AN AMERICAN IN PARIS- The Musical is has arrived at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and runs now through May 7, 2017.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.
Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014/15 season.
Thank you Segerstrom Center for the Arts for the complimentary tickets. All Opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
A classic is born! AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is sensational and it transported me into a world filled with romance, friendship, music, art, and ballet.
My mother has a great appreciation for classic music and theater, and I knew I had to take her to see this show. I’m thrilled that we got to spend quality time and experience the magic together.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
The choreography was extraordinary and executed in true art form.
My mom raved about the costumes and the set design. She was born in the nineteen thirties, and she said that the show was accurate and true to the era.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
The dreamlike scenes were flawless and continuously changing. We were often mesmerized and lost in a trance during the show.
The “I Got Rhythm” performance was astounding (my favorite part of the show) It is no surprise this new musical received fourteen Tony nominations.
Bravo! The audience gave the talented cast a standing ovation. This musical is simply wonderful and a MUST-SEE!
An American In Paris will be in town now through May 7, 2017!
“An American in Paris is a triumph! Pure joy!” – New York Times
“Once you’ve seen it, you’ll find it hard to settle for less ever again.” – The Wall Street Journal
Running time (approximate): 2 hours and 33 minutes
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS – THE MUSICAL
April 25th to May 7th
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
(714) 556-2787
SCFTA.org
The highly anticipated Disneynature’s film, “Born in China” hit theaters today, and I can’t be more thrilled. Have you ever wondered how film makers are able to capture footage of animals in their natural environment? I recently was given the opportunity to speak to the producer, Roy Conli to learn more about how an amazing film like this one is created.
“Born in China” is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman.
Disneynature, in its ongoing quest to bring the natural world to the big screen as never before, presents its most ambitious project to date, taking moviegoers on a grand journey into the wilds of China. “Born In China” follows the adventures of three animal families — the majestic panda, the savvy golden monkey, and the elusive snow leopard.
About Roy Conli
Roy Conli is an American film producer and voice actor. He won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film for the 2014 Walt Disney Animation Studios film Big Hero 6 at the 87th Academy Awards in 2015. Roy’s background includes theater and animation. This project was different than anything he has ever worked on before. In our interview, Roy talked about his movie making experience and how he was able to create a film that will be everlasting and make an impact. He is currently working on two animation projects.
I learned some interesting facts about the production. The crew, was divided into groups and assigned to an animal family. They documented the animals habits and thought processes in their natural environments. Several cameras were placed in and around the location of the animals. Roy talked about the collaboration with the Lu Chuan, and the brilliant film crew. The cinematographers worked from the early morning until the late evening. They slept in shacks or tents, to have access to the animals. The film crew also faced extreme weather conditions much like their animal friends.
Here are some excerpts from my interview with Roy Conli.
(Roy talking about the Snow Leopard cinematographer and team)
“He was 253 days shooting, over four trips, over six seasons. He was living in a little shack next to a monastery in the Sichuan, Shaanx Plateau. He and his very small team, would leave before dawn and get back after dark. And literally shoot straight for the length of their visas. Now they were coming in on journalist visas and essentially had to leave after three months. The first shot of snow leopard that we got was ninety days into his first stay. He had to leave after the first day he got the fist shot.”
Photo Credit to Disneynature
“It’s a testament of what kind of perseverance but what kind of professionals these guys are. They really track these animals and get to understand their movements, and start to understand their thought process, and what their habits and customs are. Same thing with the pandas…. Pandas are incredibly isolated and don’t like a lot of companionship around them, and they are also 800 pound animals. So a mother panda with her 800 pound cub, can be somewhat dangerous. So what the cinematographers on that crew did, was essentially put on panda suits and would put panda scent on them. You can imagine what panda scent is. And they literally kept a significant distance away.
As you build a relationship with these animals, and as those animals see that you are not a danger. Then they start getting closer and closer. So Shane for instance, on the Snow Leopard front, started about 400 meters away, with telephoto lenses and really focusing, you know and building that relationship. By the time he ended, he was somewhere between 40 and 50 meters away. So that’s like 130 to 140 feet away. Really amazing… Sometimes you look at the shot and you see the mother looking straight at camera. She’s looking straight at camera. She’s looking at Shane and saying, “You’re not coming any closer to my kids.”
