Death On The Nile

20th Century Studios

I've always loved a good mystery. I discovered the Agatha Christie mysteries as a child when I saw my first Miss Marple, The Body in the Library, on PBS. And when the Hercule Poirot mysteries joined the lineup, I was hooked. I've enjoyed the many different incarnations of the characters over the years, from Joan Hickson to Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple, even Angela Lansbury once played the spinster sleuth, but Poirot was always David Suchet. 

As such, I wasn't too certain I would enjoy Kenneth Branagh's turn as the Belgian detective, but I was in for an unexpected delight. Murder on the Orient Express is a classic Agatha Christie story and it was an excellent introduction for Branagh's Poirot. While the story s quite sad, the acting was fantastic and the cast was absolutely stellar.

Branagh's latest Poirot tale is Death on the Nile. The cast is once again amazing, so it should be quite the film.

Here's the official synopsis from 20th Century Studios:

Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. Set against an epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this dramatic tale of love gone wrong features a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement.

Death on the Nile arrives in theaters on February 11.

Quote of the Week

Success is not final,

failure is not fatal:

it is the courage 

to continue 

that counts.

- Winston Churchill

Photo of the Week

Do you think he'll get the point in the end?

I do love all of the corny jokes and scenes on the Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife Is The Perfect Reboot

Sony

I wasn't sure what to expect from Ghostbusters: Afterlife. I loved watching the original Ghostbusters movies when I was a kid, and even more so as an adult, so I was really hoping that this reboot would be worthy of those films. I wasn't disappointed. This story is a worthy successor to those delightfully wild and campy tales of four crazy guys who just wanted to catch a ghost. There were so many nods to the original movie, some subtle and some overt, but all were fantastic. I haven't laughed that much in ages. I can't wait to watch it again! 

If you haven't seen Ghostbusters: Afterlife yet, I highly recommend that you do, and just to pique your interest, here's a sneak peek of the first 10 minutes of the film.

These Hamilton POPVinyl Are Fantastic

All images: Funko

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is a favorite musical in our house. It's such an amazing look at the founding fathers with incredible songs. We all love it. 

As a result, when Funko released its first set of Hamilton POPVinyl figures, we had to add them to the collection. The first group included Alexander Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, Aaron Burr, Eliza Schuyler, George Washington, and Peggy Schuyler. An additional figure of Alexander Hamilton in the blue cost was a Walmart exclusive. 

Then, they released a Fall Convention exclusive figure of the Marquis de Lafayette and we had to have that one too. 

Now they've released four additional figures, along with another exclusive. This collection includes Alexander Hamilton (Act 2), Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and King George. There's also a Walmart exclusive King George without the cape. I see more POPVinyl in our future.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Amazon

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies are some of my favorite movies, and books. The stories are epic and the filming is beautiful, but they are only two of the stories that JRR Tolkien wrote about Middle Earth. Amazon will be telling the stories that come before these two, specifically those involving the 20 rings of power forged by Sauron, in a new series called The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. 

Here's the official synopsis from Amazon:

Amazon Studios’ forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. 

Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

The first episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power arrives on Amazon Prime Video on September 2. New episodes will arrive weekly. 

"Once Upon A Dream" - Sleeping Beauty

Disney

Sleeping Beauty was my favorite Disney Princess movie when I was a little girl. The music, adapted from Tchaikovsky's ballet, was beautiful and I loved the songs, "Once Upon A Dream" in particular.

Molasses Crackle Cookie Recipe from Disney

Disney

I love spicy molasses cookies, so I can't wait to try this recipe for Molasses Crackle Cookies from Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Molasses Crackle Cookies

Makes 24-30 cookies

1 cup canola oil 

2 cups sugar, divided

1/3 cup Molasses

1 egg

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

2 tsp baking soda

1 Tbsp ground ginger

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 

1/2 tsp ground clove

Cream oil and 1 3/4 cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add in molasses and egg and beat on low speed until combined. Whisk flour, baking soda, and spices in a medium bowl. Slowly add to molasses mixture and beat on low speed until flour is incorporated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl. Use a 2 Tbsp scoop to measure out cookies. Roll each cookie into a ball, then roll in sugar. Place on baking sheet at least 2 inches apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown.

