We have exciting news for Disney fans! You will soon be able to stream many of your favorite Disney movies.
Hulu has recently acquired all of the streaming rights to over 50 Disney classics in a multi-year deal, according to Deadline. That means Hulu subscribers will be able to indulge in timeless films like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Mulan,” “Hercules,” “Pocahontas” and “Air Bud.” Newer hits such as “Lilo & Stitch,” “Tarzan,” “The Emperors New Groove,” “Muppet Treasure Island,” “The Princess and the Frog” are also included in the deal.
Many of these movies will now become Hulu exclusives in the world of internet streaming subscriptions. Previously, you may have seen a few of these movies on Netflix. However, that will not be the case anymore. Netflix may be getting the newly released Disney movies, but Hulu will win the classics!
Hulu’s Head of Content, Craig Erich, shared some of the motive behind this deal with Deadline:
The Disney brand is synonymous with beloved movies that the whole family can enjoy. Expanding our offering of top-rated kids and family programming has been a top priority for us, and we know viewers will love watching these films over and over again on our service.
This is not the first deal struck between Disney and Hulu. Hulu is partly owned by Disney, and you can already find numerous Disney movies and shows on the streaming giant. In fact, earlier this year, Hulu reached a deal with Disney-ABC Television Group to live stream the Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior. In addition to this, Hulu gained 20 Disney Channel Original Movies.
The addition of these classic flicks to Hulu will be something the whole family will enjoy—and it will likely make family movie night that much better. We imagine Hulu subscriptions will be on the rise after this news—especially in households with children!
It’s that time of year again! One year is coming to a close, and another is about to begin. While there is the typical tradition of staying up late and watching the ball drop, New Year’s is an opportunity to start some new, meaningful family traditions.
Here are nine ideas for family traditions that will help make the new year extra-special, and that the whole family will love!
1. Good Things Jar
Each week, write down one good thing that happened during the week on a piece of paper and place it in the jar. Open the jar on New Year’s Eve the following year and reminisce about the amazing year you had!
2. Take A Family Photo
Take a family photo and include the year by holding up cardboard numbers! It will be fun to see how your family changes from year to year, and great to look back on later in life.
3. Family Service Day
Decide as a family where you would like to volunteer on New Year’s Day. This is a great way to spend time with your family and give back to your community. Start the new year on a positive note!
4. Take Down Christmas Decorations
Out with the old and in with the new! While many people take down the Christmas tree the day after Christmas, try taking down Christmas decorations on New Year’s Day (maybe while giving those Christmas albums one last listen of the season). This will bring the family together and close out the holiday season.
5. Box Of Goals
Have everyone in the family write one goal each month. Place the goals at the start of the month into a wooden box. Each month, take out the goal from the previous month and review how family members did! A fun way to actively achieve goals as a family.
6. Leave The Past Behind
Leave the past behind and have everyone in your family privately write down a regret from the pervious year on a piece of paper. Then have a bonfire and throw the pieces of paper into the fire. Start the new year fresh!
7. Family Meal
Whether it’s a Sauerkraut dinner for good luck, or a pancake breakfast with numbered pancakes representing the year to come (try using these), sitting down for a family meal to celebrate the new year is a fantastic way to end one year and start another! (And hopefully a good way to carry this tradition throughout the year ahead.)
8. Daily Family Hug
We know busy families can feel like ships passing in the night, which is why something like a daily family hug is a great way to pause and love on each other, if only for a few seconds. Is this a little cheesy? You bet, but it’s also super-sweet and likely to lead to some laughs.
9. Topsy Turvy Day
Today’s the day to do things a little differently. Every so often, surprise your kids with ice cream for dinner or a breakfast picnic in the backyard. Maybe take it a step further and wear your clothes backwards. Whatever you do, shake it up and have fun!
Find a tradition that works best for your family and have fun establishing a meaningful new activity (or two!) in the new year.
Related: Here’s a fun, cute and easy way to make a family tree centerpiece! Perfect for for graduations, Mother’s Day, and family reunions!
Clinique and Crayola have joined forces for an epic collaboration!
The two iconic brands came together to tap into our nostalgia and create a lipstick unlike any other. For a limited time, you can get a Clinique Chubby Stick in your favorite Crayola crayon color!
The Crayola Chubby Sticks come in a range of red and pink shades, including memorable Crayola colors such as: Brick Red, Wild Strawberry, Mango Tango, Melon, Marvelous, Pink Sherbet, Fuzzy Wuzzy and Red Violet. Sounds familiar right? The sticks are packed with mango and Shea butters to keep lips smooth, nourished and vibrant.
Not only are the new Chubby Sticks inspired by the classic Crayola crayon colors, but they even look like crayons! The adorable sticks look almost too perfect to use. Luckily, we don’t think these crayons will break as easily as the ones from our childhood.
And if you aren’t already sold on the color and style of the Chubby Sticks, the collection is even packaged in a classic-looking Crayola box to complete the look!
The Crayola for Clinique Chubby Sticks for Lips are available now on Clinique’s website for a limited time, choose from a variety of colors and collections.
You can also purchase the entire collection of mini sticks to try a variety of colors, Crayola for Clinique Limited-Edition Set of 8 Minis, for $49.50. This set includes: Brick Red, Wild Strawberry, Mango Tango, Melon, Mauvelous, Pink Sherbet, Fuzzy Wuzzy and Red Violet.
Grab your favorite color, or purchase the entire collection online while you can! This is a limited-edition collection, available for a limited-time! Shop here.
As an avid Disney fan, and longtime “Beauty and the Beast” fan, my anticipation for the new live-action “Beauty and the Beast” builds with each new announcement about the film.
And this announcement is one we have all been waiting for! Who will sing the the classic “Beauty and the Beast” theme song?
After all, this song is a big deal! It is the moment Belle and the Beast truly fall in love. In case you somehow forgot how magical this song is, take a look at the clip from the original animated movie below.
The original version of this song, written by Alan Mencken and Howard Ashman, and made famous by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson, won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe AND a Grammy Award in 1991. (No pressure!)
So now that you are officially once again obsessed with this song, it’s time to reveal who will take on the ballad in the upcoming live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast.” Skepticism stemmed after Ariana posted a photo on her Instagram of her in the recording studio with a simple rose as the caption, but we’re excited to hear her version wit her unique voice.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPGesF2lNVE/
Since then, Oh My Disney has confirmed that the duet for the new live-action film, which comes out on March 17, will be recorded by none other than Ariana Grande and John Legend! The two power houses have incredible voices, and I do think Grande and Legend will do the song justice (and then some!).
However, I can’t help but wish the beloved Mrs. Potts, Angela Lansbury, would be singing the iconic song in the film. There’s something nostalgic about the voice of Angela Lansbury singing Disney’s most iconic love song. Here’s Lansbury, now 91, singing the song at the 25th special anniversary screening back in September, and it brings back all the feels!
Grande and Legend have some big shoes to fill in singing one of the most timeless tracks ever! Do you think they are up for the challenge?
The “Beauty and the Beast” soundtrack will be released March 10 in advance of the film’s premiere.
We’re now in the midst of season 21 of the hit TV series ‘The Bachelor,” and you may think you know everything there is to know about the series. You’ve seen the rose ceremonies, the drama, the exotic dates and, occasionally, a love blossom before your eyes at the famous “Bachelor Mansion.” Well, be prepared to have your mind blown!
The mansion, the set of “The Bachelor,” is actually a place that a real, live family—the Haraden family—calls home. Yes, believe it or not, a family of six lives in the home that is widely known as “The Bachelor” mansion. We’re shocked to find out that the gorgeous mansion is not ABC-owned property, but is actually owned by a real family that lives there full-time when “The Bachelor” isn’t filming.
They were approached by the producers of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” and the rest is history. The two shows have filmed there for nearly a decade now, starting with Brad Womack’s season in 2007. (The one exception was Emily Maynard’s Bachelorette season, which was filmed in her hometown of Charlotte!)
Twice a year, for 42 days, the family moves out of the home and sends everything—literally everything—they own to storage.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BO6O2wggwQU/
The mansion transforms during those 42 days, as all new furniture and decorations are brought in. Rooms are repainted according to whether “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” is filming. Once the “hometown dates” roll around, the home is restored to its former glory, exactly as the Haradens left it!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOqk48gggYr/
Sounds pretty amazing right? Haraden does share some of the downsides to this arrangement. One of the most glaring is that viewers don’t understand that when show is on TV, it is not filming.
Haraden shares with TODAY, “People think that when the show’s on TV, it’s happening at the house. Sometimes when we come home for dinner at 9 or 10 at night, there’s people outside the gate climbing over the fence or on top of their cars trying to take pictures.”
When the show isn’t filming the Haradens live a fairly average life. Marshal Haraden and his wife own a construction company that specializes in building restaurants and breweries (and the occasional mansion, in the case of their home!).
They go to normal family events, here’s a photo of the family at the youngest son’s high school football game.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMVVnHIArFo/
Check out the mansion on “The Bachelor” Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, and watch the current “Bachelor” Nick Viall search for love.
Just remember… don’t try to stop by the mansion, you will find the Haradens, not the Bachelor!
As an animal person myself, I think it’s safe to say that we love and adore our furry friends. However, I also think it’s safe to say finding pet hair all over your house, car and clothes is not enjoyable. I’ve tried the lint rollers, vacuuming and more, yet the fur always seems to multiply. Luckily I’ve found some amazing products to help change that!
1. FURminator
Try to stop the spread of hair at the root of the problem with this FURminator deShedding tool.