I was fascinated to hear about the amount of work that is involved to create an incredible film like this one…
Photo Credit to Disneynature
The monkeys loved to perform for the cameras and the crew. This little one was totally amused.
Roy said, “The monkeys in comparison to the snow leopards, and comparison to the pandas, they wanted to come up and say hello. They actually performed for the cameras. And one of the things that you need to do when you are working with monkeys, is try to divorce yourself from that because you don’t want them to become too familiar. Because then all of a sudden, you’re doing the exactly opposite of what your are trying to do. Let nature take its course.They want to involve you in their tribe. And you have to kind of reduce that as much as possible.”
His passion for film making is transparent in this incredible film… The footage and imagery is stunning!
This movie is a MUST SEE. Go see it in theaters today!
Support World Wildlife Fund
During Born In China’s opening week (April 21-27, 2017) film proceeds will benefit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Based on opening-week attendance, Disneynature, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the WWF to help protect wild pandas and snow leopards in China.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS- The Musical is coming to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts starting April 25th and runs through May 7, 2017. We are thrilled that we will be attending the media preview!
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.
Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014/15 season.
“An American in Paris is a triumph! Pure joy!” – New York Times
“Once you’ve seen it, you’ll find it hard to settle for less ever again.” – The Wall Street Journal
Running time (approximate): 2 hours and 33 minutes
Disclosure: We will receive tickets for reviewing purposes. All opinions are our own. Images are copyrighted and used with permission.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS – THE MUSICAL
April 25th to May 7th
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
(714) 556-2787
SCFTA.org
On April 21st Earth Day, Disneynature will release their new documentary, Born In China. The best film makers and cinematographers in the world, have collaborated on a film that follows three animal families and other rare species. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to screen this film before its release date. This extraordinary new film will definitely capture the hearts of animal lovers from around the world.
Born in China is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman.
Thank you Disneynature for inviting me to screen “Born In China.” All opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Disneynature
Movies can move us in many ways. They can inspire us, motivate us, and encourage us. Disneynature has created a film, that will have a long-lasting impact and will surely become a family favorite….
This sensational film has stunning cinematography and navigates through a vast terrain, from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest, on the wings of a red-crowned crane, seamlessly tying the extraordinary tales together.
Disney is the master of storytelling. Narrator John Krasinski, tells this story in a way that is endearing and easy for children to understand.
Disneynature, in its ongoing quest to bring the natural world to the big screen as never before, presents its most ambitious project to date, taking moviegoers on a grand journey into the wilds of China. “Born In China” follows the adventures of three animal families — the majestic panda, the savvy golden monkey, and the elusive snow leopard. As you watch this film, these beautiful creatures are followed and filmed during the Winter, Spring, and Fall seasons. These animals face harsh weather conditions and scarcity of food.
Meet the Animals
Photo credit to Disneynature
Once YaYa has completed her morning chores, she returns to focus on her adorable newborn daughter, MeiMei. This film highlights the relationship between mom and cub, but also showcases the family dynamics between the father and siblings.
Photo credit to Disneynature
Say hello to Tao Tao!
Monkeys have long been seen as figures of rebellion and mischief in Chinese folk tales. And one of the most mischievous monkeys on this mountain is TaoTao. This adorable two year old is has a huge personality. I laughed when this little one was up to no good with his friends, “The Lost Boys.”
It was so sweet to see his family united and protecting one another. They often worked together to survive.
Photo credit to Disneynature
And finally, meet Dawa a strong protective Mama. She and her cubs fight to survive in extreme weather conditions. As I watched this film, there were many heart wrenching moments that moved me.
I was truly captivated by this film. I left wondering what the fate of these animals would be… After watching this film, I have a greater appreciation for wildlife. This documentary was both educational and inspirational. This film is rated G and is wonderful for the entire family.
During Born In China’s opening week (April 21-27, 2017) film proceeds will benefit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Based on opening-week attendance, Disneynature, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the WWF to help protect wild pandas and snow leopards in China.
