Disclosure: Thank you Disney Book Group for sponsoring this post.
My son is taking the Percy Jackson summer reading challenge and he just finished reading the first book, “The Lightning Thief.” He is hooked on this adventurous series, and can’t wait to go on to the next book!
I’m challenging my son to finish the Percy Jackson series before summer’s end, and I encourage you to do the same with your kids!
Andrew has only been on summer break for a week, and I am trying my best to keep him occupied. We decided it would be fun to make our very own Percy Jackson and the Olympians board game together. I also thought that it would be a great idea to incorporate trivia questions to help him with comprehension.
Summer reading is critical for students to retain the skills learned in the previous school year. Children who don’t read are at risk of falling behind their classmates. Parents can avoid this by making sure kids take time to read. One great way to get your kids excited about reading is to create a game based on the books they’re planning to tackle this summer!
I have attached some printables and trivia questions to this post to help you and your child create a Percy Jackson & the Olympians game like ours!
Here is a list of things you will need to get started:
Blank board game or large poster board
Colored construction paper & glitter
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
Stickers or computer image printouts
Glue stick
Dice and/or spinner
Instructions for making your game board:
Create a Percy Jackson & the Olympians “world.” Use your images, stickers, paint and glitter to make the board colorful and unique. Cut 1.5 x 1.5 inch squares, and create a path with a game beginning and end. There is no right or wrong when creating your own game board. The point is to be creative and have fun!
We found this blank board game containing game pieces, blank cards, blank spinner & dice online!
We took out paint and glitter, and printed images relating to the Percy Jackson series like lightning bolts and ocean waves. Feel free to use any of the printables I have attached here when making your own game.
Throughout our path of squares that lead from start to finish, we added directions like “Back 2 Spaces”, “Draw an adventure card,” or “Take a spin!”
Instructions for making your spinner:
If you land on “Take a spin!”, you spin the wheel to determine what to do. Divide your spinner into 4 – 6 sections, which you can differentiate by color.
Then we wrote in various game options like:
Go forward 1 space
Go back 2 spaces
Go to the “Underworld” and lose a turn
Take an adventure card!
Andrew also added a rock, paper, scissors option to our spinner!
If you don’t have a spinner, you can still play! Just fill in each of the white squares with directions similar to what would go on the spinner so that on every turn you land on something.
Instructions for making your “Adventure Cards”:
I used Quizlet Online to create my own flashcards of Percy Jackson & the Olympians trivia! Here are some trivia questions to get you started. Print themhere. Click here for quiz cards on the characters from Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
When it’s your turn, and the square or spinner tells you to take an adventure card, you must answer a trivia question in order to move forward in the game. (If you get it right on the first try, move forward 3 squares! If you get it right on the second try, move forward 1 square. If you miss the question after 3 tries, go back two squares.)
Print Instructions: Use the print option shown above.
GAME RULES: Here are the instructions to the game we created. Feel free to use them or modify as you like!
Up to 4 players (participants must be familiar with the book series to play)
1st player throws the dice. If the dice lands on an odd number, move forward 1 space. If it lands on an even number, move forward 2 spaces. Player must follow the instruction of the square they land on (i.e. “Take a Spin!” or “Back 2 Spaces”. If they “Take a Spin!” they must also follow the instruction of what the arrow lands on.
A family that reads together, stays together!
We had so much fun as a family playing our Percy Jackson & the Olympians board game.
Read the 5-book series that has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 500 weeks!
Learn about Greek Mythology as the Percy Jackson series offers readers a fresh and exciting way to learn about the Olympians, the Titans, the Minotaur, and more while enjoying a fast-paced, highly entertaining adventure!
Growing up, I rarely saw little girls in cartoons that resembled me. I had broomstick hair, brown colored skin, and jet black eyes. I also don’t remember seeing other people of color, LGBQ+ families, or people with disabilities. Sadly, that’s just how it’s always been.
Last week, we spoke to voiceover talent TR Knight (Sir Cedric) and Storm Reid (Nia) from the new Hulu original children show, The Bravest Knight.