Sometimes vacuuming simply isn’t enough, and pet hair is further embedded into the carpet. This product solves that dilemma. We think the packaging says it all!
We know vacuuming may seem like an obvious solution, but this handheld vacuum designed specifically for pet hair will make a world of difference in getting to those hard to reach furniture crevices.
To help remove pet hair from clothes be sure to add dryer balls to your laundry to reduce static, making it hard for pet hair to stick. Plus how cute are these little hedgehog dryer balls?!
I know that I personally have too many metal cans sitting in my pantry right now. If this applies to you, too, then keep reading, as we have a solution for you! The best thing about this craft is that you probably already have all of the materials on hand. You’ll be able to quickly put those metal cans to use with this DIY rope can.
This DIY rope can only requires three materials, and it is super easy to create! All you will need is a metal can, a hot glue gun, a string of rope and you’re all set. Ready to create your own rope can? Simply follow the craft instructions below to get started!
This stylish rope can would look great in your kitchen, bathroom or office!
Materials Needed
Metal can(s)
Glue gun
Rope
Craft Instructions
Starting at the bottom of the can, glue around 1/3 of the can.
Lay on the rope, pressing down so it sticks.
Continue gluing at 1/3 can increments, and press rope up and around the entire can. (*Tip* we found pressing the glue gun tip slightly to the can made a thinner line of glue, and didn’t ooze out between the rope layers!)
When you reach the top, cut off approximately 3/4 of extra rope leaving a small tail.
Wrap tail over lip, down into the can
Hot glue rope tail inside can.
In the video above, we show you how to make a rope can for your desk to hold all of your pens, pencils, scissors or whatever else may need holding. However, this rope can is very versatile. The next one I make will be a make-up brush holder!
It’s no secret that guests flock to Disney to feel like they are living a real-life fairytale. From the moment you step into a Disney Park, you are immersed into a whole new world, and that overwhelming immersion can make you feel like anything is possible. And while Disney is a place where dreams come true, and there are so many things that can happen, there are also many things that can’t happen…
We think you’ll be surprised at some of the things that are NOT allowed at Disney. Be sure to take some notes so you don’t get in trouble with the big mouse on your next visit!
Check out some of the rules and regulations.
Appropriate Attire
No shoes… No shirt… You’ll have a problem! Proper attire must be worn at all times, including a shirt and shoes.
Sorry, adults! You may feel like a kid again at Disney, but you can’t dress like one. Only guests under the age of 14 can wear a costume — unless you are attending one of themed parties at the park, such as Mickey’s Not-S0-Scary Halloween Party.
During Times You’re Allowed To Wear A Costume, You May Not Pose With Other Guests
Adult costumes are allowed only during special themed parties, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. But during these special times, park rules prohibit you from signing autographs or posing for photographs with other park guests. There are official Disney employees who are paid to do that!
You might feel tempted to wear a gown fit for a princess while visiting Disney, but you will not be allowed to enter the park wearing clothing that drags on the ground. Clothing with multiple layers may also be searched (we’re looking at you, Joey).
Masks can only be worn by guests under the age of 14, and must provide unobstructed peripheral vision, with eyes fully seen at all times. The only exception to this rule is for medical purposes.
Security checks can be expected when visiting the parks. Be sure to double check your bags, parcels, clothing and other items before going through security, as the parks take this seriously.
Guests under the age of 14 must be with someone age 14 or older to enter the park. In addition to this, children under 7 will need to be with someone age 14 or older to board an attraction.
As much as we wish we could bring our furry friends with us, only service animals are allowed in the parks. Check out this adorable service dog at Disneyland getting his caricature drawn!
Balloons
You may not blow up a balloon at Animal Kingdom or use a plastic straw, for the safety of the animals.
The park has the right to deny admission or ask a person to leave who is wearing clothing that is considered inappropriate. This includes clothing that could disrupt the experience of other guests.
It’s no surprise that you can’t bring in your own alcohol. However, you will be able to find alcoholic drinks within certain areas of the parks, because having a glass of wine while watching the fireworks is essential.
We know Disney is exciting, and it’s easy to want to run from one attraction to the next, but for safety reasons, running is prohibited (except in the case of Disney marathon, of course).
While there are a bunch of Disney blogs and forums noting that flash photography is prohibited in indoor attractions like Space Mountain, we couldn’t find this listed as an official rule on Disney’s site. It could be that it’s mostly frowned upon since a flash could distract others who are enjoying the ride.
Disney Has The Right To Use Guests’ Images Or Voices As They Please
Going to a Disney theme park means agreeing that your picture and voice may be recorded and used by Disney without you receiving payment of any kind. This is pretty standard language for most theme parks, but good to know regardless!
While this may seem like a faster way to make your way to your favorite attractions, you are not allowed to wear skates or shoes with built-in wheels at the parks.
This includes the right to close any park, restrict the number of people in the park and suspend or cancel any attraction or entertainment scheduled at the park. If you have anything special planned for your trip, double check hours and events at the parks beforehand.
Above all, it is important to remember the park has the right to deny admission or require a person already in the park to leave. Be sure to follow all of these rules, because who would ever want to be forced to leave the happiest place on Earth?!
In case you haven’t heard by now, “Ocean’s Eight” is the all-female sequel to the famous heist series “Ocean’s Eleven.” We’ve heard bits and pieces about the upcoming film over the past year or so, but finally we have some substantial information to hold us over for little while.
So how do you make an intense action-packed heist thriller even more thrilling? Give it a reboot with a killer all-female cast composed of all of our favorite female actresses, obviously.
If that doesn’t excite you enough, check out some other fun facts about the movie we’ve uncovered.
1. Director
Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, have teamed up for the creation of “Ocean’s Eight.” Oscar-nominated writer and director Gary Ross is directing the film. Ross is most recently known for directing “The Hunger Games,” and his writing credits include “Big,” “Pleasantville” and “Seabiscuit,” which he also directed.
Olivia Milch wrote the “Ocean’s Eight” screenplay, and the producers are familiar Ocean’s faces, Steven Soderbergh, producer of the original Ocean’s trilogy, and George Clooney.
2. Plot
We don’t know much, but we do know that the heist will be centered around New York City’s annual, star-studded Met Gala.
The heist of the century… At the Met Gala? Say no more!
3. The Cast
First of all, could you imagine walking onto this subway car? Here’s the first image we have from the film, and its fierce leading ladies.
Helena Bonham Carter is practically unrecognizable in the subway photo! She’s the blonde woman next to Anne Hathaway, wearing sunglasses. She will be playing Rose in the upcoming film.
Although, she will always be Bellatrix in my eyes. Another fun fact, Hathaway and Bonham Carter played queen sisters in the live-action “Alice in Wonderland.”
Sarah Paulson is most recently known for her stand-out acting skills in “American Horror Story” tv series. We think she’ll be amazing as Tammy in the upcoming “Ocean’s Eight.”
Believe it or not, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cast of this film! James Corden has signed on to be part of the fun as well. Plus, Katie Holmes, Dakota Fanning and Olivia Munn are rumored to be joining the cast as well.
Matt Damon will be returning to play his character, Linus Caldwell, from the previous trilogy, and one can only hope we see some other familiar faces from the Ocean’s 11 franchise!
Personally, I can’t wait for June 8, 2018 (very fitting). Any room for a ninth?
It’s that time of year again… Super Bowl time! This event is practically a national holiday at this point (hence the petition for Smunday).
If you’re anything like me, you enjoy watching the game, but you enjoy the commercials a little bit more. The game might disappoint you, but it’s safe to say that the commercials won’t.
Here’s a few sneak peaks of what to expect Sunday. From the always hilarious Melissa McCarthy, to Budweiser inspiring all of us and Lady Gaga starring in Tiffany & Co.’s first-ever Super Bowl commercial, we’re definitely in for a treat this year!
Kia
The first sneak-peek, and my personal favorite, is a Kia ad starring Melissa McCarthy. McCarthy is on a mission to save the world!
She comes face-to-face with whales, trees, ice caps and rhinos—each mission more hilarious than the next! From her perfect facial expressions to her painful (yet, hilarious) fails at each task, I couldn’t stop laughing!
The voiceover of the ad explains, “It’s hard to be an eco-warrior, but it’s easy to drive like one.” We think McCarthy should stick to driving from now on!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dQ9a5EFZeI
Tiffany & Co
Tiffany & Co.’s first-ever Super Bowl commercial is big news alone! Adding Lady Gaga to the mix, takes it to another level, one that definitely will not disappoint, if this little teaser is any indication.
“I am honored to be a part of the @TiffanyAndCo family, just one lady in a long line of generations of women. We are not only proud to receive jewelry as a gift, but to know the glamour of being strong, ambitious, and creative in how we love ourselves…turning our problems into platinum.”
Warning: It’s not the horse and puppy commercial you are expecting. No frogs either. (Bummer, I know.)
The commercial is based on the story of the company’s co-founder, Adolphus Busch, and his journey to brew the “King of Beers”. The commercial is titled “Born The Hard Way”, and celebrates the American dream. And we are forever thankful for the tasty brew!
Here’s hoping that these commercials set the standard for Sunday!
Super Bowl Sunday is quickly approaching! It’s time to start gearing up for Super Bowl parties and appetizers galore, because diets definitely don’t exist on game day. What better way to start off Super Bowl Sunday than with a giant bacon football?
Yes, you heard correctly. A football neatly woven from crispy bacon strips. Filled with sausage, eggs and everything nice. Whether you are starting off your Super Bowl Sunday with this delicious ball of breakfast, or having it as “brinner” (breakfast for dinner), this bacon football is the perfect Super Bowl treat!