I love scary spine-chilling films that keep me on the edge of my seat. Earlier this month, I screened a new upcoming Warner Bros. movie called, “Unforgettable.” This new seductive thriller screams sex, lies, and insanity… My kind of movie!
Thank you Warner Bros. for inviting me to screen this film. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Katherine Heigl stars as Tessa Connover, who is barely coping with the end of her marriage when her ex-husband, David (Geoff Stults), becomes happily engaged to Julia Banks (Dawson)-not only bringing Julia into the home they once shared but also into the life of their daughter, Lilly (Isabella Rice). Trying to settle into her new role as a wife and a stepmother, Julia believes she has finally met the man of her dreams, the man who can help her put her own troubled past behind her. But Tessa’s jealousy soon takes a pathological turn until she will stop at nothing to turn Julia’s dream into her ultimate nightmare.
Julia Banks (Rosario Dawson) is happily engaged to David (Geoff Stults). This optimistic bright eyed woman, leaves her past behind for a new start, in a new town.
Dawson is sexy and fierce and in her role as Julia. There are many twists in turns in this movie that kept me intrigued while screening this film…
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros
What secrets does Julia hold in her past that can jeopardize her future with David?
You have to watch this movie to find out!
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
I cringed when Tessa (Heigl) made unbearable twisted B*#@TCH moves on Julia, David’s bride to be….
Katherine Heigl brilliantly executed the role of Tessa, a narcissistic bitter ex wife, with MAJOR control issues.
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
A mother’s bond with her child is like no other. So when Tessa has to leave her daughter with her ex hubby and his fiancé, she takes “CRAZY” to entirely whole new level…
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
Isabella Kai Rice who stars as sweet Lily, is caught in the middle of this stressful family feud.
Rice perfectly portrayed the role of a broken and conflicted child.
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
This movie was suspenseful, insane, and a powerful portrayal of jealousy gone mad…..
Move over Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction), there is a new “Femme Fatale” in town!
Unforgettable is a MUST SEE! Go see it in theaters April 21st.
The City of New Orleans is a colorful, festive, and one of my favorite places to visit in the South. The food is unique, and has distinct flavors that are forever embedded in my memory book. After traveling and eating my way through “The Big Easy,” I have a whole new level of appreciation for Cajun cuisine. I was thrilled to discover that I don’t have travel far for the authentic flavors of the South. Reel Cajun Restaurant & Bar is now open in Garden Grove….
This month, I hit up this awesome spot with my foodie pals. We were blown away by the fresh selection of crawfish, crab, shrimp, and fish. Everything on menu was OMG delicious. This little hole in the wall is a Cajun food gem!
Thank you Reel Cajun Restaurant & Bar for inviting me to try your Southern Cajun Cuisine. All opinions are on my own.
Reel Cajun is casual and kid friendly…
Score! I love places like this where I can unwind, eat good food, and enjoy a cold beer.
The menu has a variety tasty options and the prices are reasonable.
My favorite items on the menu were the garlic noodles with kielbasa and shrimp, boudin balls, and the crawfish. The cajun fries were also delicious..
Don’t forget the yummy sauces to dip everything in!
Dipping Sauces:
Creole Mustard
House Sauce
Crawfish Dip
Tarter Sauce
Spicy Ranch
Spicy Remoulade
The flavors at Reel Cajun are bold and authentic. The Gumbo was delish and had just the right amount of spice….
The Shrimp Brochette was wrapped bacon, and filled with jalapeños, mozzarella cheese, and served with cajun fries- SO GOOD!
The service was great and the staff was friendly…If you are in the Garden Grove area, this is a great spot to eat. Check out their Facebook page for daily specials..
I grew up shopping at Northgate Market, and I have watched the store evolve over that last couple of years. Some of my fondest childhood memories include going to the mercado (grocery store) with my mama on Sunday morning, to pick up the ingredients for our family meal. Northgate Gonzalez Market’s opened its newest flagship store in the City of La Habra. Let me tell you, these new stores keep getting bigger and better…
My mom’s kitchen always smells heavenly… Food is very important to my family. Our large gatherings are always centered around good food. Much like Northgate Market, our family recipes have evolved. My Papa makes yummy nopalitos (cactus), my sister Yolanda makes a great Lasagna, and my brother Ernie makes incredible fried noodles. Our family’s cuisine has become somewhat international.