The new series “The Bravest Knight” is breaking boundaries, featuring a household with two dads (Sir Cedric and Prince Andrew), making it one of the first children’s television series with an openly gay main character. Following the inspiring and perseverant former pumpkin farmer, Sir Cedric, now grown and married to the prince of his dreams, “The Bravest Knight”recounts personal tales of his journey. Sir Cedric shares his story with his adopted 10-year-old daughter Nia, on how he transformed from day-time farmer to full-fledged knight. Nia, who is training to become a brave knight herself, learns important values such as honor, justice and compassion; proving that knighthood is much more than slaying dragons.
The Bravest Knight — “Cedric & the Cave” — Nia is taught how to track in the woods as she hears the tale of Cedric and Grunt hiding from a Yeti in a mountainside cave. By being resourceful, they are able to escape the beast and find the secret to its anger. (Photo courtesy of Hulu)
The show boasts a star-studded cast including T.R. Knight as “Sir Cedric,” Bobby Moynihan as young Cedric’s troll sidekick “Grunt,” Storm Reid as Not-Yet-Knight “Nia,” and will also feature the voice talents of RuPaul, Christine Baranski, Wanda Sykes, Wilson Cruz, Teri Polo, Steven Weber, Donna Murphy, AJ McLean, Dot-Marie Jones, Maz Jobrani, Chance Hurstfield and more. The Bravest Knight’s opening theme song was written and performed by Grammy-nominated musician, songwriter and activist Justin Tranter.
Unfortunately, our marginalized communities have learned to grow without representation. However, things have changed with the new Hulu original The Bravest Knight! In this new show, not only do we follow a young African American lead, but she has same sex parents. Throughout the series, Storm Reid said we will see conclusions centralized around love, acceptance, and empowerment. I absolutely LOVE this!
This is a wonderful stepping stone for LBGTQ+ visibility, and the normalization of two partner parents. The 4.5% of Americans that identify as queer, deserve to see themselves as leaders, parents, teachers, politicians, doctors, or literally anything they want on television. This new show will subtly normalize what has been prohibited for so long, while also representing a strong African American, female lead. Bravo Hulu!
The Bravest Knight — “Cedric & the Green Leaf” — Nias jousting lesson turns into the story of Sir Cedrics first tournament as a Not-Yet-Knight, and the folly of underestimating your opponent. (Photo courtesy of Hulu)
This new heartwarming show is great for kids and has wonderful life lessons. Stream it with your kids on Hulu today!
Clarissa Elyse is an actress, model, published author, and a passionate Latina activist. Follow her on Instagram @ClarissaECamacho
Summer of Spork: TOY STORY 4 Feeds Fans Only the Best
Disclosure: Thank you Disney Pixar for inviting us to screen Toy Story 4. All opinions are my own.
Disney and Pixar’s TOY STORY 4 is sure to be the summer’s favorite film, feeding fans another serving of fun. Consider this the kickoff to the Summer of Spork.
Since the franchise’s last release in 2010, the world hasn’t been the same. Toy Story 3 ended with the toy gang in the arms of a new kid and it changed everything. Toy Story 3 had a magic to it—allowing nostalgia for the generation that knew and loved the first two films, all while perfectly entertaining a new generation of young moviegoers.
Along with familiar favorites, Toy Story 4 welcomes a new cast of toys. At the center of it all is Bonnie’s favorite homemade toy—Forky (Tony Hale). Forky is the complete opposite of Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks)—scared, insecure, and completely content without the love of a child. In a quick turn of events, Woody vows to be Forky’s guardian and the duo find themselves in the worst possible predicament for a toy to be in—they become lost.
The film follows the pair as they try to return to Bonnie, and to everyone’s surprise, they come across Woody’s past love Bo Peep (Annie Potts). Bo is a different toy since her last appearance in Toy Story 2, as she presents herself as resilient, tactful, and protective. As the female toy with the most screen time (sorry Jessie [Joan Cusack] fans), Bo’s character is unique and strikes interesting conversations about self-worth and purpose.