The best thing about this ball of bacon is that it can be assembled the night before, making the day-of prep easy. This way, you’ll have more time to mingle with friends and family, and enjoy the party. Don’t let this big ball of goodness fool you, it’s actually quite simple to throw together, and it will definitely wow party guests!
First things first, you have to create the breakfast ball that’s hidden beneath the blanket of bacon. The football itself is composed of all of the breakfast essentials: sausage, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, ketchup, hot sauce and eggs.
Next, neatly wrap the breakfast football in delicious bacon! Is your mouth watering yet?
Once you’ve got your breakfast ball assembled, and the bacon neatly woven, add the finishing football laces (slices of white American cheese) to complete the look. And there you have it, a giant bacon football! Get the full list of ingredients and complete recipe from Extra Crispy.
For an edible football that’s a little less labor-intensive but still sure to wow game day party guests, try Kellogg’s spicy take: a Bacon-Jalapeño Cheesy Football, perfect when paired with crackers.
The Super Bowl was incredible for so many reasons this year. The game itself was one of the greatest comebacks in the history of football, the commercials had us laughing and crying, and Lady Gaga’s unbelievable half-time performance just about stole the show.
(In case you somehow missed the half-time show, or you just want to relive it one more time, you can watch the full half-time video below!)
From flying down from the top of the stadium, swinging on ropes, extensive dancing and still managing to sound great, the performance was without a doubt captivating! Not to mention that this was all done in high-heeled stiletto boots.
For her final song, “Bad Romance,” Lady Gaga took to the stage in a crop top and shorts, looking fit and healthy. Yet, somehow, body-shamers are making her “belly” the center of attention. Not her performance, or her vocals, but her “belly.”
Trolls took to Twitter calling her stomach a “flat tire of fat.”
Not only is Lady Gaga inspiring people across the country, but she’s in unbelievable shape, people! The endurance and cardio required to put on a show like that is ridiculously difficult. Before the performance, Gaga shared her journey to the Super Bowl including her workout prep.
Captioning the photo “Training. Everyday all day.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPVsvlmgiQ3/
Since the Super Bowl, Lady Gaga has been quiet about the comments and trolls trying to bring her down. But now, her silence has been broken. Lady Gaga recently responded to the people body shaming her, and it’s the most perfect comeback.
Gaga shared her response through a powerful Instagram post stating:
“I heard my body is a topic of conversation so I wanted to say, I’m proud of my body and you should be proud of yours too. No matter who you are or what you do. I could give you a million reasons why you don’t need to cater to anyone or anything to succeed. Be you, and be relentlessly you. That’s the stuff of champions. Thank you so much everyone for supporting me. I love you guys. Xoxo, gaga”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQPMuhPlaBr/
So, body-shamers, please step up. Put on the high-heeled stiletto boots, try doing even a fraction of Lady Gaga’s performance and then come talk to us about a teeny tiny belly roll.
Thank you Lady Gaga for empowering women of all shapes and sizes! I’m now an even bigger fan.
Since the announcement last year that Netflix would be recreating “Anne of Green Gables,” fans have been patiently awaiting the remake of the beloved classic. Thankfully, the wait is finally over! Netflix recently released the first trailer for the much anticipated mini-series, and it does not disappoint!
First things first, Netflix has made it clear that there’s a new fierce red head in town! She’ll be joining her redheaded Netflix co-stars: Kimmy Schmidt from “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” Red from “Orange Is the New Black” and Barb from “Stranger Things,” no pressure there.
Not only does Netflix give us a glimpse into the new world of “Anne of Green Gables,” but they also have provided us with a release date to hold us over. So, sit back and enjoy this little teaser, and mark your calendars for May 12, 2017!
Here’s what we know about the series so far. An all-female team is behind the series, which seems only fitting. The project was adapted by Moria Walley-Beckett, one of the writers from “Breaking Bad,” giving us high hopes for her newest project. The Netflix series will simply be titled “Anne,” telling the familiar tale of Anne Shirley, in an eight-episode miniseries. Thankfully, the storyline is staying true to the original 1908 novel.
Netflix has blessed us with a synopsis for the series:
“Anne is a coming-of-age story about an outsider who, against all odds and many challenges, fights for love and acceptance and her place in the world. Set in Prince Edward Island in the late 1890s, the series centers on Anne Shirley, a young orphaned girl who, after an abusive childhood spent in orphanages and the homes of strangers, is mistakenly sent to live with an aging sister and brother. Over time, 13-year-old Anne will transform the lives of Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and eventually the entire small town in which they live with her unique spirit, fierce intellect and brilliant imagination. Anne’s adventures will reflect timeless and topical issues including themes of identity, feminism, bullying and prejudice.”
Here’s hoping the Netflix series is anything like the beloved 1985 TV miniseries! May 12 can’t come soon enough! Until then, we’ll be watching the trailer on repeat.
You’d be lying if you said you didn’t want a pet like Dug from Disney Pixar’s “Up.”
Dug is the perfect loyal and furry companion for many reasons. The most obvious reason being that he can talk! Dug talks through a collar that helps him translate his thoughts into English, and it’s pretty amazing. Watch the video below for a glimpse of Dug from the movie. He is too cute not to love!
Now that we are all on the same page with wanting Dug as a pet, take a look at how Disney actually made Dug come to life as an actual talking dog. Well, kind of. Basically, they put a collar with a speaker—just like Dug’s—on a cute Golden Retriever, turned him loose in a park and spoke for the pup from behind the scenes.
We can’t stop watching this video because all the interactions with real-life Dug are too perfect.
He compliments a little boy’s shirt saying, “I like your gray shirt, tiny human.” The humans reactions to Dug are pretty adorable, too.
“I’ve never met a talking dog!” one little boy exclaims, while Dug responds: “And I’ve never met a nicer smelling human!”
The cutest moment has to be when he tells a little girl, “I have just met you and I love you.” (Just like the movie Dug did!) And of course he snuck in a “SQUIRREL!” comment.
Disney has not revealed all their magic behind the video, but it sounds like Bob Peterson, the voice of Dug in the movie “Up,” was probably behind the scenes with a hidden camera and a mic.
We would like to state for the record that we are available for filming if Disney wants to bring more of their cuddly creatures to life!
We love you too Dug! Thanks for making magic come to life!
Just about everyone has had binder clips in their home at one point or another, and I’m willing to bet that those clips often go unused. Am I right? If you fall under this majority then we may have a solution for you! Binder clips are actually very versatile, and have many uses other than their original purpose. In fact, you can fix problems in your office, in your home and in your kitchen!
We’ve collected nine practical uses for these clips that will actually be helpful in your everyday life. Check out the list below to learn how to fix everything from your keyboard, to stacking water bottles in the fridge! The only extra materials you will need other than the clip, is the product you are improving. Ready to get started? Watch the video below.
Here’s the list of all the items we fixed with just a binder clip!
1. Razor Guard
Materials
Razor
Instructions
Place clip over razor head
Fold legs down around razor
Place in travel bag
2. Headphone Organizer
Materials
Earbuds
Instructions
Put earbuds through clip
Wrap cord around legs
Feed end (with plug) through ends so it doesn’t unravel
3. USB Storage
Materials
USB cord
Instructions
Untangle cords and wrap neatly
Clip together
4. Yarn Keeper
Materials
Bowl
Ball of yarn
Knitting needles
Instructions
Put yarn in a bowl
Clip to edge of the bowl
Feed yarn through the legs
5. Keyboard Foot
Materials
Keyboard with no legs
Instructions
Use legs of binder slip to stick into the keyboard
6. Cord Organzier
Materials
Computer
Computer cords
Instructions
Clip to edge of desk, with handles sticking out
Feed cords through
Open up handles for thicker cords
7. Sponge Holder
Materials
Sponge
Instructions
Put sponge in the clip
Stand upright
8. Baggie Clip
Materials
2 bags of veggies
Instructions
Roll up bags
Feed clips from above through a single wire rack
Secure and hang bag with clip
9. Bottle Stack
Materials
Bottles of water
Instructions
From under the wire shelf, attach 2 binder slip (about 6-inches apart) through two wire racks
Stack waters
So there you have it! Start fixing those little annoyances.
You’ve probably heard of countess ways to remove scuff marks from your shoes. But, did you ever think that toothpaste would be the answer?
Using toothpaste to remove scuff marks from your shoes is a cheap, easy and effective way to get your shoes looking brand new! The best part about this hack is that you most likely have everything you need to complete this task at your home already. All you need is toothpaste (we hope you have this one!), a washcloth and an old toothbrush. And of course the shoes in need of some sprucing up.
Washing and drying your shoes can be a time consuming process. This is a quick alternative to washing your shoes, and you be amazed at the results! We love the fact that this is a natural way to remove scuff marks from your shoes. Once you try out this trick, you’ll be using it time and time again.
Ready to get started? Watch the video below to see how it’s done!
Materials
Crest toothpaste (non gel)
Washcloth
Old toothbrush
Instructions
Dampen one corner of the washcloth.
Put a dab of toothpaste on the damp corner of washcloth.
Scrub the white part of your shoe’s sole.
Use a toothbrush for the crevasses and stubborn spots.
Put clean water on the towel.
Wipe clean
And there you have it! You’ll have your shoes looking sparkly and new in no time!
