The Nutcracker And The Four Realms On Digital and Blu-ray January 29 & Giveaway

When you don't have a chance to get into the theater to see a movie, but you receive The Nutcracker And The Four Realms on Blu-ray for review, you know you're having a good day!

TODAY'S the day - January 29th! The Nutcracker And The Four Realms releases on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Code and I'll be giving away THREE of them! Time to get excited everyone. I know I am. When this movie was coming out, and I was watching the trailers, I was hoping I could find time to get into the theaters to see it on the big screen, but is just never happened. Tonight we get cozy on the couch to watch the Blu-ray. I'm sure one of my boys will snag the Digital Code. It's always a race to grab it first.

Let's talk about the actual movie!

Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”
The Stunning, Magical Adventure Arrives Home on Digital and on Blu-ray™ Jan. 29 

Featuring a star-studded cast, including Keira Knightley, Mackenzie Foy
and Misty Copeland, with Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman

BURBANK, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2019) — Disney's dazzling adventure "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms"- inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann's classic tale and the beloved ballet "The Nutcracker"- carried audiences along with 14-year-old Clara (Mackenzie Foy) to a magical, mysterious world with breathtaking performances by Misty Copeland plus sweets, snowflakes, soldiers, scurrying mice... and no shortage of surprises. Destined to become an annual viewing tradition for adventurers of all ages, the film arrives home instantly with never-before seen extras and deleted scenes on Digital and Movies Anywhere, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD Jan. 29, 2019. 

Bonus features include a discussion with American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland about her role as the enchanting Ballerina Princess, her personal history with “The “Nutcracker” ballet, and her inspirational and historic rise within the world of dance. Extras take viewers on the set of “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” to meet both new and reimagined characters, and discover how the Land of Sweets, Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and mysterious Fourth Realm were created to such dazzling effect. Deleted scenes provide a look at magical moments that didn’t make the final version of the movie.

In “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” Clara travels along a golden thread, presented at Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual party, eagerly searching for a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a music box that holds a priceless gift. When she enters a mysterious parallel world, Clara encounters a Nutcracker soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and three Realm regents, including the Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley). Ultimately, she must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve the key and return harmony to the unstable world.

The stunning feature film will be packaged and released in several different formats, giving families the flexibility to watch it on a variety of different devices. Viewers can instantly watch the film in Digital UHD, HD and SD, and bring home a physical copy of the film as the Ultimate Collector’s Edition (4K UHD, Blu-ray and Digital Code), Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Code) or a single DVD.

 Bonus features include*:

BLU-RAY:

• On Pointe: A Conversation with Misty Copeland - Copeland shares the thrill of portraying one of her favorite characters in a whole new way.
• Unwrapping “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” - Dive into the production design, sets, costumes and more that helped transform a beloved ballet into an adventurous movie.
• Deleted Scenes –
  • The Stahlbaums Arrive- As the Stahlbaums enter the Christmas Eve ball, the butler attempts to announce them to the assembled guests.
  • Follow Your Ribbon- Drosselmeyer encourages a reluctant Clara to go find her gift.
  • Deleted Scene: Clara Asks About Her Mother- Sugar Plum gives Clara a tour of her mother’s bedroom.
  • Left, Left, Left, Left, Left- Wandering lost in the forest, palace guards Cavalier and Harlequin quarrel about which way to go.
  • Out with the Old- Sugar Plum makes sweeping changes to the palace decor.
• Music Videos -
  • “Fall on Me” Performed by Andrea Bocelli Featuring Matteo Bocelli- Experience superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli performing their first duet together in this uplifting song.
  • “The Nutcracker Suite” Performed by Lang Lang- Get swept up in a series of images from the movie, set to Tchaikovsky’s music and featuring world-renowned pianist Lang Lang.

ON DIGITAL:

• Unwrapped: The Visual Effects of “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”- View a reel that explores the layers of effects in sequences of the film.

ABOUT “THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS” CAST AND CREW: 
In the coming-of-age tale, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” Keira Knightley stars as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mackenzie Foy portrays Clara. Helen Mirren brings much-feared Mother Ginger to life, and Morgan Freeman stars as Clara’s eccentric godfather, Drosselmeyer. Eugenio Derbez and Richard E. Grant play Hawthorne and Shiver, the regents of the Land of Flowers and Land of Snowflakes. Jayden Fowora-Knight was cast as Phillip Hoffman, the Nutcracker soldier come-to-life. Matthew Macfadyen, Ellie Bamber and Thomas Sweet were called on to play Clara’s father Mr. Stahlbaum, sister Louise, and brother Fritz, respectively. Omid Djalili and Jack Whitehall portray palace guards Cavalier and Harlequin, and the film features a special performance by ballet greats Misty Copeland and Sergei Polunin.