Director Josh Cooley ensures the chemistry of new and familiar characters is electric. In wonderful fashion, the introductions of Forky and Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) are memorable and hilarious—presenting multi-faceted characters, completely fresh from the lovable, yet worn favorites of Toy Story 1 and 2.
Saving the best for last, Toy Story 4 introduces the oddest toy BFFs of all, Ducky (Keegan- Michael Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele). Nothing can stop this carnival couple from being truly themselves—toys with the best escape plans.
Toy Story 4 is a breath of fresh air, and a film to entertain any age group. From physical comedy to inside jokes, the film reminds viewers how fun it is to play with toys.
Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.
Disneyland warmly welcomed its first visitors to the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge on Friday, May 31. The widely-anticipated expansion is the largest in the Anaheim park’s history. If you’re one of the lucky few with advanced reservations to the Planet Batuu, Queen Bee Latina has some helpful tips and tricks to help navigate the immersive Galaxy’s Edge.
Prior to June 24–Reservations are Required In addition to Disneyland Park admission, all “travelers” need a reservation to enter Galaxy’s Edge. Each reservation allows guests four hours in Galaxy’s Edge, and guests can enter at a predetermined time when Disneyland Park is open. Reservation blocks typically start at 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm (assuming a normal 8am-12am day at Disneyland).
Online reservations are no longer available, but guests staying at one of Disneyland’s three hotels (until June 23) are able to get one reservation slot during their time of stay. Reservations can have a total of six people, and all legal names must be included on the reservation. Adults 18+ must provide legal identification upon reservation check-in; children under 18 do not require ID.
All with advanced reservations will receive an email (or printout if booking through a Disney resort) with a QR code and a list of names for all the people on the reservation. A print-out of your reservation confirmation is not necessary to check-in at Launch Bay, but you will need to bring it up on your mobile phone.
If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, the hotel concierge can point you to a designated Galaxy’s Edge booking room inside your hotel, where a Castmember can confirm your reservation, adjust the spelling of names in your party, and can provide a print-out of your confirmation email with QR code. This service is only available during certain business hours, so please check that with your hotel.
Land Availability Beginning June 24 Beginning June 24, advance reservations are not needed to enter Galaxy’s Edge. Disney is likely proceeding with a FastPass-type reservation system once guests are inside Disneyland Park. Follow the Disney Parks Blog for details when this date approaches.
Checking In on the Day of Your Reservation If you have advanced reservations, guests are able to check-in at Launch Bay in Tomorrowland up to two hours prior to your reservation block. I recommend that you check-in as closely as you can to those two prior hours because there are some reports of check-in going smooth and also of check-in taking a lot of time.
When you arrive at Launch Bay, a Disney Castmember will check to see if you have a reservation by asking you for your reservation confirmation letter. Again, you can either shothem a print-out or a copy of it on your mobile phone. You will then be directed to a line where a Castmember will check that all people on the reservation are present and have the appropriate ID. Please note that the main person on the reservation needs to be present at check-in, no names can be changed at check-in, and all people in your party need to be present at check-in. If some of your party is not able to enter with you, your partial party is still able to enter Galaxy’s Edge as long as the main person on the reservation is present.
At check-in, all guests on the reservation will receive a wristband. These need to be kept on the entire stay inside Galaxy’s Edge. Prior to leaving Launch Bay, make sure every person with the wristband has their QR code scanned by a Castmember. According to Disney, this is needed to “activate” the wristband. Prior to leaving Launch Bay, Castmembers will also inform you of where you are to queue up for entering the land.
Queuing to Enter Galaxy’s Edge As soon as you leave Launch Bay, you should know which entrance you need to queue up at. From personal experience, the 8am reservations typically queue up at the Fantasyland entrance (just past Casey Jr. and Red Rose Tavern), and all later reservations queue up at the Critter Country entrance (just past Hungry Bear Restaurant). There will be a large crowd gathering in those areas as your reservation start time nears, but don’t be discouraged.