With the 2017 Oscars behind us, we’re doing a little reminiscing on Oscars past. We’re particularly looking back at Reese Witherspoon’s very first Oscar appearance. Witherspoon made her first Oscar appearance in 1997, and there’s something familiar about her photos from that night.
As we’ve mentioned before, Witherspoon and her daughter, Ava Phillippe, look eerily alike. Here’s a picture of the two from Reese’s Instagram showcasing their resemblance. It doesn’t get much closer than that folks!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHnLUxtAN0m/
And while there’s no denying that the mother-daughter duo look similar today, the resemblance is uncanny if you take a look at Witherspoon back in 1997. Here she is, age 21, at the “House of Yes” Century City premiere.
And while we’re reminiscing let’s not forget about Reese and Ryan Phillippe’s debut together in 1999. Remember the classic movie “Cruel Intentions?” It’s also obvious that Ava resembles her father, Phillippe, as well.
But the evidence from 1997 doesn’t lie. Ava is practically her mom’s doppleganger, and we’re a bit jealous. I think it’s safe to say young Ava has a pretty clear picture of what she will look like in her 40s! (lucky girl.)
Fabric on a chair can go out of style pretty quickly, but chairs themselves tend to be more timeless. Transform your upholstered furniture by painting the fabric to create a brand-new look! Learn how to recreate this look here.
3. Metallic Sharpie Makeover
Fix rusted metal with gold metallic Sharpie pens—good as new! It’s as simple as it looks; learn more here.
Paper towels are an essential in the kitchen, but they don’t provide the best decor. Cleverly hide yours with this wood paper towel dispenser. Get it on Amazon for $49.95.
The tile backsplash in your kitchen can make an enormous difference to your kitchen’s overall look! Don’t spend a fortune on new tile—just paint your tile backsplash. Learn how to DIY here.
On Feb. 24, the “Diana: Her Fashion Story” exhibition finally opened its doors to the public, giving us a small glimpse into the wardrobe, and life of Princess Diana of Wales.
The new exhibition is one of many anticipated events that will be held over the course of 2017 to honor the 20th anniversary of the beloved princess’s death.
The exhibit, held at her former home of Kensington Palace, showcases some of her iconic fashion pieces, and provides some surprising insights into her fashion decisions. Eleri Lynn, the curator of, “Diana: Her Fashion Story,” shared some of those insights with People, and we are truly more inspired by the princess than ever before.
One of the most impactful fashion decisions Diana made was abandoning the royal practice of wearing gloves. Gloves are traditionally a royal requirement, but Diana felt they were restricting her ability to connect with people.
“She abandoned the royal protocol of wearing gloves because she liked to hold hands when visiting people or shake hands and have direct contact,” Lynn said. Diana, the People’s Princess, strived to “convey approachability and warmth.”
Perhaps the most powerful example of this approachability and warmth is a photo of the gloveless Princess shaking hands with a man suffering from AIDS. Diana was passionate about her charity work, as well as visiting hospitals and hospice centers. She strived to breakdown stigmas and fears associated with diseases.
In addition to ditching the gloves, Diana altered her outfits for her hospital visits with children. According to Lynn, “When she was visiting hospitals for example she would wear cheerful clothes that would convey warmth and often chunky jewelry so that children could come and play with them,” and that she stopped wearing hats because, ‘You can’t cuddle a child in a hat.’”
We’re not too terribly shocked by these uncovered fashion insights, Princess Diana has always been an inspiration (case in point: a British holiday called “National Kindness Day” was recently created in her honor). The “Diana: Her Fashion Story” exhibition is another reminder that her compassion lives on, stronger than ever, 20 years after her death.
Everyone stop what you’re doing and meet this adorable baby hippo named Fiona. Fiona is the first Nile hippo born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 75 years!
Fiona was born six weeks premature on Jan. 24 at the Cincinnati Zoo. The little hippo weighed a mere 29 pounds when she was born. While 29 pounds may sound heavy, that’s actually 25 pounds lighter than any other recorded birth for the species. The normal weight range for a newborn Nile hippo is 55 to 120 pounds.
Fiona’s road to recovery has been a roller coaster. She has been receiving around the clock critical care from the Cincinnati Zoo staff since she was born, and has even received help from a specialist from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital specialist was called in to help with inserting an IV into Fiona’s veins when she was dehydrated. She is being taken care of in close proximity to her mom, Bibi, and her dad, Henry, so that they can hear and smell each other. Listen to how cute her little grunts are below!
The Cincinnati Zoo has been sharing Fiona’s progress with the public, posting photos and videos of her journey to recovery. As a result, people have rallied behind Fiona, rooting for her healthy recovery, and she has stolen the hearts of many. Fiona’s huge fan base has practically made her famous, and rightfully so!
Local bakeries and eateries have even created special Fiona cookies to raise money in support of the preemie hippo’s recovery. (The Cincinnati Zoo has also set up its own fundraising page for those interested in contributing financially to Fiona’s care.)
Today, Fiona has reached a normal birth weight of 60 pounds. She has picked up 12 pounds within the last week, but is technically still two weeks away from her expected due date. She has more than 20 bottles of special formula each day, and is surrounded by the loving care of 22 zoo staff members.
In addition to this, she is walking on her own, and loves to float and splash around in her “big girl pool.”
1 mo old Fiona outgrew 2 pools! Her new pool, purchased w/your donations, is set up close to mom&dad so she can hear & smell them #TeamFionapic.twitter.com/BGlLQjpkMb
When she’s not eating or splashing around, she sleeps. In fact, she sleeps approximately 18 to 20 hours a day, usually snuggled up with one of her keepers. (Sign me up!)
While Fiona is not completely out of the woods yet, she is progressing well, and the Cincinnati Zoo says her personality is starting to show. As someone from Cincinnati, I am anxiously awaiting the day I can see the adorable little fighter in person at the zoo. Until then, we’re rooting for you Fiona!
It’s official: “Beauty and the Beast” has officially taken over our lives. With the much-anticipated live-action version of the Disney classic premiering in a little more than two weeks, on March 17, companies are capitalizing on the craze in a big way. In case you haven’t noticed, you can buy a “Beauty and the Beast” version of just about everything. Seriously—everything. From shoes to tea to cookware, you can live the fantasy in your everyday life. Here are some of the countless “Beauty and the Beast”-themed products we’ve come across.
1. Tea
English tea company Twinings has released special-edition packaging in honor of the upcoming film. You can choose from four different packages and flavors: Camomile, Honey & Vanilla features Belle in her iconic yellow dress; Lemon & Ginger showcases Belle in her blue dress; Pure Peppermint has both Belle and the Beast dancing on the packaging; and lastly, Orange & Cinnamon Spice is adorned with the beloved Mrs. Potts and Chip. Get an individual box of tea for $3.99, or the collection for $15.00.
While we’re on the topic of tea, you need to see this Beauty and the Beast Limited Edition Fine China Tea Set. This tea set will cost you a pretty penny at $249.95, but it’s definitely worth it. After all, a tea party is not complete without Mrs. Potts and Chip.
New Balance wants to bring Belle’s style to life with their new collection of “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired shoes. You can choose from running, training and lifestyle shoes. Prices range from $89.99 t0 $119.99.
Be our guest and serve up delicious soups in this elegant soup pot. Williams Sonoma and Le Creuset teamed up with Disney to create a soup pot fit for a queen. You can grab one of these online at Williams Sonoma for $280.00.
Spireside, formerly Anthology, candles are inspired by the smells of Disney parks and films, from Disney water to Dole Whips, Pirates of the Caribbean canon fire to the Polynesian Resort lobby. Spireside features two “Beauty and the Beast” scented candles: Belle’s Library, which combines the smells of aged library books, wild roses and leather; and Be Our Guest, which smells of spiced souffle and French pastries, no doubt intentionally made the color of “The Grey Stuff.” The hand-poured, natural soy candles are $18 each.
Japanese skincare line Skin Inc. has created a “Beauty and the Beast” Get Glowin’ serum in celebration of the upcoming film. This serum targets dark circles and uneven skin tones to give you a princess-like glow. You’ll be able to get your hands on this product on March 15; pre-order online here.
The colors included in this spring collection from Morgan Taylor are dreamy, but the names of the polish are what makes it even more amazing. Choose from: The Last Petal, Be Our Guest, Plumette With Excitement, Gaston And On And On, Days In The Sun, Potts Of Tea.
Colors shown by name from left to right as stated above; get a bottle for $9.00.
For anyone who has ever thought about becoming a comedian, now is your chance. The one and only Steve Martin is teaching an online comedy course that we ordinary folk can enroll in today.
This is not a drill. The comedian/actor/writer, is sharing his talents online using the platform MasterClass. The class will focus on multiple different aspects of comedy to help shape aspiring comedians. Starting with Martin’s own specific process, performing comedy, writing and editing.
If you need more convincing about how awesome this opportunity is, watch the video below because everything sounds better when Steve Martin is saying it.
In true Martin fashion, the video starts out with a few funny jokes. “I hope you’ve got your list of things you’ll need to take this course: Your marble apple and your stapler—very essential to learn comedy!”
We’re already feeling inspired by Martin. It’s clear he’ll be a great teacher.
“Remember, you are a thought machine,” Martin says. “Everything you see, hear, experience is usable. Whatever makes you unique as a performer, do it, and know that there is room for you.”
Aside from Martin’s good humor and wise advice, this online class will feature over 25 videos and a downloadable workbook. In addition to this, participants in the course will be able to upload their own routines and receive feedback from classmates. Martin will even critique select students work!