Filmed in England at Pinewood Studios and various locations in and around London, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston. Suggested by the short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, and “The “Nutcracker” ballet written by Marius Petipa, the screen story and screenplay are by Ashleigh Powell. The film is produced by Mark Gordon and Larry Franco, and executive produced by Sara Smith and Lindy Goldstein. Linus Sandgren, F.S.F., is the director of photography, Guy Hendrix Dyas serves as production designer and Stuart Levy, ACE, is the film editor. Jenny Beavan and Jenny Shircore are the costume designer and makeup and hair designer, respectively. Max Wood and Marc Weigert are the visual effects supervisor and visual effects producer, respectively. Music is by James Howard with a score conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, featuring piano soloist Lang Lang.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook:                        Facebook.com/DisneysNutcracker
Website:                           Movies.Disney.com/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms
Twitter:                             Twitter.com/thenutcracker
Instagram:                        Instagram.com/disneysnutcracker



Now you have the chance to win 1 of 3 copies!


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Keep Your Butt Going To The Gym!

So, are you one of those people who made a resolution to "get fit", "exercise", or "join a gym"? if so, I want to encourage you to NOT give up. Trust me, I know it's not easy getting started AND continuing. I did mention that the first time I went to the gym I didn't actually GO to the gym, right? I drove 35 min to the gym, pulled into the parking garage, turned right around, and went home!

I think if you're not in the habit of going to the gym regularly it can be difficult to make it a habit. I'm not the kind of person who is good at creating a habit, but if I can get one started for at least a few months, I can make it part of my lifestyle.

One of the key pieces I think to sticking to going to a gym is finding something you love or at least enjoy. If you have the ability to try classes or use a trainer then I say do it! Don't just go to any gym just once or twice and give up on it. Many gyms will give a free meeting with a trainer or if you haven't paid for a gym membership, find ones that have different options and find out if they give free passes for up to a week. I mean seriously, if they're free, the gyms can be your oyster. At least they'll give you a sampling of what each one offers and if you feel comfortable there.

Some gyms are very basic and you just do a circuit of exercise machines. Other gyms have trainers who help you every time you go in. I know there are also gyms which specialize in specific fitness styles. I mean, there's truly something out there for everyone! You just have to find your fit.

A suggestion I have is to find a buddy to hit the gym with. Whether it's a family member or a friend, going to the gym with someone who's going to be committed WITH you can be a huge motivator to keep on keeping on. Heck when you start going to the gym, especially if you're doing it alone, get to know the people you keep seeing. You never know, maybe you reaching out with a, "Hi," will be just what that person needs to want to keep going. That person might just be on a health journey, too!

We're all on this journey together. You CAN do this! Just keep going to the gym, whichever one you choose, and I guarantee that in a few months you'll be loving it.

Precious Moments Collectors' Club & Donation To The SPCA

I'm a collector. I have been all of my life. I remember as a little girl I would collect stickers. Then I collected coins from other countries, post cards, magnets, and coffee cups. My boys' grandma started me collecting Precious Moments about 15 yrs ago. She would get me one for various holidays and built up my collection. What I didn't realize was Precious Moments has a Collectors' Club! I was excited when they asked me to share about it for a review.

One of the best parts of working in a partnership with Precious Moments is adding to my collection or being able to give their figurines as gifts. When I was looking at some of the exclusive figurines for members only, I saw that they had one I could donate to the SPCA where we've gotten all 3 of our fur babies.

Let's chat first off about the features that come with joining the Precious Moments Collectors' Club.

·        FREE Membership Figurine

·        FREE shipping on all eligible purchases at PreciousMoments.com

·        FREE one-year subscription to MOMENTS Magazine

·        EXCLUSIVE ability to purchase Members Only Figurines

·        EARN valuable TRIPLE Reward Points on purchases from PreciousMoments.com

·        FREE personalization on eligible Precious Moments figurines, dolls and other

gifts from PreciousMoments.com

Did you even KNOW Precious Moments have Reward Points? Why, yes they do! If you're part of the Precious Moments Collectors' Club, for every $1 you spend, you get 3 points. On your birthday you get 200 points. You'll definitely have to see all of the other ways you can earn points. You can use those points toward your purchases.

Now, let's talk about the 2019 Precious Moments Collectors' Club, Members Only Figurine "Blessed Are The Peacemakers". This figurine fits in perfectly with their Club theme for 2019 which is "Sharing Love, Peace, and Harmony With The World."

