Isla Fisher as Mackenzie and Willa Skye as Mia in GODMOTHERED, exclusively on Disney+.
JUST IN! Where are all my Disney fans at?
Today, we are jumping for joy because we got word that “Godmothered,” will debut on December 4, 2020 on Disney Plus. This film could not come at a better time, because we can all use a little cheer this holiday season!
Set at Christmas time, “Godmothered” is a comedy about Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training (Jillian Bell) who upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers.
Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “Happily Ever After,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not.
Jillian Bell as Eleanor in GODMOTHERED, exclusively on Disney+.
We are a Disney family, and we seriously cannot wait to see this original film on Disney Plus. Join us in watching it December 4th!
Last month my children and I got a first look at, “The War with Grandpa.” We also had a chance to chat with the sensational cast, to talk about the upcoming film that will be released October 9th!
We all can use some good laughs during these crazy times, and this movie will be released just in time for you to enjoy with your entire family.
Thanks to this hilarious film, my prankster son was inspired to stir up some more trouble in our multigenerational home…
Sixth-grader Peter (Oakes Fegley) is pretty much your average kid—he likes gaming, hanging with his friends and his beloved pair of Air Jordans. But when his recently widowed grandfather Ed (Robert De Niro) moves in with Peter’s family, the boy is forced to give up his most prized possession of all, his bedroom. Unwilling to let such an injustice stand, Peter devises a series of increasingly elaborate pranks to drive out the interloper, but Grandpa Ed won’t go without a fight. Soon, the friendly combatants are engaged in an all-out war with side-splitting consequences.
Based on the award-winning book by Robert Kimmel Smith, The War with Grandpa is a hilarious family comedy featuring an all-star supporting cast: Christopher Walken, Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle, Cheech Marin, Laura Marano and Jane Seymour.
Check out what Cheech Marin had to say about playing “Wingman Danny” in the new movie.
Inspired by a true story; Fatima is a historical film that is driven by faith and hope. The film itself follows three young children in war ridden Portugal, who claim to see an apparition of Mary. The story is filled with stomach turning events, as well as endearing ones. The principal child, who Mary has selected as her messenger, features Stephanie Gil; young, compelling actress with whom I have interviewed.
In 1917, outside the parish of Fátima, Portugal, a 10-year-old girl and her two younger cousins witness multiple visitations of the Virgin Mary, who tells them that only prayer and suffering will bring an end to World War I.
As secularist government officials and Church leaders try to force the children to recant their story, word of the sighting spreads across the country, inspiring religious pilgrims to flock to the site in hopes of witnessing a miracle.
What they experience will transform their quiet lives and bring the attention of a world yearning for peace. Based on real-life events and starring Joaquim de Almeida (“Queen of the South”), Goran Višnjić (Beginners), Stephanie Gil (Terminator: Dark Fate) and Lúcia Moniz (Love, Actually), with Sônia Braga (Aquarius) and Harvey Keitel (The Piano, The Irishman), Fatima is an uplifting story about the power of faith.
When I was a child, my mother always told me about this captivating story of Our Lady of Fatima, and Lucia Dos Santos. Watching this story come to life before our very eyes, was a bonding experience for my mother and I. The story holds a special place in my heart, and will always serve as a reminder to always have faith. Bravo to director Marco Pontecorvo for this timeless film!
Are you looking for a fun family adventure to enjoy with your whole family?
Netflix has done it again! I screened the new film, “The Sleepover” had me laughing out loud the whole time with this silly, but heart-warming story of a family and friends. They team up to defeat some bad guys. Also, I have to mention that hunky Joe Manganiello is in it, so this movie definitely has something for everyone to enjoy!
I have partnered with Netflix for this film. All opinions are my own.
Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet the cast on an online Zoom meeting, and they were definitely a fun and lively group!
Synopsis
In this family adventure-comedy, Clancy (Sadie Stanley) and her kid brother Kevin (Maxwell Simkins) discover that their seemingly normal stay-at-home mom Margot (Malin Åkerman) is actually a former high-end thief in the witness protection program. When both their mom and dad (Ken Marino) are kidnapped and forced to pull one last job with an ex-flame of Margot’s (Joe Manganiello), the siblings must team up to rescue their parents over the course of one action-packed night that they’ll never forget.The Sleepoveris directed by Trish Sie (PitchPerfect3).