Pre-enrollment for this course is now open for just $90, a small price to pay for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this. Simply head over to MasterClass to get started and reserve your spot.
The MasterClass site doesn’t specify when the course actually begins, but pre-enrollment in the course comes with the disclaimer that you can get your money back if you’re not 100 percent satisfied with your purchase. But really, who could leave this course unsatisfied?
This is not the first time a celebrity has offered a course through MasterClass. Previous celeb instructors include: Gordon Ramsay teaching cooking, Kevin Spacey teaching acting, and Christina Aguilera teaching singing. Other upcoming classes include Shonda Rhimes leading a writing for television course and Frank Gehry leading a course on design and architecture.
We can’t wait to sign up for them all (eventually), but for now, we’ll start with Steve Martin’s comedy class.
“Serial” fans, we’ve found your new obsession. In case you haven’t heard, “Missing Richard Simmons” is the latest podcast craze, and for a good reason.
Everyone knows of Richard Simmons, the 1980s workout star, known for his addictive personality and wild workout attire. But this podcast digs into what you don’t know about Simmons—more specifically, the fact that he’s been “missing” from the public eye for three years. Yes you heard right, missing. And if you’re anything like me, this news comes as a surprise.
Filmmaker and once-upon-a-time friend of Simmons, Dan Taberski, created the podcast in the hopes of getting to the bottom of this mystery. His podcast poses the question: is Simmons actually missing, or just taking a break from the public eye? He spent 16 months producing the six-episode podcast trying to find the answer.
I’ve listened to all four episodes of the podcast that have been released thus far, and I’m hooked. As someone who didn’t know much about Simmons, aside from being an ’80s workout icon, the podcast is fascinating. I don’t want to give anything away, but the theories of where he could be are definitely somewhat creepy. The sense of mystery and intrigue that the podcast generates feels extremely similar to the famous podcast “Serial.”
Taberski does an amazing job at showing listeners who Simmons is a person and a friend. His worry and confusion around Simmons disappearance is evident. However, Taberski cautions, “If you’re thinking you’re going to help me find Richard Simmons, please don’t.” Watch below.
So, ready to start binge listening? The first four episodes have already been released, and new episodes are released every Wednesday. Listen here on Stitcher. If you get caught up on the four available episodes, and you can’t wait till next Wednesday for the next, get a one month free trial to Stitcher Premium to listen to the next episode right away!
If you’re still looking to satisfy your crime podcast sweet tooth, you need to listen to “Stranglers.” “Stranglers” will have you on the edge of your seat throughout each chilling episode, and it is highly addictive. The podcast tells the terrifying true story of The Boston Strangler, and the murders of his victims, 13 women, in a 12-part documentary podcast. This one will keep you up at night, trust me.
“Missing Richard Simmons” and “Stranglers” are products of First Look Media. Stitcher, a podcast player, is a product of the E.W. Scripps Company, which also owns this website.
Sir Patrick Stewart recently took on quite possibly his most important role yet as a foster dad to a pit bull named Ginger. Stewart and his wife Sunny Ozell are proud parents to their new fur baby. The “X-Men” star was filled with pure joy upon meeting his new furry friend.
Stewart posted a video of Ginger’s arrival on Instagram, and we have to warn you, it will melt your heart. It’s clear from their first interaction that it’s love at first sight. “Hi love,” Stewart says. “Thank you for that, that was a very nice greeting,” he continues after Ginger licks (kisses) him.
Stewart captioned the sweet video, “Thanks to @ASPCA and @WagsandWalks, @madameozell and I are finally fostering our 1st pitbull! Meet Ginger. I’m in LOVE. #AdoptDontShop #pitbullsofinstagram #pitbulls”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRZN7xvjWsu/
Stewart’s not the only one obsessed—his wife also posted an Instagram of the cutie.
She captioned the post, “Meet Ginger. We’ve loved pit bulls since meeting our neighbor pibble Sadie, and fostering is a great way for us to love this beautiful breed,” Ozell wrote. “Thank you @aspca and @wagsandwalks for connecting us with this gorgeous being. We’re already in love. #adoptdontshop #pitbullsofinstagram.”
Looks like Ginger thinks she’s a 62-pound lap dog, which makes her even more adorable!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRZjIWvAvP2/
Since her arrival, Ginger has taken over their social media accounts, and rightfully so.
A post shared by Patrick Stewart ? (@sirpatstew) on
The “Logan” actor shared more about Ginger during his recent appearance on Conan. He gushed that he has “longed for this day,” and that Ginger is the first dog he has had in 50 years! He also explained a bit of the pup’s background story, stating that she was rescued from a pit bull fighting ring. Watch the video below.
Stewart also shared that they are actively looking for a forever home for Ginger, since the couple is only serving as her temporary foster parents. Anyone who wants to give Ginger a permanent home can reach out to Wags & Walks, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit with plenty of adoptable, loving pups!
Until then, we’ll be living vicariously through Stewart’s Instagram account.
The moment that we have all been waiting for is finally here!
After months and months of anticipation for the release of the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” film, and seeing “Beauty and the Beast” everything everywhere, the wait is finally over. Now the question is, did the film live up to the hype? Well one thing is for sure, expectations were met at the box office.
The new take on the “tale as old as time” shattered box-office records. The live-action “Beauty and the Beast” opened with a whopping $170 million in North American ticket sales, and an additional $180 million internationally, making it the record holder for G- or PG-rated movies. Dethroning fellow Disney movie “Finding Dory” from 2016, which raked in $135 million, the film will also take the the prize of seventh-best opening in U.S. film history, and this year’s top opening so far.
So how does this stack up to the rest of the competition? Fox, with the help of comScore, complied a list that shows just how amazing the film did in comparison to the rest of the top 10:
1. “Beauty and the Beast,” $170 million ($180 million international)
2. “Kong: Skull Island,” $28.9 million ($38.5 million international)
3. “Logan,” $17.5 million ($31.5 million international)
4. “Get Out,” $13.3 million ($2.9 million international)
5. “The Shack,” $6.1 million
6. “The Lego Batman Movie,” $4.7 million ($2.4 million international)
7. “The Belko Experiment,” $4.1 million
8. “Hidden Figures,” $1.5 million ($3.5 million international)
9. “John Wick: Chapter Two,” $1.2 million ($2.1 million international)
10. “Before I Fall,” $1 million
Dave Hollis, head of distribution for Disney, attributed part of the movie’s booming success to nostalgia, “What’s exciting here is there is an opportunity to see these beloved stories in a way that’s never been seen before, but you get to build that on the foundation of something that’s very familiar.” But, he also also added, “You don’t get to $170 million because of nostalgia, you have to ultimately make these movies great.”
And based on the reviews, that’s exactly what Disney did. They made it great. As an avid Disney fan myself, I went to see the film opening weekend, and I had my doubts, but it did not disappoint! I don’t want to give anything away, but there’s definitely something magical about seeing your favorite childhood Disney movies come to life.
And it seems like I’m not the only one who feels this way.
In March 2017, Brittany Diggs found herself in a terrifying situation, locked inside the trunk of her own car. The 25-year-old nursing student was approached at gunpoint outside of her apartment and forced to drive around Birmingham, Alabama, with her kidnapper attempting to take out cash from ATMs using her pin number.
After various attempts to take out cash, the gunman forced her into the trunk of her car. When they stopped at a gas station, Diggs used the light from her insulin pump to find a latch and pop the trunk from the inside. The daring escape from the moving vehicle was caught on the gas station surveillance camera. Watch below.
Thankfully, the latch that led Diggs to safety is a requirement in all passenger cars since 2001. So how exactly do you find the latch and escape from the inside of a locked trunk?
TODAY national investigative correspondent Jeff Rossen, with the help of Maj. Hector Llevat of the Miami-Dade Police Department, decided to conduct an experiment. The experiment consisted of several volunteers, including Rossen himself, getting inside of a trunk to see if they too could identify the interior latch and escape from a locked trunk.
The volunteers were not informed to search for a latch before getting inside of the trunk. While some volunteers were able to find the same latch Diggs found and escape, most were not able to find a way out.
Rossen explains that the key to escaping is to know where the interior latch is located, and that the latch glows in the dark. However, the pitch black intensity on the inside of a trunk can make identifying the latch difficult. Watch the video of the experiment below.
In addition to this, Retired Army Special Forces officer Mykel Hawke demonstrated to Rossen and his volunteers how to escape from zip ties.
We hope you don’t ever have to use these escape tactics, but stories such as Diggs’ show that you can never really be too prepared.
If you’re looking to step up your Easter decorations this year, we’ve got you covered. Adding a festive centerpiece can make a big statement with little effort on your end. Plus, most of these centerpieces require materials that you probably already have on hand at your house.
Filled with flowers, candy and carrots, these centerpieces are perfect for everything from your egg-dying parties to spring brunches to family dinners.
1. Rainbow Centerpiece
This rainbow centerpiece by Papery & Cakery is perfect for your Easter celebrations, and even just for your springtime decorations in general. All you will need is a variety of bud vases, food coloring, flowers and water. The best part about this centerpiece is that it’s as pretty as it is simple.
This (mostly) edible Easter centerpiece by Two Sisters Crafting is the ultimate centerpiece to showcase all of of your favorite Easter sweet treats—Peeps, M&M’s and more Peeps! The trick here is to have a second vase for the flowers to sit just right. You can also swap in jelly beans for the M&M’s, for an extra colorful (and equally delicious) Easter centerpiece.
The Easter Bunny would appreciate this carrot centerpiece by Love Grows Wild. To create your own, you’ll only need a vase, carrots and some fresh spring flowers of your choosing.