Quote of the Week

Every day I discover more and more beautiful things. It’s enough to drive one mad. I have such a desire to do everything, my head is bursting with it.

- Claude Monet

Photo of the Week

Even the meet and greets had fun artwork at the 2019 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. I love that Flora and Merryweather are still arguing over the color of Princess Aurora's dress. "Make it pink!" "Make it blue!"

"That's What Friends Are For" - The Jungle Book

Disney

I couldn't tell you quite why, but I've found this song to be absolutely hilarious since the first time I heard it as a kid. It's so ridiculous, but it always makes me laugh. So, if you need something to make you smile today, have a listen to those crazy vultures sing "That's What Friends Are For," from The Jungle Book. 

The Wonderful Winter of Mickey Mouse

Disney

Disney has made quite a few of these silly (and slightly peculiar) Mickey Mouse shorts in the last several years. They're pretty funny, if slightly odd, but I do really enjoy some of them. "Croissant de Triomphe" is quite hilarious. The latest release, The Wonderful Winter of Mickey Mouse, features Mickey and his pals celebrating all things winter.

The Wonderful Winter of Mickey Mouse arrives on DisneyPlus on February 18.

The First Trailer and Poster For Marvel's Moon Knight Have Arrived

All images: Marvel

The first trailer for Marvel's Moon Knight is here and it looks downright trippy. Oscar Isaac plays the main character Steven Grant/Marc Spector/Moon Knight. And it looks like even Steven is confused as to his true identity. 

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel:

The series follows Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift-shop employee, who becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life. Steven discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As Steven/Marc's enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt.

Moon Knight arrives on DisneyPlus on March 30.

New Pressed Pennies In Disney World

Pennies

I've loved collecting pressed pennies since I was a little kid. They're the perfect souvenir: small and portable, inexpensive, and easy to store or display once you get back home. I have pennies from places I've visited all over the country, but the vast majority have come from Disney Parks. 

As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disney World, 53 new designs have popped up throughout the parks. While I prefer the old hand-crank machines where I can use my own carefully saved pre-1982 copper pennies, many of the new automated machines contain new, uncirculated pennies. Either way, they're still a fun collectible. 

Designs include 50 single character designs, one Mickey and Minnie celebration design, and two resort coins. Here's a list of the characters you can find:

• Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Chip, and Dale
• Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Cheshire Cat, Lady, Tramp, Dumbo, Timothy Mouse, Mad Hatter, Tinker Bell
• Simba, Timon, Pumba
• Pua, Hei-Hei, Miguel, Dante, Bruni, Olaf, Joe Gardner
• Sebastian, Flounder, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Genie, Abu, Stitch
• Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Bambi, Thumper, Gus-Gus, Jacques
• Woody, Bo Peep, Nemo, Dory, Frozone, Edna Mode
• Figment, Orange Bird, 
• BB-8, R2-D2

If you'd like to collect these new designs on your next visit to the parks, Disney has actually made finding the machines easier. Just open the My Disney Experience app and search for "Coin Press Machines". Select "Find On Map" to see machine locations throught the Walt Disney World Resort. 

"What Else Can I Do?" - Encanto

Disney

Everyone in my house loves Disney's Encanto. The story is great and the music is fantastic. This song, "What Else Can I Do?" is sung by Mirabel's sister Isabela. Everyone thinks she's perfect, but even Isabella feels the strain of being a Madrigal.

Encanto is available now on DisneyPlus.

Quote of the Week

As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful.

- Laura Ingalls Wilder

Photo of the Week

It's so much fun to become a part of the art at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Here we are in 2019, stepping into The Luncheon of the Boating Party by Renoir.