It’s up to your party to determine when to queue up for your start time. If your party is turned off by crowds, it’s perfectly acceptable to wait up until 30 minutes prior to get into the queue. If your party is anxious to be first for busy experiences like Savi’s Workshop for Handbuilt Lightsabers or Oga’s Cantina, you may want to be in the queue one to two hours prior.
Castmembers are known to let the queue partially enter Galaxy’s Edge up to 30 minutes prior, but no one will be allowed to enter the land until the reservation start time. When proceeding through the queue, Castmembers will continually check for wristbands, so again, ensure it’s on your wrist for your entire stay.
Experiences with Very Limited Availability The two most popular, but limited experiences are Savi’s Lightsabers and Oga’s Cantina. If you are looking to do both in one day, there is a very slim probability you’ll have the opportunity unless you split up your party. Because both experiences accept only a limited amount of people, it’s best to focus on one and try to get in line for the experience once you enter the land. Savi’s allows less than 20 people in one 30-minute interval to make a handbuilt lightsaber. The cost for one of the land’s most intimate experiences is $200 plus tax per lightsaber. Queen Bee Latina was able to experience this on Opening Day, and has a breakdown of its experience here
Oga’s Cantina is a long awaited experience for Star Wars fans. The opening marks the first public offering of alcohol in Disneyland Park. Oga’s is a family-friendly bar atmosphere with unique drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Three of Galaxy’s Edge’s most coveted souvenirs can be found at Oga’s—a Porg tiki mug, an Endor tiki mug, and a Rancor Beer Flight Board with four “teeth” beer flight cups. The souvenir mugs are only available with the purchase of its respective drink (the Cliff Dweller, the Yub Nub, and beer flight).
Savi’s and Oga’s both have a waitlist that fills rapidly. Use a Disneyland map or the Disneyland app to find each location and safely walk to those areas. In my last experience for Oga’s, prior to being allowed to enter the land, Castmembers informed guests of safely following behind a Castmember with a flag. Those who sped up in front of the Castmember, or unsafely didn’t heed the Castmember’s direction were not allowed to put in a reservation at Oga’s. Once you provide your cell phone number to a Castmember making reservations, they will text you with a return time window, which allows you to explore the rest of Galaxy’s Edge without waiting in a long, unnecessary line.
There aren’t many food options at Oga’s, but try the Oga’s Obsession treat if you want to consume something a little “out of this world.”
Readily-Available Experiences There are several readily-available experiences at Galaxy’s Edge, all in thanks to the reservation window system. Shopping, eating, and riding the new Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run ride can all be done in a four-hour window.
Smugglers Run is first of two rides to open in Galaxy’s Edge, and allows for the opportunity to be a pilot, gunner, or engineer for the majestic Millennium Falcon ship. There is a height restriction, so be sure to check with a Castmember to see if you “youngling” can ride. To ensure you get the “job” you want on this ride, group your friends to either five or six people, as the ride holds six at one time. If you have any in your party that is a video game expert, they will be the best pilot. Every “job” is interactive, as you smuggle precious cargo for the pirate Hondo Ohnaka.
The lines for Smugglers Run were pretty tame during opening weekend. On Day 2, I waited 40 minutes, and on Day 4, I waited five minutes and then walked on for a second ride. You can afford to ride Smugglers Run an hour or so after you enter the land. Try to ride it within your first 2.5 hours, as another large group of “travelers” will start their reservation time at your third hour.
Extend your Adventure with the Play Disney App My favorite feature of Galaxy’s Edge is the ability to extend your personal adventure via the Play Disney app. This app is separate from the Disneyland app, but you can connect your profiles and set up your Star Wars character. There are several locations with hotspots to unlock special features and earn Galactic credits (fictional money). You can also decide to aid either the Resistance (good guys), First Order (bad guys), or the Scoundrels (out for themselves), and each decision you make builds your personal Star Wars adventure.