This centerpiece by The Casual Craftlete uses a vase in the center of a wire basket surrounded by Easter eggs. Simply top it with some sprigs of baby’s breath to create a beautiful rustic centerpiece.
Is there anything better than opening a fresh pack of Crayola crayons? We all remember that feeling from childhood, and most of us have our favorite colors too. Well it turns out it’s time to bid farewell to one of those classic colors, because Crayola will be removing one from its classic 24-pack of crayons.
And the color is (drumroll please) … dandelion. Yes, the iconic mustard yellow will be leaving the 24-count crayon box set.
According to WFTS, Crayola originally said it would announce which color would be removed from the box at a live “National Crayon Event” at Times Square on Friday. However, the company tweeted on Thursday that “Dandelion decided to announce his retirement early.”
Watch the video below and prepare to become emotional and nostalgic.
Dandelion is the first color to be removed from the classic 24-pack of crayons in its 100-year history! The other colors in the 24-count box are Red, Yellow, Blue, Brown, Orange, Green, Violet, Black, Carnation Pink, Yellow Orange, Blue Green, Red Violet, Red Orange, Yellow Green, Blue Violet, White, Violet Red, Cerulean, Apricot, Scarlet, Green Yellow, Indigo and Gray.
While Dandelion is the first crayon to be officially retired from the box set, other crayons, like “Mole Blue,” “Psychedelic Purple” and “Light Chrome Green” have been discontinued. Dandelion will be replaced within the 24-pack, but the official replacement color has not yet been released.
However, according to a Facebook Live announcement by Melanie Boulden, senior vice president U.S. and global marketing at Crayola, “The new color will be part of the blue family.” Boulden went on to say, “This summer we are going to invoke our fans to name the new color because we want you all to be a part of Crayola history.” Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait till May for more details.
Easter is right around the corner! Time to dust off those decorations and start ringing in springtime.
Typically, Easter is a time for dying eggs, however this DIY craft has you dying coffee filters instead. These dip-dyed coffee filter flowers are the perfect Easter craft to do with friends and family. The best thing about these coffee filter flowers is that they are super cheap and easy to make, but still look amazing.
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own flowers.
Coffee filters
Food coloring
Paper cups
Shallow dishes
Warm water
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Drying rack
Baking sheet
Ready to get started? HGTV Handmade shared a video on YouTube that will take you through the process. Watch the video, and follow the steps to create your own Easter dip-dyed coffee filter flowers.
It’s that time of year again! The Easter bunny is making celebrity appearances at malls and events gearing up for Easter. Kids are lining up to meet the Easter bunny, let him know what they want for Easter and get their picture taken. Sometimes this experience can be a scary ordeal for children. (Understandably so!)
However, that was not the case for the adorable Luna, daughter of Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. In fact, it was actually the opposite; the two seem to have formed a beautiful friendship.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend introduced their 11-month old daughter, Luna, to the famous bunny and her reaction is too cute. From her smiling face, to her little pink dress, the whole situation really is picture perfect.
That’s OK, Luna, there’s always next year to become friends with Santa and ensure your spot on the nice list. At least your friendship with the Easter bunny looks promising!
It’s official, the rumors are true! As of today, the mythical Starbucks unicorn frappuccino drink has finally become a reality. However, the colorful frappuccino will be gone before we know it. The unicorn frappuccino is only staying in town through April 23 or while supplies lasts.
While the unicorn frappuccino may look like cotton candy, that is not the case here. The base of the frappuccino is made with cream frappuccino mix blended with mango syrup and sweet pink powder, layered with an electric blue sour drizzle, and topped with vanilla whipped cream sprinkled with pink and blue powder. After seeing the pictures, and hearing the buzz, I just had to try one myself to see if it lived up to the hype. And here’s what I found.
The verdict is in: It’s actually a pretty tasty treat! (In small doses.)
I say small doses, because the blue sour drizzle is super sour. Plus, the drink tastes like pure mango sugary goodness, which can get overwhelming. I’d say the best way to describe the frapp is that it tastes oddly similar to Sour Patch Kids candy. So if you’re into that, we may have just found your new favorite drink!
As for the rumors of the drink changing taste and color as mix it, that’s true. The drink—as it comes through the straw—starts out a purple color, mixed with a blue drizzle. My first sip, before mixing, was definitely sour. As I mixed the drink, to my surprise, my drink became a shade of bright pink, and I tasted more of the sugary mango flavor and less of the sour flavor, but the frapp was still tart.
And in case you were wondering, there’s absolutely no taste of coffee here. As an avid coffee drinker, I was hoping for at least a hint of coffee flavor because it is Starbucks, after all, but when it comes to this frappuccino, coffee is not what you’ll get.
All in all, I think the unicorn frappuccino is worth trying. And it definitely lived up to the hype as far as its pretty tie-dye appearance, tangy flavor and color-changing abilities. With that being said, if you aren’t a huge sour candy fan, you probably won’t be a fan of this Frappuccino.
Be sure to check with your local Starbucks to see if you can get your hands on one! And remember that this unicorn frappuccino will be disappearing after April 23.
For all those with fur babies out there, grab some tissues and prepare for the waterworks to start.
This woman’s ex still sends their dog, Apollo, a birthday present each year, even though they broke up years ago. Along with the present, he also sends a card with a letter to Apollo, and it’s just too cute to handle.
The woman tweeted about the sweet gesture, including a picture of Apollo, with the heartfelt message included. See the original tweet and letter below.
My ex and I split up two years ago and he still sends our dog, Apollo, a birthday card and gift card to petco on his birthday.#NoBadBloodpic.twitter.com/awUplbnTzC
Sorry for the late birthday gift. Work has been hectic. So I didn’t get a chance to get you something on time. Anyways, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you got spoiled on your special day. I also hope you’re doing well. Knowing you, I’m sure you haven’t slowed down and are just as much of a handful now as you were when we first got you. Usually this is the part where I tell you some story of how you got on my nerves like when you chewed up my credit card and then hid it. (I still have that card by the way) or how you did something incredibly adorable or funny like your first ever bath. But to be honest as precious as those memories are to me it’s the little thing I tend to think about the most.
Those times where me and you would just chill on the couch and watch TV. How you would be up every time I got up early in the morning to see me off to work. The play fights we would have together. Those pictures your mom would send me of that absolutely pathetic/adorable face you would make every time as you watched her leave for work. These are the things I will remember the most.
Watching you grow up from a puppy that fit in the palm of my hand to the overgrown big dog that you are now was nothing short of an adventure, and I loved every moment of it. There is honestly not one time where thinking of you has failed to put a smile on my face. I will forever be great grateful to you for that. Thank you. I wasn’t able to get you something for Christmas so I added a little extra to your card. Try not to destroy your new toys too quickly I love you, Buddy. There isn’t a day that I don’t think of you. As always, continue to take care of yourself and your mom.
Continue to be there for her like you were for me.
I miss you Buddy. See you when I see you.
Love, Dad.”
The original tweet has since gone viral and people are overwhelmed with emotion.
Many, including the users @okokays and @katee_bo_batee, have responded with GIFs to describe their reaction:
However, have you ever seen emoji flower pots? Yes, you heard correctly, flower pots with your favorite emoji faces on them. These emoji flower pots are the perfect summer craft to tackle with your family. Nothing says “summer” like bright and happy emoji flowerpots! Make your outdoor or indoor space happy and bright.
The best part about this craft is that it’s actually easy to make and requires a short list of materials. And, don’t worry, no hand-painting skills are required. Ready to give it a try yourself? Here are the materials needed, along with craft instructions and a quick video to help visually.
Materials Needed:
Plain ceramic flower pots
Yellow spray paint
Scissors
Colored paper
Mod Podge
Paint brushes
Clear spray sealer *Only need if your pots are going to be outside*
Potting soil
Plants or herbs
Craft Instructions:
Spray paint flower pots “emoji yellow”.
Tip: Don’t rush! Allow time for thin even coats with drying time in-between.
Allow to dry completely overnight.
Cut or punch out desired emoji expressions out of colored paper.
Tip: Paper is better than card stock because it is easier to attach to a curved surface.
Attach paper expressions with Mod Podge.
Allow to dry.
Spray with clear sealer. *If your pots are going to be outside*
Add flowers or herbs.
Feel free to choose whatever emoji your heart desires! Simply follow the same steps above. Fill your pots with flowers or herbs and enjoy.
Also, prepare for endless compliments on how cute these flower pots are!
Poke cake is such an easy dessert that it’s impossible to resist whipping one up for a special occasion—or any occasion, really. When you know your cake is guaranteed to be moist and filled with any toppings you fancy, it’s hard to pass up!
This recipe for blueberry cheesecake poke cake covers all the bases, and combines that tried and true cheesecake flavor with crumbly cake and fresh blueberries! This batter will turn a delightful lavender shade while you’re mixing, it’s (almost) too pretty to eat up.
Ingredients:
For the cake
1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients on the box)
For blueberry cheesecake filling
1 (14oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup fresh blueberries (freeze them overnight so you can crush them in a food processor)
1 cup whipping cream
8 oz. cream cheese softened
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For topping
2 cups whipped topping
2 cups fresh blueberries
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F, spray 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Prepare the cake mix according to the ingredients on the box and bake 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake for 10 minutes, then using a wooden spoon poke holes all over the cake but be careful not to poke all the way to the bottom. Set aside to cool completely.
