wars merchandise that arrived in stores recently? There are many, many new items to surround fans in all things Star Wars.  Here are a few of my unexpected favorites.

Do you enjoy popcorn with your movies? Who doesn't,  right? Well, PopSecret had created four collectible popcorn buckets featuring Star Wars characters. The Yoda, Darth Vader, R2-D2, and Stormtrooper buckets each come with a single bag of microwave popcorn and are available for under $5. I recently received the R2-D2 bucket for my birthday.

General Mills is also getting in on the fun with a mini poster collection. Each specially marked box of General Mills cereal contains one poster celebrating a single film from the series.  There's also a special mini poster available only from Target that features all six films on one poster. (That's the one I chose.)

Finally, Band-Aid has created a series of four collectible tins to store your bandages. Each tin features a famous Star Wars spaceship: the Millennium Falcon, a Tie Fighter, an X-Wing Fighter, and the Death Star. I got the Death Star (because it was the only one available). It came with two boxes of Star Wars 20 count Band-Aids in two sizes and cost just under $5.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Teaser Trailer

Lucasfilm

Here's the newly released teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It looks amazing, with a bunch of new characters alongside familiar favorites. I especially like the voiceover from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) saying " the Force is strong in my family" and the brief shot of Han Solo (Harrison Ford) saying, "Chewie, we're home."

Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrives in theaters on December 18.

Marvel's Avengers and Kellogg's

All images: Kellogg's

Would you be interested in a free ticket to see Avengers: Age of Ultron? Well, if you enjoy eating Eggo waffles, you're in luck. Kellogg's has two different offers for discount tickets to see Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron, arriving in theaters May 1, 2015. The first offer is for $6 off a ticket. To receive the discount, you have to purchase 3 boxes of specially marked Eggo waffles, all on one receipt. Then you take a photo of the receipt and email it to eggo@drvsusa.com. The photo must include the date and time, store name, and total and must be clear. Once approved, you'll receive a code to download a $6 off E-Movie Cash certificate toward an Avengers ticket. Photos must be submitted by 7/31/15, and there's a limit of three submissions per account. E-Movie Cash certificates are good through 8/31/15.

The second offer is even better. Just purchase a single 24 count, specially marked box of Eggo waffles at Wal-Mart. Take a photo of the receipt and email it to Eggo24@drvsusa.com. Once approved, you'll receive a code to download an E-Movie Cash certificate for up to $10 off a ticket to Avengers: Age of Ultron (or any other movie), which at many theaters will make your ticket free. You can submit up to three receipts for each email account, so you can treat the whole family to a free movie night. That's what I plan to do! Free tickets and a quick, inexpensive breakfast? Awesome, right?  The $10 off offer is only available for purchases made at Wal-Mart. Photos must be submitted by 7/31/15. E-Movie Cash certificates are good through 8/31/15 at participating theaters. To find a participating theater in your area, just visit this link.

Say you're just not into Eggo waffles, but you still want a free ticket. Well, if you're a Kellogg's cereal lover, you're in luck. It will be a bit more expensive, but if you enter 6 codes from specially marked boxes of Kellogg's cereals, you'll receive a code for an E-Movie Cash certificate worth up to $12 off a ticket to Avengers: Age of Ultron (or any other movie). The codes can be found in Apple Jacks, Cocoa Krispies, Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini Wheats, Krave, Honey Smacks, and Rice Krispies. You can enter up to 30 codes for a total of 5 certificates. You must enter the codes by 12/21/15 and redeem them by 12/31/15. E-Movie Cash certificates are good until 1/31/16.

As if free movie tickets weren't enough, there are also a few Avengers: Age of Ultron collectibles available from Kellogg's. First up, Avengers Flyers. They look like 7" frisbees, and I'm not sure what they're made out of, but the designs are pretty cool. They can be found in specially marked boxes of Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes, and Rice Krispies. Check out this ridiculous commercial where a family becomes Avengers after finding the flyers in the cereal boxes.

Finally, if you love bobbleheads, especially the Funko POPVinyl variety, this last offer is perfect for you.

Just purchase specially marked boxes of Poptarts; eligible flavors include Brown Sugar Cinnamon, Cherry, Chocolate Fudge (Bean's favorite), S'mores (Bean's second favorite), and Strawberry. One box equals one figure.