These adorable little girls are holding a puppy and a kitten. This sweet figurine is made of bisque porcelain and expertly hand painted. I can tell you first hand that this is absolutely beautiful. it would make a perfect gift for a friend or to add to your own collection. You can see why it was so great to be able to give to our local SPCA.

 

Thankfully, the timing was right on when I received the figurine for review. The SPCA was having their Vaccine Clinic and since they already had Willow's records (since we got her from them) I figured it was the best place to go. I killed two birds with one stone by bringing it with me as well.

Since the SPCA relies heavily on donations, I knew something like this from Precious Moments would be such a great gift. They certainly seemed surprised that I was donating it to them. I tell you what, it certainly made my heart full!

Now, go get yourself to Precious Moments and become a Collectors' Club member!

Encourage New Gym Members

Have you seen the typical swell of new people at the gym? I know I certainly have. Our Zumba class tends to be filled to overflowing, which I know is great for my instructor and for the gym, but I sure do miss the space to dance around.

That being said, I learned after I joined my gym 3 yrs ago, that some people at gyms don't have a lot of patience for people who decide one of their goals is to get fit in the new year. I had no idea. Why would someone be annoyed? Sure there's an influx of people trying to stick to their New Year's resolution, and many of them won't. But, what if we had a different attitude towards these new people?

What if instead of giving them the stink eye, we welcomed them? What if we encouraged them to come back? Last week was the first uptick in our Zumba class. There are a lot of ladies that I've been doing it with for the past 2 yrs and we're definitely the regulars. Well, one of the gals must've noticed that one of the ladies was struggling with the moves and she moved back to stand next to her to help her. In that moment, she was my hero.

I think what she did should be our attitude all of the time, but especially at the start of the year when people are just getting started. When they are trying to make lifestyle changes to help them be healthy.

Personally, I try to be welcoming to anyone I haven't recognized before. I try to smile at them, joke around with them, and in general be friendly. I'll even introduce myself and welcome them back. Unfortunately that doesn't always work out. People don't seem to be super open to making friendly with the "locals". I mean, it took me these entire past 2 yrs to have people coming up to me and talking to me. These are ladies I've been dancing with for 2 yrs. Like NOW they know I'm sticking around. lol People I've tried to be friendly with, at least in the past, ended up not coming back. HA! Trying not to take that personal.

That being said, if you see someone new, greet them! Offer to help them if they seem to be struggling or don't know what to do. Give them a smile if you're not comfortable talking to them. Just be willing to welcome everyone who's trying to get healthy like you!

Here's to year 3 of Zumba! I'm excited and loving it.

New Year, New You: Lugz Men's Roamers Lo Oxford Boot Giveaway

THIS is going to be an amazing year. I already know it. So much happened the last 5 months of 2018 to set our family up for good things to come in 2019! One of the biggest changes was Fred getting a new job. Really, his dream job (mostly). He has wanted to be a pastor for years and now he's on his way to fulfilling that dream.

One of the pieces of this new job that has needed to be addressed is my husband's wardrobe. As a Director of Ministries, he needed a wardrobe update. jeans falling apart, t-shirts that say "< Sarcasm >", and well-worn sneakers really won't cut it in this position. While I picked him up some new button down shirts, the place I turned to for shoes was Lugz. I reached out to them because I know doing a review (and giveaway) of their Men's Roamer Lo Oxford Boot would be a great way to get his kicks into the game.

I gave these to him for Christmas. Actually I was pretty excited because he wasn't expecting shoes for work. The ones he's been wearing have been a beast to get on and they seem to frustrate him to no end. Not only that, I didn't think they were comfortable. I knew Fred was going to have to do a lot of walking and he'd need shoes that were ones he'd want to wear for at least 8 hours (and look good at the same time)!

These boots have a comfort wedge and slip resistant outsole. They also have a padded comfort insole that will give him the cushioning he needs when he's on his feet all day. The Lugz Men's Roamer Lo Oxford Boot is made from synthetic leather with a breathable lining. You can tell by the construction that these are meant to last!

We're not new to Lugz. All of us have at least one pair. A couple were from previous reviews, but I've also bought a couple pairs on my own. My youngest has the Men's Colony CC Oxford Sneaker which he keeps in pristine condition! I also got him the Men's Warfare Mid WR for his work he was doing in construction. Lugz doesn't offer them any more, but they were similar to the Chukka. He still gets a lot of use out of them when I have him help me with yard work.

Now that I've pumped you up for these amazing Lugz shoes, you now have the opportunity to win a pair for the man in your life!

Disclaimer: Hosts & participating event bloggers of the New Year, New You Hop are not responsible for sponsors or bloggers that do not fulfill prize obligations!