It’s impossible to please everyone and my kiddos are also picky eaters. I used to shop at five different markets to get what I need, but now I don’t have to. The new Northgate Market in La Habra is GINORMOUS and has everything I need, including international products!
Please note that this is a sponsored post. Thank you Gigasavvy for inviting to the grand opening of the Northgate Market in La Habra. Rest assured, that all opinions and gushing enthusiasm are my own.
At the Grand Opening, customers stood in line since 4:30am to get a glimpse of the new store. It was awesome to see the customers dance to “El Mariachi Loco.”
I made my first stop at “La Barra” to get my coffee fix. (One of my favorite things to do) Aguas frescas, teas, and fresh juices are also served at the bar.
You can also get wheat grass shots here…
The produce is so fresh and organic products are available…
This is new!
I made my way to check out the new “Dulceria” (candy shop). The spicy tamarindo reminded me of my abuelo’s little candy store in Mexico.
The variety meats and mariscos (seafood) is colorful and fresh. They also have grass fed meats.
The ceviche bar had an array of delicious options (at least 10) Why cook it all from scratch, when you can count on the freshest ingredients and high quality food at Northgate Markets?
Don’t want to clean up? If you are planning to visit the new Northgate Market, you can relax and enjoy authentic hispanic food. You will find a fresh salad bar, pupusería, menudo, posole, fresh tortillas, and so much more! ( I love this)
Wait they have sushi too?! I think I won the lotto…. I found two sushi chefs preparing some fresh sushi. I was stunned.
I love the warm Conchas ( in the picture shown above) from the panaderia (bakery) in the morning. The bakery is loaded with my favorite carbs. (includes more than 100 new artisan breads, cakes, and cookies made fresh daily)
It’s comforting to know I can find my traditional Mexican products at Northgate Market, but it’s also exciting to see all the new food trends there too!
The new super-sized Northgate Market in La Habra is my favorite store to visit and shop at because they have everything I am looking for and then some! I also frequently visit the Northgate Market on 17th St, in Santa Ana and the Northgate Market on Lincoln in Anaheim.
My family has Smurf fever and we could not be more excited about the new movie release of Smurfs: The Lost Village. I grew up watching the cartoon in the 80’s, so this new one brings on a bit of nostalgia for me.
In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history.
The Sony Pictures Animation team continues to create films that have a long-lasting impact, quickly becoming family favorites.
Thank you Sony for inviting me to the Smurfs: The Lost Village Movie Junket and Premiere. All opinions are my own.
It was so awesome meeting the actors: Demi Lovato (Smurfette), Ariel Winter (Smurf Lily), Joe Manganiello (Hefty), and Jack McBrayer (Clumsy Smurf) at the press junket in Beverly Hills. Director Kelly Asbury was also in attendance. He stars as Nosey Smurf in this new film.
The all star cast is sensational! Michelle Rodriguez (SmurfStorm), Ellie Kemper (SmurfBlossom), and Julia Roberts (SmurfWillow) are all residents of the title’s Lost Village. Special voice cameos to include: Gordon Ramsay (Baker), Gabriel Iglesias (Jokey), Tituss Burgess (Vanity), Jeff Dunham (Farmer), and Jake Johnson (Grouchy).
In my interview, Demi Lavato said, ” My favorite thing about playing Smurfette, is the female empowerment aspect of this role. And I think it’s very convenient with timing of where we are at in the world today. So that was very exciting for me… And being able to play a courageous brave young female who sets out on this adventure to find out more about herself, is I think encouraging and something that is inspirational for younger woman.”
The following family headed to the premiere in Culver City, California. There was games, music, crafts, and Smurfy blue food.
Everyone joined in on the fun at the Smurfs celebration.
Celebs also made made appearances at the premiere. Glozell looked smurfy from head to toe too! Shaley Scott sings “You Will Always Find Me in Your Heart” in the new film...
We had a Smurftacular day at the premiere! Go see Smurfs: The Lost Village in theaters April 7th!
Have you been toBubblefest at the Discovery Cube OC? If not you should!