Place frozen blueberries in a food processor and pulse until they crushed completely. If you can’t crush the blueberries completely add some of the sweetened condensed milk and pulse until it become smooth, then transfer to a bowl , add the rest of sweetened condensed milk and softened cream cheese and whisk until there are no large lumps.
Add whipping cream and whisk until combined evenly.
Stir in lemon juice and pour over the cake immediately (lemon juice will thicken it quickly). Spread it back and forth so it fills the holes. Set in the fridge for couple of hours or overnight to set.
Spread whipped topping, slice and serve. Top each slice with fresh blueberries before serving.
Store in the fridge.
Written by Tijani Jackson and originally published on Shared.
Kids love the look of sushi, but who needs fish when you can make this treat with just five sweet ingredients! Kids will have fun helping create their very own sushi rolls, filled with gummy worms and other candy favorites.
These sushi rolls are a tasty treat, and a super clever idea. The best part about candy sushi is that it’s easy to make, especially if you use prepackaged cereal bars. And the chocolate sauce made to resemble soy sauce really ties the whole snack together.
Candy sushi is a low-effort treat that will have a big impact on little ones and adults. Ready to get started? Check out the ingredients list, and instructions for both the sashimi and sushi below. We’ve also included a quick video to help you out.
Ingredients Needed
Cereal bars (homemade or prepackaged)
Fruit roll ups
Gummy fish
Gummy worms
Chocolate sauce
Assembly Instructions
How to prepare the sashimi:
Prepare cereal bars or unwrap prepackaged ones
Cut cereal squares to 1×2 inch pieces.
Cut fruit roll up into 1/2 strips.
Assemble sushi pieces by stacking a gummy fish on top of the cereal bar piece and wrapping a strip of roll up around to secure.
How to prepare the sushi roll:
Roll out a small section of cereal bar to ½ inch thickness.
Fill center area with a small amount of gummy worms and roll.
Wrap the entire roll with an uncut fruit roll up.
Cut into ¾ inch pieces.
Arrange candy sushi on a platter.
Fill a small ramekin with chocolate sauce and dust with sprinkles.
Oreos are a staple in many people’s homes — and who can blame anyone? They’re delicious, crunchy and sweet cookies that just go so perfectly with a cold glass of milk. For many, Oreos are a nostalgic experience, too. This Oreo Doughnut recipe brings together two beloved desserts to form one amazing confection.
These doughnuts have a cakey, chocolatey texture that will melt in your mouth — there’s even Oreos baked right into the batter! Your taste buds will love the hint of cookie crumble that tops the creamy vanilla glaze that resembles the middle of an Oreo. Give these doughnuts a try, and you might just love them more than the classic cookie!
Grilled cheese is one of those classic recipes that’s just tried and true, and always makes a great snack. Taking it a step further, your cast-iron (or baking dish) can do most of the work for you with these Grilled Cheese Pull-Apart Rolls.
The fun with these rolls is eating them… pull them apart to reveal the gooey, cheesy center. You can even top them with garlic butter and they’d be perfect alongside a pasta dish at dinnertime. Bet you can’t just eat one!
Ingredients:
2 cans Pillsbury biscuit dough
¾ of a box Velveeta cheese
1/4 cup butter, melted
6 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
1 tablespoon fresh or dried parsley
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Open up the can of biscuit dough and separate.
Cut the cheese into cubes.
Flatten out each biscuit, add a cube or two of cheese to the center, then pinch the sides creating a tightly sealed ball.
Once the balls are made, place them in a lightly greased 9 inch cast-iron or baking pan.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, crushed garlic, and parsley.
Brush the tops of the biscuits with the garlic butter you mixed.
Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until rolls are starting to turn golden brown.
Cover rolls with tin foil at this point, then continue cooking another 12-15 minutes until they are fully cooked through.
Serve immediately.
Written by Tijani Jackson and originally published on Shared.
Sharpie Mugs are a fun and easy way spruce up your morning coffee without having to spend a ton on an expensive mug. All you need to make them are white mugs (dollar store mugs work great), oil-based Sharpie paint pens, craft stickers and nail polish remover (to wipe off any mistakes). They’re a really great craft option to make on a rainy weekend with your kids.
These mugs are so beautiful that you’ll be tempted to keep them all for yourself! If you’re feeling generous, fill them with homemade cookies, hot chocolate mix or packaged coffee beans for the perfect hostess, teacher, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gifts. It’s important to remember that once the design is set in the oven that these mugs are hand-wash only.
Materials Needed:
White mugs
Oil-based Sharpie Paint Pen
Craft Stickers
Nail Polish Remover
Directions:
Place a sticker on your mug. You can place the sticker wherever you like.
Using a Sharpie oil-based paint pen in a color of your choice, begin making dots around the edge of your sticker.
Heavily concentrate your dots around the edge of the sticker. As you work your way outward, make your dots less concentrated.
You can use 1 color or multiple colors (we used black and gold).
Allow time for the paint to dry.
Once the paint is dry, peel your sticker off. If you notice any mistakes after you remove your sticker, just wipe them off with a q-tip that has a bit of nail polish remover on it.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Once your oven is heated, set your mugs inside and let them “bake” for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, turn off the oven and let the mugs and oven cool down.
Enjoy your new personalized mugs!
Written by Ashley Ruess and originally published on Shared.
We all have our own preference when it comes to colors, but according to some research, the paint colors we choose can directly impact the value of our homes.
Zillow analyzed 50,000 homes across the country to find that color decisions within a home can affect the final sale price of the home by over $1,000, give or take. The study revealed that while we all may not agree on our color choices, there are four paint colors in particular that should be avoided in order to get the maximum sale price for our homes.
Here are the colors that will decrease the value of your home, and that you should try to avoid at all costs.
1. Slate Gray
Gray is a popular and well-liked paint color choice, but you have to be careful when selecting the shade. Choosing the wrong shade of gray may either increase or decrease the final sale price of your home by more than $1,000.
Homeowners who chose to use slate gray on their dining room walls, for example, got $1,100 below the expected sale price for their home. In contrast, living room walls that were painted dove or light gray helped increased a home’s value by $1,100.
2. Off-White
This might be the most surprising of the four offending colors. The study found that the use of off-white in some spaces—especially kitchens—can make a them feel flat or dead.
Homes with off-white or eggshell kitchens were found to go for $82 below market value.
3. Terracotta
This bold paint choice could put a dent of -$793 on the value of your home. Zillow found that homes with terracotta-colored living rooms sold for less than the expected value.
4. Dark Brown
This color has been referred to as dirty, tar and even death (which sounds a little harsh if you ask me). When used in a bathroom or bedroom, dark brown lowered the final sale price by up to $469.
According to TIME, this color is disliked to the extent that the Australian government almost used it as the color on cigarette packaging to make smoking less appealing.
When looking to increase the value of our homes with a fresh coat of paint, Zillow suggests steering clear of these four paint choices.
Instead, we might consider painting our kitchens in a creamy shade of yellow for an approximate $1,300 increase in final sale price. Homes with bedrooms painted light green or khaki saw a similar boost, and homes with dove or light gray living rooms sold for about $1,100 above the expected value.
In the same analysis as stated above, Zillow experts analyzed photos from nearly 50,000 homes sold around the country and came up with some interesting results about which paint colors get you the most bang for your buck.
Here are the paint colors that can increase the value of your home.
1. Purple
This one may throw you for a loop, but buyers apparently dig certain shades of purple in the dining room. Zillow found that mauve, eggplant or lavender increased the sale price of homes by $1,122.
2. Tan
Paint your bathroom an oatmeal or beige color and you’ll see the sale price of your house go up $283, according to Zillow.
For perhaps obvious reasons, you’ll want to steer clear of dark brown in the restroom or you could lose out on $469 come sale time.
3. Yellow
A creamy or wheat-colored yellow in your kitchen can increase the sale price of your home by $1,360, the Zillow analysis found.
Though it’s tempting to want a crisp, clean white kitchen, you’ll want to steer clear of off-white or eggshell, as those two colors can decrease your sale price by $82.
4. Green
In the bedroom, focus on light green or khaki colors to see an increase of $1,332 on your sale price. And once again, steer clear of dark brown—it may cost you $236.
5. Light Grey
Grey is apparently another question in the living room. If you paint your living room a dove or light gray color, you could increase your sale price by $1,104.
If you’re planning to do a little updating this spring or summer, you want to make smart choices about how you spend your money.
Happy painting!
RELATED: Command hooks are great for hanging items without ruining a nice paint job. Here are a few other ways to use the hooks that you may not have thought of!
Forget going out for egg rolls and make your own at home! These Pork and Vegetable Crispy Baked Egg Rolls are so tasty and make the perfect appetizer for a party. Since they’re baked instead of fried they have a delicious crispy outside with way less of the grease.
When making this recipe you’re going to want to make sure that you have a big enough pan to hold all the sliced veggies and ground pork. We used the Ballarini Firenze Wok and it did a great job of frying up all the veggies and meat, without feeling like it was overfilled. Also, the non-stick surface make the cooking and cleanup a breeze. If you love egg rolls as much as I do, then this recipe is a definite must-try!
Ingredients:
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 cup green cabbage, sliced
1 carrot, shredded
5 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1 slice of bacon, chopped
1/2 lb ground pork
12 egg roll wrappers
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Additional sesame oil for brushing once egg roll is wrapped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced cabbage, shredded carrot and chopped green onions to the pan. Cook and stir for about 1 minute.
Next add the garlic, ginger, bacon and ground pork. Break the meat up into pieces and stir until the pork is completely cooked through and no longer pink. Set mixture aside and let cool.