Be sure to bring backup batteries for your cell phone, or buy a FuelRod battery pack inside Disneyland if you plan to use the Play Disney app. FuelRods are $30 and you can change them out any time you see a kiosk. So far, no FuelRod kiosks have been reported in Galaxy’s Edge.
Shopping There are several shopping opportunities throughout Galaxy’s Edge. Custom items like Savi’s Lightsabers and the build-your-own-droid experience at Droid Depot are the most popular shopping locations in the land. Be sure to check out the Marketplace for fun items including plush, wooden, and interactive toys. The Creatures Stall in the Marketplace is where you’ll find the cutest, yet strangest pets in the galaxy to take home.
Two other locations to shop are Resistance Supply and First Order Cargo, where you can purchase items supporting your favorite side.
Food and Beverages There is a limited food selection at Galaxy’s Edge, so take a look at the menus for each location to see if you want to eat inside the land, or “off-plant” at another location in Disneyland.
Quick-service food locations include Docking Bay 7 and Ronto Roasters. Quick snacks are available at Kat Saka’s Kettle (which I loved!) and the Milk Stand. My favorite treats in the land were the popcorn mix at Kat Saka’s and the Blue Milk made famous by Luke Skywalker in the movie ‘A New Hope.’
If you have picky eaters, it may be best to bring snacks or eat elsewhere.
Water fountains and water bottle fill stations are readily available throughout Galaxy’s Edge. Be sure to check out the fountain area in the Marketplace, as you may find a creature stirring in the water tank above.
PhotoPass Disney didn’t miss any opportunity to provide PhotoPass options inside Galaxy’s Edge. I saw three major areas for photos inside the land, in the Resistance area, First Order area, and in front of the Millennium Falcon. Be sure to take advantage of the great photos Castmembers can take, and ask if you can add a “hologram” to add an extra touch of Disney magic.
There are so many things to see, do, shop for, and eat at Galaxy’s Edge. As the land develops ways to better enhance “travelers’” experiences in the land, things will adjust accordingly. It’s incredible to see the hard work of Disney Imagineering and LucasFilm in person. Enjoy every bit of it, and may the Force be with you!
Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.
Last week after sun down, my hubby and our good friends Tavo and Patty, headed to enjoy the ultimate summer party at Knott’s Berry Farm!
We shared many laughs, musica en vivo (LIVE music), delicious food, and interactive games…
Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for inviting us to #KnottsSummer Nights. All opinions are my own.
From time to time, my hubby and I like to get a break from the kids and enjoy a date night. #sorrynotsorry kids Lol
Don’t get me wrong, Knott’s Summer Nights is great for the kids too! But no doubt, I will return with them before August 11th to celebrate as well.
More shenanigans!
These two had a blast dancing the night away! We definitely shared MANY uncontrollable belly laughs. It was crazy fun!
Hey kids! Mom and Dad can be fun and cool too…
For $35 dollars you can enjoy 8 tastings, Check out the delicious summer options above!
The Knott’s Summer Nights Tasting card provides samplings of delicious one-of-a-kind summertime items at select locations throughout the midway for only $35. Most locations and items are available from 6:00 p.m. until park closing.
The Chili in a Corn Bread Bowl was my favorite. Just thinking about it, makes me salivate. And YES, this is on the tasting card!
These Esquites (corn cup) has mayo and a little bit of spice. It reminds me of the delicious street vendors in Mexico City. (another option on your tasting card)
Chicken Skewer shown above
It was so nice to get a break from the kids, and get some adult time. Oh! Did I mention the tasting card includes craft beer and wine? SCORE!
***Must be 21 and older for alcoholic beverages.
Knott’s LIVE entertainment features a variety of bands including Suburban Legends, Hiatus and Suffragettes among others that rotate during the event nightly. Rock out to a top 40’s band at the Calico Mine Stage and bop to beats of the Boardwalk DJ around Charleston Circle Fountain.
Oversized classic games and festoon lighting set the stage for guests to enjoy their summer nights at Knott’s, while the Knott’s Party Crew encourages good ol’ fashion fun with games and competitions that will bring out the competitor in everyone.