Each actor’s character brought something unique to the film in their own fun way, so I was able to ask them how they related to their character and this is what they had to say:
Listen to the Audio Below!
Netflix has created some fun activities below – feel free to enjoy them with your kids, and your entire family.
We just got word that children will not be returning to school this fall. I have to say, my son and I were a little disappointed about the situation, and are trying our best to keep busy. To bring a little cheer this morning, we decided to cook together. We made the delicious #SUNNYD Tropical Berry Grilled French Toast!
Preheat grill to medium-low (300°F)In a large glass baking dish whisk together coconut milk, eggs, vanilla and sugarDip bread in egg mixture, turning to coat both sides; let soak 10 minutes
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together SUNNYD and marmalade. Add strawberries; toss to coat
Cut 1 large rectangle of heavy-duty foil. Place strawberries in center of foil. Bring edges of foil together; fold to seal
Place foil packet on grill. Grill 10 minutes. Remove packet; set aside and keep closed
Lightly oil grill rack; place soaked bread slices on grill. Grill 5 to 7 minutes per side or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F.
Place 1 grilled bread slice on each of 6 plates; top with half of the berries and another bread slice
Top with remaining berries and (if desired) whipped topping and toasted coconut
Ta-da! This French Toast recipe was scrumptious! The marmalade and #SUNNYD syrup was our favorite part. We added edible flowers and topped it off with coconut flakes. Yum!
The last couple of months has been difficult for many people worldwide. The pandemic, constant breaking news, financial uncertainties and stress has induced mental health and addiction issues. As a community, we need to have honest and open conversations about addiction and mental health. When we vocalize concern, we can build a supportive community. I was recently introduced to SOBA recovery center, and I have realized that when it comes to mental health, our minds deserve the same attention as our bodies.
Disclosure: Thank you SOBA Recovery for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
Many years ago, a loved family member was addicted to heroin. I can’t even begin to tell you how difficult it was to see this person loose control of their life. As a concerned relative, I first hand understand the need for support and professional help. For this reason, I was inclined to learn more about this incredible facility.
SOBA truly understands the daily crisis families are facing when it comes to addiction. Their comprehensive treatment plans include: detox, residential inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services with their highly trained professional staff. Their expert team utilizes proven methods and develop a customized program for you or your loved one to ensure that you get the best care possible.
As a residential treatment center, SOBA Life and Soba Texas customizes each patients treatment plan specific to their needs in a luxury setting and safe environment. Amenities include: elegant living spaces, designer kitchens, fitness center, 10-acre ranch, outdoor pool, and a Zen Meditation Garden. The facility also provides an in-house chef and cleaning service. The cleaning service attends to the facilities multiple times a day, 7 days a week helping to ease the minds of those concerned with the public health crisis which may prevent individuals from seeking vital treatment.
After years of heart wrenching addiction, including jail, many rehab facilities and heartache, a childhood family friend and alumni of SOBA Daniel Baldwin, introduced us to the idea that maybe our son should look into SOBA recovery center. We looked at the website and knowing it was on the opposite coast were very skeptical about being able to afford it and send him out of state . We really had exhausted all options and after many talks with Daniel and our son we decided to give it a go. Daniel had come to the house and realized that my daughter probably needed to go as well.
In January 2015, the two of them boarded a plane and off they went. Our son would call us and tell us how he had never experienced such a loving caring environment where they were made to feel like they were worthy of help. He would say it was different, they believe in us and trust us. That trust enabled both of our kids to want to get help and not want to disappoint the people who grew to become family. The friends they made have become lifelong. They would do anything for each other and would network to help others. They went to meetings and socialized together in sober events. Our son would secure a job that he loved and become a manager.. He was also a house manager for one of the recovery houses at SOBA.
Greg Hannley knew each and every one of the clients and would often have them to his home for cook outs or boat rides. He was an integral part of this family and was loved by his clients. He would go to the alumni meetings and keep an eye on the comings and goings of his “kids”. His door was always open and our son would become a trusted friend. Greg was talking about opening up a film studio and our son asked if he could help set it up. Greg didn’t realize that our son wanted to do this because he was so grateful for all that Greg had done for our family. Malibu film studios was born and our son was extremely proud of the work he did to help complete it.
Our daughter also realized her potential at SOBA and became a sponsor to many people. She speaks at meetings and continues to be of service which is what keeps her sober and level headed.This was a turning point for our family and the many times we visited and met the staff and the people who they worked with we immediately knew they were exactly where they needed to be. Had it not been for SOBA recovery, life may have looked very different.