Knitting Fun

I absolutely love knitting. From sweaters and socks to hats and even doilies, I've knit it all. It's my favorite way to relax and keep stress levels down, especially in the last few years. 

I also love learning about old knitting techniques and tools. Patterns from the early 20th century are always an adventure, but so much fun to try. And the tools that were used in the past are making a comeback for their usefulness, beauty, and simplicity. One of those tools is the nostepinne. 

The nostepinne, which means "nest-stick" in Scandinavian, is the original yarn winder. It needs no batteries and you don't have to plug it in, so it's very portable. Its also the easiest way to wind a center-pull yarn ball. While they can be as simple as a tapered dowel, most feature some decoration. My sister turned this one on the lathe for me for Christmas. It's my new favorite yarn tool. If you need me, I'll be winding all my yarn into balls.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2022

Mom and I at the 2019 Festival

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kicks off tomorrow, January 14. The festival features a variety of artwork, food, and performing arts that is an absolute delight. One of the best parts of this EPCOT festival is that you can meet and talk with your favorite artists and even have them autograph their artwork. 

More than 100 Disney and visiting artists will be on hand each day showcasing their artwork. Guests can become a part of the art in Artful Photo Ops throughout World Showcase, by learning to draw a Disney Character at Animation Academy, and by painting a few squares at Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural. Fifteen Food Studios will be filled with delicious art-inspired treats that are as delightful to the eye as they are to the taste buds. The Disney On Broadway Concert Series will return with 3 performances each evening. The shows feature Broadway stars performing songs from over 25 years of Disney stage productions. 

And don't forget the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a food stroll of five sweet and savory dishes listed in the Festival Passport. Once you've purchased and gotten a stamp for the five colorful dishes, head to Deco Delights for your Artist Palette Cookie. 

Here are the dishes you can expect to find in the Food Studios throughout World Showcase.

All food images: Disney

The Craftsman’s Courtyard (near Disney Traders)🧁

• Cast Iron-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with Sautéed Tomatoes, Garlic, and Fresh Herbs🧁
• Cast Iron-seared Steelhead Trout with parsley salad, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, and lemon aïoli🧁
• Wheat Beer
• Chardonnay
• Rosé
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Wine Flight

El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)

• Huarache Verde: Cilantro huarache with cochinita pibil, fresh pineapple, and pickled onion (New)
• Carne Asada: Seared beef tenderloin, grilled queso fresco, refried beans, scallion, and ranchera salsa 🧁
• Taco de Chocolate: Chocolate candy shell filled with Mexican chocolate mousse with a touch of chile topped with seasonal fruit 🥖 
• Mexican Craft Beer: Crafted with citrus notes and made with Mexican Caribbean seawater
• The Lily: Blanco tequila, violet essence Infusion, rose petal liqueur, cranberry, and lime juice
• Smoky Raspberry: Blanco tequila, rosemary-infused mezcal, ginger cordial, lime juice, and rosemary aroma

The Painted Panda (China)

• General Tso’s Chicken Shumai
• Char Siu Pork Bun
• “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic milk tea with black and white boba 🧋
• Jasmine Draft Beer
• Eastern Dynasty: Vodka, light rum, strawberry syrup, piña colada mix, soda water, and magic boba pearls
• Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, triple sec, mango syrup, orange juice, and soda water
• Sea Butterfly: Butterfly pea flower-infused cocktail with vodka, light rum, lychee syrup, magic boba pearls

Refreshment Outpost

• Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aïoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw 🥕
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Blue Raspberry Blonde Ale
• Nairobi Coffee Dark Beer
• Brown Ale

Pastoral Palate (Germany)

• Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamic
• Wild Boar Cassoulet with duck confit, ham hock, and wild boar sausage 🧁
• Opera Cake: Almond joconde, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache
• Rosé Hard Cider
• Rosé Blonde Ale
• Frozen Rosé
• A Play on Rosé Flight
• Old Vine Rosé