My family attended the Bubblefest exhibit at the Discovery Cube for the first time, and we were LITERALLY blown away by a gazillion bubbles… This interactive and educational exhibit is absolutely incredible!
Thank you Discovery Cube OC for inviting my family to Bubblefest. All Opinions are my own.
Bubblefest at Discovery Cube OC
There is so much to do at Bubblefest:
Mega Bubblefest Lazer Show- A MUST-SEE!
Water Pheres- (My son absolutely loved this)
Bubble Courtyard
Cube Jr. Playground
Me in a Bubble (additional Charge)
Bubble Zone
Visit Discovery Cube between now and April 16, 2017 for Bubblefest XXI – an indoor festival combining bubble artistry, real science, and spellbinding lasers for the whole family. This year’s Bubblefest features performances by bubble artist Deni Yang in the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show. The world-famous performance artist leads a viscous variety stage show, which combines music, lasers, lighting effects, and bubble artistry to create a spectacular experience for all ages! Inside the Bubble Zone, visitors will get to create their own bubble art with wands, participate in science demonstrations, roll around in water spheres and so much more!
Deni Yang’s Mega Bubblefest Laser show is spectacular and mesmerizing! He has been performing since the wee age of 3.
My son was thrilled when Deni Yang picked him to participate on stage… “Mom, that was so cool!” He’s begging me to take him again…
Deni’s family holds multiple Guinness World Records, including most people in a bubble and longest continuous bubble.
Bubblefest is bubble heaven!
Little ones love blowing their own bubbles too…
This hands-on exhibit has been the most popular attraction at the Discovery Cube for two decades… And now I know why.
If you are looking for a fun activity do with your kids during Spring break, take them to Bubblefest!
When I heard Marc Webb was directing a new film called Gifted, I immediately knew it was a must see. My girls and I are huge fans of his work (500 Days of Summer & The Amazing Spider-man), and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to screen it. I also made my way to Beverly Hills to interview the cast of this wonderful film.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network. All opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Fox Searchlight Pictures
Marc Webb has delivered another masterpiece, and it’s no surprise….
Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy – his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) – in a coastal town in Florida. Frank’s plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old’s mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank’s formidable mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Mary’s landlady and best friend. Jenny Slate is Mary’s teacher, Bonnie, a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well.
This comedy-drama manages to be both funny and moving. This film took my family on an unexpected emotional journey. On several occasions, we laughed and cried.
Photo credit to Fox Searchlight Pictures
This unconventional family goes through a heart wrenching custody battle with Mary’s maternal grandmother Evelyn, (Lindsay Duncan). Frank’s mother wants Mary to attend an elite school for the gifted. Frank on the other hand, wants his niece to have balance and live a normal life.
Webb’s cast is sensational… These two costars had an adorable bond on and off screen. They giggled when they talked about their behind the scenes shenanigans.
McKenna Grace said, “One of the funnest scenes for me was whenever me and Octavia were singing and dancing in her house.” She was very smart, sweet, and spunky! (much like her on-screen character).
Mary’s teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate) becomes deeply concerned for Mary and Frank. Jenny Slate is appealing in her role. She eventually finds herself drawn to her student’s hunky guardian Frank.
(Octavia Spencer) Frank and Mary’s neighbor helps raise Mary (McKenna Grace). She is kind hearted and funny. (love her)
Octavia expressed why she was inclined to take this role. “I really loved this beautiful story about an unconventional family surrounding this brilliant little girl.”
There is a lot of heart in this unique story, and the performances in this film are terrific.
Chris Evens said, ” I think the theme in this film is kind of rooted in parents that can be overbearing. That kind of in some degree, live vicariously through their children, and the rebellion that can happen as result of that dynamic.” This superhero brilliantly executed this role as a father.
As a mother, I found this movie to be very endearing and it also had a very profound message. I truly loved this film and think you will too!
The variety meats and mariscos (seafood) is colorful and fresh. They also have grass fed meats.
The following family headed to the premiere in Culver City, California. There was games, music, crafts, and Smurfy blue food.
Shaley Scott sings “You Will Always Find Me in Your Heart” in the new 