After 3 years of the best years of our son’s life and living on his own sadly he succumbed to the disease.
Even after being on his own for about two years he still would see his SOBA family. We knew that those 3 years had been the best years of his life and we were able to come away with knowing how loved and cherished he was more importantly he knew and felt that himself. Our daughter is still living in California working her program and still in contact with Greg and the people of SOBA. They will always be a huge part of our family and we will never forget what they did for us. The experiences they both gained are irreplaceable and they couldn’t have achieved the confidence, security and love without Greg and his family, Daniel Baldwin, the counselors, techs, and others who they met at SOBA.
Barbara and Patrick Raynor
For over 10 years, Soba has been helping those addicted with our innovative & evidence-based treatment services. If you or someone needs help with addiction, please reach out to SOBA to Recovery Center today.
As a mother, often times it can be difficult to talk about mental health with my children. Take my son for example. He could fall down a flight of stairs, get up, smile and say, “I’m okay!” Is he actually okay? Probably not, guessing by the gloss over his eyes. So as you can image, talking with him about emotions and feelings is hard. Perhaps the reason why is the expectations we have for males in our society, or I have not worked hard enough to open up a dialog with him. Whatever it is, I know it’s important to start the conversation about feelings and mental health.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I have partnered with “Promise to talk.” We are raffling a self care package as a way to bring joy and positivity – even in the midst of such uncertain times.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a self care package
Over the last few years, Mission Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, and St. Jude Medical Center have joined together, to launch Each Mind Matters, a campaign centralized on the importance of mental health, and getting rid of the stigma. Each Mind Matters, encourages families to acknowledge that our minds, are just as important as our bodies. As a community, we should build a foundation for mental wellness. The sooner we rid of the myths, and misinformation that surrounds mental illness, the sooner our community succeeds.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Ask someone close to you how they are handling stress during this difficult time and share how you are handling it too.
This month serves as a reminder, that mental health is vital to every persons overall wellbeing. I will continue to have periodic check-ins with my entire family, as I know that my friends and family could be struggling or possibly experiencing unpleasant emotions.
For help with conversations starters download the Promise to Talk App.
There are more services and community support systems than ever before, and they work. Resources are available right here in Orange County. Visit promisetotalk.org for more information and connect with someone that can help.
The last couple of weeks during quarantine, I have been looking for an enthralling, and relatable series to binge on. Last week, I looked in my email, and *bam*, the movie Gods had blessed me. “Ana” the new, comedic series, has been released. I partnered with We all Grow Latinas, and had the opportunity to zoom Ana herself. “Ana” is the new, semi-autobiographical series all Latinas dream of.
This new series is full of hilarious coming of age themes, and authentic performances. Ana de la Reguera herself is an open book, ready to share her sexuality, sensuality, and struggles with the notoriously insane Hollywood world.
In this series, Latina women are given the mic, to share all the secrets, and answer all the questions young adult latinx are eager to know. As a Latina myself, I feel represented, and am excited to see what the series has in store!
Ana is a Mexican comedy-drama television series created and stars by Ana de la Reguera. The series is produced by Argos Comunicación, and Viacom International Studios. It premiered on 20 April 2020 on Comedy Central, and streaming on PantaYA for the United States and Puerto Rico.
In our chat with Ana, we talked about her being in our 40s and her new breakout role. I asked her in Spanish, what has been her biggest obstacle as an Latina actress in Hollywood? See her response below!
Be prepared for belly laughs and unexpected sexy surprises! (R rated) Stream it today!
2020 All I can say (Well everyone for that matter) is WOW…
It’s frightening, and it is confusing because we do not know what to expect the next couple of months. Panicking is a common response to all this madness. This whole pandemic has got our world coming to a halt. We are glued to our phones and media devices, to have a continuous world update of COVID-19 when we shouldn’t be.
Trust me – I know. We all do it, but if there is something I have truly learned not only because of the sickness, but even before from my recent life experiences is that whatever is meant to be, will be. I can worry all about the future, but I need to be in the now. To be clear, though, I am not saying to go out and be careless running wild; I simply mean take a breathe and get ready to put in work since you have something we ALL say we don’t ever have – SPARE TIME.
I know that not everyone is all just free’d up with loads of time and it all varies depending on each situation but regardless, we have opportunities to get things done, accomplished, and completed!