L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy)

• Arancini: Fried risotto balls stuffed with braised-beef and served with pomodoro sauce 🧁
• Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet sausage ravioli, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and creamy Parmesan sauce 🧁
• Bomboloni: Chocolate-hazelnut Italian doughnut with powdered sugar 🧁
• Peroni Pilsner
• Pinot Grigio
• Chianti
• Prosecco
• Red Sparkling Wine
• Moscato
• Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
• Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
• Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
• Amaretto Bellini: Amaretto, White Peach Purée, and Prosecco
• Bergamotto: Rosolio Liqueur, Prosecco, and Olive

The Artist’s Table (America)

• Beef Wellington: Mushroom duxelle, prosciutto, and puff pastry with red wine demi-glace and baby vegetables
• Pan-seared Scallops with vanilla-butternut squash purée, brown butter cauliflower purée, and lime foam 🎨 - Orange
• Pistachio Cake with cherry mousse and morello cherries
• Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolate 🧋
• White Ale
• Amber Ale
• Brown Ale
• Pinot Noir
• Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Cream liqueurs paired with Sipping Chocolates
• Beer Flight

Funnel Cake

• Cherry Blossom Funnel Cake: Chocolate chip funnel cake topped with cherry ice cream, rainbow whipped cream, chocolate chips, and a maraschino cherry 🧁

Goshiki (Japan)

• Chicken Kushiage: Breaded and fried chicken with yum yum sauce and vegetables 🧁
• Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped sushi featuring salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seed over a decorated plate of wasabi aïoli, sriracha, and eel sauce
• Winter Ale
• Sake in a traditional personalized wooden cup
• Niseko Flurry: Sake, rum, white cranberry juice, blue curaçao, and lime juice 🧁

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

• Carrots Three Ways: Berbere-spiced grilled carrots, pickled carrots, and carrot ginger purée 🧁🥕
• House-made Crispy Almond Phyllo Pockets with white chocolate pomegranate and milk chocolate orange 🧁
• Chai Tea Mint Mimosa: Twinings of London Chai Tea with Key lime sparkling wine and mint
• Sangria Hard Cider
• Chai Hard Cider
• Berry Hard Cider
• Cider Flight

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina (Between Morocco & France)

• House-made Chorizo and Potato Empanada with turmeric aïoli and annatto aïoli 🧁🎨 - Yellow
• Spicy Ajiaco Soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn, and crème fraîche🧁🥖 (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) (New)
• Passion Fruit Mousse with Dragon Fruit Jam 🥖
• Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie 🧋
• Frozen Piña Colada
• Passion Fruit Daiquiri

L’Art de la Cuisine Française (France)

• Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm creamy brie in a house-made bread bowl
• Croissant à la Truffe Noire d’Hiver: Black winter truffle croissant served warm
• Mousseline de Bisque de Homard Froide, Brioche Feuilletée à l’Aneth: Chilled lobster bisque mousse served with dill brioche 🧁
• Moelleux aux Noisettes et Chocolats Valrhona: Molten chocolate and hazelnut cake with pure origin Valrhona chocolates
• Frozen French Martini: Vodka, black raspberry liqueur, pineapple, orange, and grape juice with lemon-lime foam
• French Rosé Sparkling Wine
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sparkling Chardonnay

Gourmet Landscapes (Canada)

• Blood Orange-braised Beet Carpaccio with mustard vinaigrette, pickled clamshell mushrooms, golden beets, and crostini 🧁🥕🎨 - Red
• Roasted Bone Marrow with onion marmalade, pickled mushrooms, mache lettuce, and bone marrow snow 🧁
• Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings, and Zinfandel Reduction
• German Lager
• Cuvée Sparkling Wine
• Merlot
• Frozen Rusty Nail Cocktail

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

• Gnocchi Poutine with red wine-braised beef, cheese curds, basil, and burrata 🧁
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Blood Orange Cosmo: Vodka with blood orange, cranberry, and lime 🧁
• Hard Cider