Enter the code at Kellogg's Family Rewards and choose either Iron Man or Captain America. There's a limit of two characters per household, one of each figure. Alternatively, codes can be applied towards the $12 E-Movie Cash certificate offer.

No matter which offer you choose, be sure to enter the codes from all Kellogg's products at Kellogg's Family Rewards. You can use your points to earn free books, gift cards, products, discount coupons and much more.

Tsum Tsum at Target

While browsing around my local Target yesterday,  I discovered something new: Target has started selling Tsum Tsums! I have recently become addicted to these mini, plush toys, so Bean and I were very excited to find them.  Previously,  I've only found these cute little critters at the Disney Store. The Tsum Tsum at Target have a tag explaining that the stackable plush were originally found only in Japan.  They have both the small and large Tsum Tsum in many different characters.  We saw Mickey and Minnie, Goofy and Pluto, Donald and Daisy,  Chip and Dale, Marie, Pooh, Piglet,  Eeyore, and Tigger, Stitch, and Lady and the Tramp. I chose Eeyore, with his adorable floppy tail, and Stitch, while Bean chose Marie. Which characters will you choose? The Tsum Tsum at Target cost $4.95, and currently are on an endcap display in the toy department.

Marvel's Ant-Man Trailer

Marvel

Marvel recently released a new trailer for Ant-Man, starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, and Michael Douglas. I love when she says she needs to teach him how to punch! It looks like this movie is going to be a lot of fun.

Ant-Man arrives in theaters on July 17.

Get Frozen at Disney World

Photo courtesy of Disney

Have you heard about all of the Frozen fun coming to Disney World this summer? It looks like it's going to be an icy blast! The "Coolest Summer Ever" starts June 17 and runs through September 7, 2015 at Hollywood Studios. There are several Frozen events to look forward to.

• The Frozen procession is a parade featuring Anna and Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and the ice cutters and citizens of Arendelle parade through the park, stopping to sing "Let It Go" with guests along the way. 
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along. The Royal Historians of Arendelle share a humorous and song-filled retelling if the story of Frozen, with appearances by Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. I had the chance to see this last fall and I absolutely loved it! The Royal Historians are hilarious and the entire audience sings along with the songs. It's rather amazing!
• Olaf's Summer Cool Down. Cool off at the event stage with Olaf and perhaps some snow from his own personal flurry.
• Hot Frozen Nights DJ Dance Party. Join DJ Chill for music and dancing at the event stage. You can request songs and share photos on social media, and they may be featured onscreen during the show.
• Frozen Fireworks end the night as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf come together for a fireworks as only Disney can make it, set to music from the film.
• Frozen merchandise can be found throughout the park. Event-specific gear and Frozen inspired foods will be available, as well as special photo opportunities, Frozen decor and much more. 

Will you be celebrating the "Coolest Summer Ever"? What are you most looking forward to?

Hoppy Easter!

Hoppy Easter!

I See Fire

I love this song from the end of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Five Years and Counting: Time for a Giveaway

I recently realized that it has been five years since I started writing this blog. Wow! How time flies! When I first started, it was little more than a chance to share the quirky little things that made going to Disney (and Renaissance Faires) so fun. The last five years have seen a lot of changes at the Disney Parks, and I've really enjoyed sharing those changes with you. I can't wait to see what the next five years will bring (Star Wars Land and Avatarland anyone?) I'm sure it will be amazing!

In honor of this five year anniversary, and coincidentally, finally reaching five hundred posts, I think it's time for a little giveaway. You can do any or all of the options to be entered into the giveaway. (I'm using rafflecopter for the first time, so please bear with me.) Well, I think it's time to announce the goodies for this giveaway. As I'm sure you've noticed, I'm a total Funko fan, especially when it comes to their Disney characters. (I've been posting photos of my collection on instagram for the past week.) I also absolutely adore the Little Green Men from the Toy Story films. In light of all that, this will be a Little Green Men prize pack. It includes: a Funko POPVinyl Alien, two tiny Little Green Men from the Barrel of Aliens I found at Disney World, and a Little Green Man felt cookie that I designed just for the occasion.

a Rafflecopter giveaway