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2019 Release Schedule From Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Now that my boys are older and I always have a date night option with my husband, it's more enjoyable to go to the movies! This year might be the best one yet. I have an idea I'll be crying through at least a couple of them (Toy Story 4 and The Lion King). I'm excited to share what's coming in 2019!

March 8, 2019 – CAPTAIN MARVEL (Marvel Studios)

#CaptainMarvel

Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. 

The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, with Annette Bening, with Clark Gregg, and Jude Law.

Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patricia Whitcher and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The story is by Nicole Perlman and Joe Shrapnel & Anna Waterhouse, and the screenplay is by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck and Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Jac Schaeffer.

Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN MARVEL opens on March 8, 2019 in U.S. theaters.

March 29, 2019 – DUMBO (Walt Disney Studios)

#Dumbo

From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

Directed by Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger (“Ophelia,” “Dream House”), and produced by Justin Springer (“TRON: Legacy”), Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Big Eyes”) and Derek Frey (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Frankenweenie”).

DUMBO flies into theaters on March 29, 2019.

April 17, 2019 – PENGUINS (Disneynature)

#DisneynaturePenguins

Disneynature’s all-new feature film “Penguins” is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. None of it comes easily for him, especially considering he's targeted by everything from killer whales to leopard seals, who unapologetically threaten his happily ever after. From the filmmaking team behind “Bears” and “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature’s “Penguins” opens in theaters nationwide in time for Earth Day 2019.

Disneynature’s PENGUINS opens in theaters on April 17, 2019.

April 26, 2019 – AVENGERS: ENDGAME (Marvel Studios)

#AvengersEndgame

AVENGERS: ENDGAME releases in U.S. theaters on April 26, 2019.

May 24, 2019 – ALADDIN (Walt Disney Studios)

#Aladdin

A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”), who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August (“Dark Shadows,” “Big Fish”) and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith (“Ali,” “Men in Black”) as the larger-than-life Genie; Mena Massoud (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) as the charming scoundrel Aladdin; Naomi Scott (“Power Rangers”) as Jasmine, the beautiful self-determined princess; Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express”) as Jafar, the powerful sorcerer; Navid Negahban (“Legion”) as the Sultan concerned with his daughter’s future; Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s free-spirited best friend and confidante; Billy Magnussen (“Into the Woods”) as the handsome and arrogant suitor Prince Anders; and Numan Acar (“The Great Wall”) as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and captain of the palace guards.

“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin (“Sherlock Holmes”) and Jonathan Eirich (“Death Nate”) with Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Marc Platt (“La La Land”) and Kevin De La Noy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”) provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar-winning lyricists Howard Ashman (“Little Shop of Horrors”) and Tim Rice (“The Lion King”) and includes two new songs written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hanson”). The film, which was shot on practical stages in London and on location amidst the stunning desert vistas of Jordan, has a talented creative team helping to bring Agrabah to life, including: director of photography Alan Stewart (“The Commuter”), production designer Gemma Jackson (“Game of Thrones”) and costume designer Michael Wilkinson (“American Hustle”).

ALADDIN opens in U.S. theaters nationwide May 24, 2019.

June 21, 2019 – TOY STORY 4 (Disney·Pixar)

#ToyStory4

Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”).

Disney·Pixar’s TOY STORY 4 ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

July 19, 2019 – THE LION KING (Walt Disney Studios)

#TheLionKing

Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journey’s to the African savannah where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother–and former heir to the throne-has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, “The Lion King” utilizes pioneer filmmaking techniques to bring these treasured characters to life in a whole new way.    

THE LION KING roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.

August 9, 2019 – ARTEMIS FOWL (Walt Disney Studios)

#ArtemisFowl

Disney’s “Artemis Fowl,” based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he seeks to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of his loyal protector Butler, Artemis sets out to find him, and in doing so uncovers an ancient, underground civilization—the amazingly advanced world of fairies. Deducing that his father’s disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan—so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.

“Artemis Fowl” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, with Josh Gad, and Judi Dench. Judy Hofflund and Branagh are producing with Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serving as executive producers. Conor McPherson wrote the screenplay.

Disney’s ARTEMIS FOWL opens in U.S. theaters on August 9, 2019.

November 22, 2019 – FROZEN 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Arendelle heats up in 2019 when Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf return to the big screen in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” the much-anticipated follow-up to 2013’s Oscar®-winning “Frozen”—the highest grossing animated film of all time. Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad reprise their roles, while Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the team behind “Frozen,” return to the directors’ chairs.

FROZEN 2 opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.

December 20, 2019 – STAR WARS: EPISODE IX (Lucasfilm)

STAR WARS: EPISODE IX opens in U.S. theaters on December 20, 2019.