It’s going to be a struggle, yes because we aren’t used to having to be confined more, but this is your time to HUSTLE.
Now, the first few days or even weeks for everyone are going to be getting used to the situation and adjusting to this shift.
Also everyone wants to binge watch shows and eat take-out, so if you’re still feeling the Netflix/ Disney/Hulu binge in your pj’s, that is just fine too, but it will eventually get old.
Here are some tips on what you can do during this quarantine that will keep you going:
Clean your sh*t out.
First thing I am proposing for everyone is that the best way to start through this quarantine is get up and clean. It truly, mentally makes you feel great being able to work in a clean space
Before quarantine, I was constantly letting my room become very messy. I’m sure we are all guilty of this, but this your chance to not only just clean, do the full spring cleaning. If you have a large household like mine, just get everyone to pitch in an hour or 2 a day to accomplish all the house projects you have had. Get rid of things. Sell/Trade it online. Depop and Offer Up are great online platforms to get rid of all those things you don’t need/want. Also, you can always look up your local Goodwill or other donation services to do a pickup of your things!
2. Set those goals-with deadlines.
Okay, now that you have a clear space, sit down and write down everything you have been wanting to accomplish that you know you can do, but make sure to set the deadline.
Another thing that I had an issue with (and many of you are too, I am sure of it) is setting a goal, but never actually getting to it. I mean, hey we are human and things happen. But like I will be saying over and over – we got time! Pull out the calendar, and just set the dates of when you will get certain things done by-even if it just the simple things. Planning is key. That is why I love planners. You can buy them anywhere or even make one with printable Pinterest daily schedules!
3. Workout and Stay Active
Hooray! We can all workout now! Yes, gyms are closed, but you can of course workout from home. Whether it’s yoga, cardio, or dancing, anyone has the option to go onto Youtube, download apps, and anything to do these at-home workouts. If you don’t have room indoors to do so, go outside somewhere away from people and just get that body moving. It will feel good to not just be the couch potato, we all know you have been the past couple days.
May I also add meditation – something I have been taking part in the past couple weeks. Nothing nicer than knowing how to breathe-easy and keep stress low in a time like this.
4. Use the internet for FUN, not panic attacks ; GET CREATIVE and DO GOOD.
I know everyone is dying to keep constantly checking for all the COVID News, but at this point, the more you constantly stay plugged to the news channels, the more you’re going to cause anxiety for yourself.
It’s ok to check, but how about use your devices to get the ideas running in your head, and get yourself out of your panic zone?
Cook that recipe.
Learn that make-up tutorial.
Watch and send funny videos to your loved ones for some laughter.
At the same time, you can even do some in-home charity work and see what you can to help your community. Many people, those with low-income or the elderly need help to get food needed for the social distancing! Go onto your local food bank’s website or call and see how you can help our fellow community members! See if your elderly neighbor needs groceries! Anything helps!
Most importantly: try and stay healthy BOTH physically and mentally loves!
I am and have been nervous too, but right now we cannot let the stress overtake us. Do what you can to get your hopes up.
Last month, we headed we screened Sonic The Hedgehog and attended the press conference in Beverly Hills. We were thrilled to meet the sensational cast, and talk about the new film!
Thank you Paramount Pictures for inviting us to the Sonic The Hedgehog screening and press conference. All opinions are my own.
Based on the global blockbuster video game franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.
This cast is like no other, with their large grins and eccentric voices, their eyes glazed over with excitement as they spoke about their characters. They created content for children, with the intention of sending life long lessons, and the importance of kindness and friendship.
My daughter Clarissa choked up when she met her favorite actor, Jim Carrey.
They spoke from the heart, and from a place of sincerity, as improv was frequently used by these insanely talented actors. The children in the crowd gravitated towards the actors, sparkles in their eyes, often asking questions as if their favorite characters were real, sitting in front of them.
Can’t help but to fall in love with this little blue guy after watching this film. It was action packed and took us on a wild supersonic adventure. When my 12 year old son and I are equally sharing belly laughs while watching a film, it’s a winner… 💙
Ben said, “In my performance, whenever he is talking or anything like that I try to do it that when you hear it you feel like the energy, of that young kid trying to do the things he’s dreamed to do.”
Executive Producer Toby Ascher and Director Jeff Fowler
This adorable film hit our hearts at sonic speed. Happy Valentine’s Day!