Last week, Disney’s littlest fans and my favorite Social Media Influencer Mamas celebrated the release of Disney Junior’s new show T.O.T.S. My adorable little nieces and nephews are jumping for joy about this cute new show!
Broadway sensation Megan Hilty, stars as K.C. the Koala (Wicked, 9 to 5, Noises Off) This LA Mama made a guest appearance at Disney Channel HQ, to greet her precious little fans!
About
T.O.T.S. is about the hilarious adventures of best friends Pip and Freddy, a tenacious penguin and a kind-hearted flamingo, who are the only non-stork delivery birds in-training at Tiny Ones Transfer Service (T.O.T.S.). As new members of the esteemed team, these junior flyers must take tender care in transferring baby animals – kittens, cubs, calves, bunnies, puppies and joeys among them – from the nursery to their forever families around the globe.
Disney Chefs served up a “T.O.T.S” themed brunch – complete with music playing and fun T.O.T.S. themed activities. The little ones played and with their sweet mamas and friends. It was sooo darn cute!
This new show is absolutely adorable, and your little ones are going to love it… Watch it with your babies on Disney Junior today!
Last week my youngest daughter Clarissa and I headed to the Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles, California for a special screening of the new Netflix mini-series “WHEN THEY SEE US”, which focuses on the important issue of racial profiling and chronicles the notorious case of five teenagers (four African-Americans and one Latino) labeled as the Central Park Five, who were convicted of a crime they did not commit in 1989.
After the screening, we took part in a Q & A with the Consul General of México, Carlos García de Alba, that was moderated by Oswaldo Borraez from Univision to discuss the topic of racial profiling.
Thank you Netflix for inviting me to screen “When They See Us.” All opinions are my own.
This Netflix series tells the story of five young boys of color ages 14-16 years, falsely convicted of rape. They were all illegally interrogated, pitted against each-other, and manipulated to create a scenario fabricated by detectives.
When They See Us was created by Ava DuVernay, who also co-wrote and directed the four parts. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King from Participant Media, Oprah Winfrey from Harpo Films, and Jane Rosenthal, Berry Welsh and Robert De Niro from Tribeca Productions will executive produce the limited series alongside DuVernay through her banner, Forward Movement. In addition to DuVernay, Attica Locke, Robin Swicord, and Michael Starrburry also serve as writers on the limited series.
As a mother, my heart ached for these innocent children and their families. All I could think about was my young son Andrew, and how close he is in age to the boys convicted.
We often hear horrific stories regarding people of color being punished unfairly by our judicial system. This film about the Central Park 5’s incarceration and interrogation, took us on an unexpected emotional journey, and opened our eyes to the horrors that destroyed these boy’s lives.
The odds are stacked against our Latinx youth. Both black and brown children are often profiled as adults and seen less innocent than their caucasian peers.
Several hot topics were discussed among the panelists, but all agreed that these stories must be told to educate our youth for a better tomorrow. The panelists in attendance were:
Ana Flores, influencer and founder of We All Grow
Angelica Salas, Executive Director, CHIRLA
Alex Nogales, president and CEO, NHMC
Jessica Domínguez, immigration lawyer
Pilar Marrero, journalist
We must tell the stories that are too often forgotten.…
This film reminds us that history isn’t so far behind us, and we have reason to be vocal about the injustice that continues today.
Disney’s ALADDIN soars into theatres this weekend with the tough job of following in the footsteps of animation gold.
The story of Aladdin centers on a poor but good-hearted young man (Mena Massoud as Aladdin) as he attempts to impress the girl of his dreams (Naomi Scott as Jasmine) with the help of magical friends (Will Smith as Genie).
Riding on the heels of Beauty and the Beast’s live action success in 2017, Disney gambles on bringing the film’s memorable cast of characters into a whole new world. Disney’s decision to green-light Aladdin as a live-action is tough in that the whimsical aspects of the most memorable sidekicks appear less dimensional and less interesting.