Pop Eats! (Near Port of Entry)

• Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
• Tomato Soup with Bacon, Apple, and Brie Grilled Cheese 🧁
• Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate
• Pop’t Art: Modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate-hazelnut filling
• Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn (Limit 2 per guest)🧁
• Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary
• Hazy IPA

The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)

• Deconstructed BLT: Crispy pork belly, soft-poached egg, brioche, watercress espuma, and tomato jam
• Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, Gruyère espuma, onion bread pudding, and onion textures 🧁
• Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues 🧁🎨 - Green
• Deconstructed Apple Pie à la Mode: Apple-cinnamon gelato, cinnamon apple cider, apple pie filling, and streusel 🧁🧋
• Brown Ale

Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry)

• Dulce Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crémeux and dark chocolate truffle 🧁
• Decadent Valrhona Chocolate with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and cassis mousse 🧁
• Orange Mousse with lemon cake and raspberry meringues 🧁
• Artist Palette Cookie 🎨 - Prize
• Strawberry Blonde Nitro
• Vanilla Porter
• Milk Stout
• Neapolitan Beer Flight

The Donut Box (Near Test Track)

• Vanilla Donut with strawberry sugar, strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, and strawberry gele 🧁🎨 - Pink
• Inside Out Donut: Vanilla donut with Bavarian cream 🧁
• Chocolate-dipped Donut with black and gold sugar sprinkles and chocolate buttercream 🧁
• Rosé
• Cold Fashion Coffee Cocktail

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Mocha Masterpiece Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and chocolate puffs
• Canada – Colorful Canvas Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and fruity cereal
• World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Cinnamon Swirl Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and cinnamon squares
• The American Adventure – Rainbow Dreams Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold crew topped with whipped cream and colorful marshmallow crunch

🧁 New

🧋Non-alcoholic

🥖 Gluten/Wheat Friendly

🥕 Plant-based 

🎨 Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 14 through February 21, 2022.

More 50th Anniversary Treats Arrive in the Magic Kingdom

All images: Disney

Have you seen the latest 50th Anniversary Celebration treats to arrive in the Magic Kingdom? It looks like a delicious collection of culinary delights. 

The Chilling Chamber Push Pop can be found at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. The Push Pop features vanilla cake, graham cracker crumbs, and caramel buttercream, topped with a chocolate quicksand stretching room portrait. There, you can also find the Doom Berry, a blackberry ginger beer with EARidescence Sugar and a Haunted Mansion themed straw.

The Always Tea Time Slush will be available at the Cheshire Café. It looks intriguing, but the flavor is currently a mystery.

Two treats can be found at Pinocchio Village Haus. The Orange and Almond Tart is topped with orange blossom cream, roasted almonds, and a chocolate it's a small world disc.

The Croque Monsieur Flatbread is a Flatbread topped with bechamel sauce, sliced ham, sliced tomatoes, and Gruyère cheese.

Gaston’s Tavern is the place to find the Donald Duck Dome Cake. The dome cake features lemon mousse with blueberry filling, citrus cake, and buttercream.

A new float can be found at Aloha Isle. The Crooning Flowers Float is lime and vanilla soft-serve swirl over pineapple juice topped with a blue chocolate feather.

The Golden Oak Outpost has a new sandwich. The Slue Foot Sue Fish Sandwich is a fried fish sandwich with cilantro lime slaw and poblano mayonnaise. 

The Cheers to 50 Years! Sundae can be found at the Plaza Resturant. It's an over-the-top concoction made of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, brownies, pretzels, hot fudge, fudge, caramel corn with chocolate drizzle, chocolate chip cookies, and whipped cream with a cherry on top. Wow, thats a lot!

And finally, a new cinnamon roll is available at the Main Street Bakery. The Anniversary Cinnamon Roll is dusted with EARidescent sugar and the 50th logo pressed penny chocolate.