Once the mixture has cooled, scoop 1/4 cup into an egg roll wrapper.
Fold two opposite corners towards the middle and roll it up (like a burrito).
Once rolled, place the egg rolls on the parchment lined baking sheet and brush with sesame oil.
Bake for 12-14 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. Serve warm and enjoy!
Written by Ashley Ruess and originally published on Shared.
Believe it or not, summer is quickly coming to an end, and a new school year is just around the corner. While back to school is an exciting time, it can also be a busy, time-consuming and expensive time.
Thankfully, the Passionate Penny Pincher has created a helpful guide for where to get the best deals on school supplies. The cheat sheet compares school supplies prices at Walmart, Target, Staples and Office Depot. The handy sheet gives you a quick glance at where to find the lowest prices on everything you are looking for.
Overall? Walmart tends to have consistently lower prices than the rest. However, that’s not always the case! Check out part of the chart below and head to PPP to download your own printable version.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the cheat sheet, compiled to help make school supply shopping an affordable breeze.
1. Walmart Wins
Walmart seems to be living up to its reputation as the low price leader.
Let’s take a pack of 10 Crayola washable markers for instance. Walmart’s price was $2.77, while Target’s price was $3.99. At Staples you’d pay $3 and at Office Depot, you’d pay $5.
2. Don’t Forget Store Brands
Target, Staples and Office Depot have in-house store-brand items that are significantly cheaper than brand-name items.
It’s important to note that the cheat sheet focused mostly on well-known school supply brands, such as Crayola and Elmer’s, which skewed the results just a bit. Search for the in-house store-brand items when shopping at these stores.
3. What About Amazon?
Don’t worry, Amazon, we didn’t forget about you! The cheat sheet also doesn’t cover Amazon, but our sister site Don’t Waste Your Money did a search and found you should buy these 10 back-to-school items from Amazon in order to get the best price.
Plus, time is money, so if you don’t have to leave your house to buy school supplies (although your kids might protest!), Amazon can help with that too. Got Amazon Prime? Even better. That free two-day shipping is a lifesaver
4. Dollar Stores
While dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General were not included in this back-to-school cheat sheet, be sure to check out dollar stores, as you can get many school supplies at discount stores for a lower price.
Head over to PassionatePennyPincher.com to download the full cheat sheet today. Simply sign up for the the blog’s email list, then you’ll receive a link in your inbox that takes you to the cheat sheet. You can print out this sheet to take along with you on your school supply shopping trip.
Prices may vary depending on your location and weekly sales, but this chart will give you a general overview of where you can find the lowest prices.
If you consider yourself a Harry Potter expert, you’ve come to the right place.
As we all know, Harry found out he was a wizard through an acceptance letter from Hogwarts when he turned 11. If you didn’t get a letter on your 11th birthday, don’t lose hope. There are other ways to find out if you’re actually a true wizard living a muggle life.
If you think you have what it takes, put your wizardry knowledge to the test with this Harry Potter quiz.
Thanksgiving is arguably the most delicious and comforting meal of the year. While the turkey may be at the center of a Thanksgiving table, we all know that it’s the side dishes that steal the show. There are so many options and flavors to choose from, each one more mouthwatering than the next. It’s no secret that side dishes vary from family to family. In fact, some people are very particular about their go-to side dish.
Here are a few of our favorite side dishes that complete a Thanksgiving meal.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple at every Thanksgiving meal. Whether it’s a classic mashed potato recipe, or even a healthier mashed potato option using an ingredient like light sour cream, they are always delicious.
While some may argue that this dish tastes more like dessert, it is an essential side dish at any Thanksgiving meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding bourbon or bacon!
When I was growing up, baking and decorating Christmas cookies was one of my favorite holiday traditions. We made all of the classic cookie recipes, and always tried a few new recipes, too.
I loved making all of the different cookies and trying one of each fresh out of the oven. There are so many recipes to choose from, each one more mouthwatering than the next. And while I do not discriminate when it comes to Christmas cookies, I definitely have a favorite.
If you had to choose only one cookie to eat this season, which would you choose?
It’s that time of year again! One year is coming to a close, and another is about to begin.
Making a New Year’s resolution is a tradition. There are so many ways to improve your life in the new year and start fresh. The first step in this direction is setting a goal for yourself in the new year.
Last year I made the goal to read a book a month, and while I didn’t completely reach my goal, I read more books this year than I did in past years!
Here are some of our favorite ideas on ways to improve in the new year. What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2019?
Whether you’re into football or not, chances are you’re at least attending or hosting a Super Bowl party. Even if football isn’t your favorite sport to watch, a Super Bowl party is the perfect time to get together with friends and family for food, drinks, football and of course, the commercials.
Typically the snack table at a Super Bowl party has everything your heart desires from tasty dips to chili to chicken wings. Here are a few of our favorite foods below.
Which appetizer is a must-have at your Super Bowl party?
Chocolates and flowers are nice gifts, but there are other ways to a woman’s heart. Some women prefer to be showered with gifts, while others appreciate acts of service. This year we are thinking outside of the box when it comes to gift giving for Valentine’s Day.
Which of these gifts would you want most for valentine’s day?
In the midst of this brutal winter that most of the country is experiencing, it’s hard to believe that spring will be here before we know it!
We know spring is still over a month away (March, 20, but who’s counting?), but now is the time to start planning a spring break getaway.
We’re wanting to know what would be your ideal spring break vacation. For some, the perfect getaway might be a relaxing beach vacation, others may want a hiking adventure or a staycation at home might be more your cup of tea.
He’s here! Vanessa and Nick Lachey have welcomed a third child into their family!
The famous couple happily welcomed baby boy Phoenix Robert into the world on Christmas Eve! The birth was announced through a photo on Vanessa’s Instagram posted on Monday. The snap shows baby Phoenix holding his mother’s fingers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOe7zmmg6Yh/
Vanessa captioned the photo “It’s a very Merry Christmas indeed” and referred to baby Phoenix Robert Lachey as their early “Christmas Miracle.”
The announcement that a third child was on the way was made back in September, through another post on Vanessa’s Instagram account. The caption read: “We got a new crib! Now we need a new CRIB!” The photo showed Vanessa cradling her baby bump and posing in front of the family’s new home along with Nick and their two older children, son Camden, 5, and daughter Brooklyn, 11 months. Baby Phoenix officially makes the adorable celebrity family a #LacheyPartyOf5.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ3Df_FjtA3/
And just when you think Vanessa’s Instagram couldn’t get any cuter, she posts this video of Nick finding out that they are having a baby boy! Camden approaches his dad with a big blue balloon to spill the beans.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNNbSiHjWHl/
Nick Lachey has expressed in the past how much he enjoys being a dad. Lachey opened up to People after Camden’s birth.
I had a lot of expectations for what fatherhood would be because I thought about it for so long but when it happens, it blows your mind every day. This little creature that you created, that looks to you and depends on you, and just brings you so much joy, you just can’t put it into any kind of words. Your kids are the biggest blessing you could ever possibly have in life.
Congratulations, Vanessa and Nick, on your growing family!
Related: Watch these adorable twins have a grand old time with a leaf blower:
The folks at Disney always seem to have new surprises up their sleeves. Recently, the company confirmed that it will be adding three new themed attractions to the complex: “Star Wars” Land, “Toy Story” Land and an “Avatar”-themed park called Pandora: The World of Avatar. While Disney has not announced opening dates for the “Star Wars” and “Toy Story” attractions, both located in Hollywood Studios, the expected opening of Pandora has been announced.
The anticipation is finally over! Pandora will open its doors to the public in summer 2017. Pandora: The World of Avatar will be located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in in Orlando, Florida. James Cameron, director of the 2009 movie “Avatar,” and Disney Imagineers have been working diligently to ensure that this new attraction is a fully-immersive experience for guests, and from the looks of the video below, they have done just that!
The Avatar you see at the end is an actual animatronic from the new park! The lifelike appearance is breathtaking in a video, so can you imagine seeing it in person? Read on for more fun facts about the development of The World of Avatar as well as what you can expect when the park opens this summer.
Construction for the park began in 2014. The first concept art was released in February 2015. The park includes the iconic floating mountains from the movie. The park will be filled with hundreds of exotic-looking plants, including a replication of the bioluminescent forest, which will appear differently both day and night—creating two totally different environments!
And of course, a world wouldn’t be complete without attractions, dinning and shopping. The park will feature two new attractions, “Avatar: Flight of Passage” and “The Na’vi River Journey,” as well as some fun dining and shopping spots.
The Avatar: Flight of Passage attraction will take you on the back of a mountain banshee, the giant bird-like animals that are also seen in the film. This attraction will be similar to Disney’s Epcot ride Soarin’. You’ll be plunging and diving and exploring the world of Pandora.
The Na’vi River Journey will be a boat ride through the bioluminescent forest, an attraction the whole family will love!
The Satu’li Canteen will be the main restaurant in the park. Enjoy a good meal and also take a look at Na’vi art and other cultural items. Wind Traders will be the main shopping destination in the park. Find science kits, toys and more! Pongo Pongu will be the spot to grab a festive, “Avatar”-themed drink on those hot summer days!
So, are you currently booking your trip to Disney World for this summer? We know we are!
#BlackLivesMatter (@AlecRPar) 
ɹǝʇlnoԀ pıʌɐᗡ 
(@Retlouping) 
(@LoveBeckz) 
I love you, Buddy. There isn’t a day that I don’t think of you. As always, continue to take care of yourself and your mom.