Prior to shooting, director Guy Ritchie took a lot of heat from the movie world when casting Will Smith as Genie—because let’s face it, Robin Williams is a tough act to follow. I was most hesitant about what to expect from Smith, but in the end, he genuinely helps the film grow into a more grown-up version of the original story.
Though the film delivers all the poignant scenes you know and love from the animated original, it does bring to light some of the problematic dramas involved with its main characters. This is the film’s redeeming quality—its awareness of its characters true intentions, especially Jasmine and villain Jafar (Marwan Kenzari). Though Aladdin centers on its main protagonist, the film’s diamonds in the rough are conversations Jasmine and Jafar’s dreams for themselves and the fictional nation of Agrabah.
The film’s ending proceeds as you might expect, but attempts something different with Jasmine. Though two original songs are written for her (the only ones unique to the live-action), a powerful punch isn’t made until the end in a conversation with her father. If this point were fleshed out more effectively in the plot, Jasmine would have experienced the most poignant development of all the film’s characters.
Aladdin is a visual masterpiece, with gorgeous cinematography (Alan Stewart) adding a crispness to the film’s enjoyable choreography. As always, Alan Menken’s music injects another layer of life, and brings the nostalgia home.
Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.
Lily – I am a 17 year old Texas girl. I’m a junior in high school. I have been homeschooled my whole life, and I absolutely love having the freedom homeschooling gives me. I have many passions that include public speaking, art, video editing, dance, and writing. My favorite foods are Lucky Charms and whipped cream. I started vlogging in 2017 because I was inspired by Annie Rose, my little sister. I watched her have fun, get wonderful feedback and work hard so I decided that I wanted to try!
What inspired you to start your vlog?
Lily – I started vlogging in 2017 because I was inspired by Annie Rose, my little sister. I watched her have fun, get wonderful feedback and work hard so I decided that I wanted to try!
Bullying is a huge issue with teens. What message do you have for young people struggling with bullying?
Lily- I have been lucky, since I am a Christian and have been homeschooled, I have not dealt with severe cases of bullying. I am very thankful for that. But something I would encourage is for you to find yourself and never let go of that. Find your own identity and build it up strong; to the point where nobody can break it down. I like to think of it like playing Capture the Flag, once you have your hands on the flag, you never let the flag go! That flag can be your sense of self – never to be let go or lost, and if it is, you exhaust every resource to get it back. Us being secure in ourselves is the most important factor to success in this life. So we must retrieve that flag and show it off proudly.
Plus, remember that:
You are beautiful
You are unique
You are allowed to be different
You are intelligent
You are so very, very loved
And you are not alone.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Lily – 10 years… that is a long time! In 10 years, I want to have published at least three books (currently writing them), I want to have at least 3 degrees, I want to be married and financially stable. I plan to keep doing YouTube as long as the platform exists, I love Instagram and want to continue building my audience there. I am about to begin selling products on Amazon. My goal is to create a lifestyle that I believe in, market it and help others achieve the golden life through aesthetics, books, videos and products. Sprinkled throughout all of this, I want to be a credible public speaker. I have been told that public speaking is my ‘spiritual gift’ (lol). I feel completely comfortable in front of big crowds and I want nothing more than to speak my truth and inspire people to take control of their lives and make them beautiful!
What’s your goal and overall message that would you like to share with your viewers?
Lily – That they are beautiful. That’s it.
So many times in my life I would look in the mirror at that roll of chub over my gut, at the metal braces in my mouth, how round and puffy my face was, or how huge my thighs were and I hated it. I hated myself. I saw myself as a burden to my parents, the least important friend, and I had no self worth. But eventually, with kicking, screaming and lots of sleepless nights, I found myself, my passions and I pulled myself together into a little heap and decided that I was going to be different from everyone else; I was going to be confident and love myself.
So many teens hate their image, personality, status or all of the above, and the sad truth is… that mindset is utterly normal. It is common to be depressed, tired and self-loathing. Teens say ‘want to die’ or ‘I hate myself’ and actually believe it. It is often covered as a joke but, behind every just kidding – there is some truth. This generation suffers so strongly from self hate that right now, the way to be different or to stand out is to fully love yourself and actually accept yourself. The new different is seeing yourself as beautiful, valuable and enough.
Please provide a link to your favorite YouTube video to share on my site.
Annie- I’m a 13 year old entrepreneur, youtuber, author, actor, singer, and fashion LOVER!! I started my first youtube channel 4 years ago simply to have fun (considering I was 9). Now I work everyday editing, filming, communicating with my followers, creating new ideas, and let me just say .. I LOVE IT!! Before age 9 I never had a ‘thing’ while my 3 older siblings Matthew, Lily, and Laura were enjoying their own activities and I felt left out. I’ve always been a chatterbox and a storyteller so finding youtube was such a perfect way for me to express myself. I also have discovered my love for writing and fashion along the way and have created my own poetry book and merch line! I’m so grateful for my almost 800k fans and hope I can inspire girls to live their life to the absolute fullest!
What inspired you to start your vlog?
Like I said, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a safe place to express myself.
Annie- Keep your head high. If you have a dream, chase it. Have you heard “Mean” by Taylor Swift? She sings, “Someday I’ll be living in a big city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” Your time really is coming so don’t listen to bullies and haters. Remember that you are strong and beautiful.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
Annie- English, literature, or writing .. can’t really pick one hehe. When I was eight I would spend all day writing stories and to this day I have loved grammar / writing / poetry. It’s all so beautiful to me. Writing is like an extension of talking, just quieter.
What makes you unique, and why do you think people should follow you?
Annie- Not many girls have the same outlook on life that I have. I see everything in a positive and happy way. I think I can help other girls realize life isn’t so bad and it’s worth living to the absolute fullest.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Annie- I have many dreams. My biggest goals in life are to create my own fashion, and a own my own physical store, publish more books, travel, build my own house, start a family, inspire others, and I hope that in ten years I still live my life to the absolute fullest because like Meghan Trainor says “No we ain’t promised tomorrow”
What advice would you give to young girls that want to start a vlog?
Annie- Don’t stop. If you love it, do it. Don’t stop if you get picked on or because someone tells you to. If I stopped because someone hated on me I wouldn’t be where i am today! If you enjoy doing youtube, that’s all that matters! Not the money, fame, or haters. Keep your head high. If you have a dream, chase it. Have you heard “Mean” by Taylor Swift? She sings, “Someday I’ll be living in a big city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” Your time really is coming so don’t listen to bullies and haters. Remember that you are strong and beautiful.
Please provide a link to your favorite YouTube video.
My adorable nephew whispered in my ear, “I’m so excited. ” Off we went to Legoland, California. Jack sang the lyrics to “Catchy song” from the LEGO movie 2, while his brother jammed out next to him in the car on our drive up. As we arrived, their little faces lit up. Almost immediately, they ran to Duplo Playground. The updated play area is bright, colorful , and the perfect place where toddlers can let their imaginations roam free.
DUPLO®Playtown includes more than ten whimsical playhouses that feature hands-on activities, slides and interactive elements that encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity while playing. Children can explore a barn, fire station, grocery store, hospital and maze complete with an interactive scarecrow.
The rides were meant for parents (or tias) to bond with their little loves, which made the experience even more memorable.
Kid Power Towers stands tall in the middle of DUPLO®Playtown – kids and parents alike can ride to the top of one of three towers to get an incredible view of the entire Park and enjoy a thrilling “free-fall” down to the bottom.
The boys and I pretended to be nurses, train conductors, gardeners, and artists. They lived in their own little worlds- and it was lovely. As I took pictures of them, I realized I would have to bring them to Legoland more often, because they offered so many toddler friendly stuff things to do! And the memories? Priceless–
The new area is a great option for families with toddlers and the perfect place to let younger children play and experience their first theme park ride on the LEGOLAND®Express Train Ride.
Your little ones will love the new and improved Duplo playground!
