Cabo San Lucas | The Perfect Girlfriend Getaway

As a 30-something mom of four, I need my girlfriend time. Often. Very often. A girls only weekend week is always refreshing and re-energizing. Ha! I wish I could get a full week. My time will come. But, for now, I enjoy a few days away with the girls whenever possible. Cabo San Lucas is one of the best places for a girlfriend getaway. Below are just a few reasons to visit this beautiful destination, as if you need a reason….

THE WATER

Water is everywhere. Swim in the ocean. Swim in your resort pool. Or relax in the hot tub. There is so much to do in and around the water. Take a jet-ski for a whirl. Head out for a swim. Lay in a raft with your favorite drink. Take a sunset cruise.

THE SCENERY

Serene scenery is always a plus when trying to relax. I can seriously get lost in the sound of the waves and the view in the picture above. Beautiful, just beautiful. Did I mention the amazing weather in Cabo? It’s just perfect.

THE RESORTS

Take your pick. There are plenty of resorts to fit your budget and your needs. Want a spa located steps from your door? That can be done. Prefer to dine and relax inclusively within your resort, that can be done. Or, maybe you want to go sightseeing and taste different cuisines in the town. All types of resort stays are available in Cabo!

ACTIVITIES

If you don’t want to sit by the ocean and pool the entire time, you can venture out. There are so many activities, everyone of your girlfriends is sure to find something they enjoy. Head out on a group activity, or go solo. Be on the lookout for the amazing sunset cruises with food, alcohol, and gorgeous scenery.

LET LOOSE and ENJOY A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

Downtown Cabo San Lucas offers multiple modern restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Feel like some dancing? How about karaoke? If wine is your thing, Cabo has you covered. The girls and you are sure to unwind with endless night activities.

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SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival returns every Saturday and Sunday, February 13 through March 6. The event is in partnership with USO Central Florida and honors America’s heroes.  SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ features live concerts from top classic rock and country musical artists, tasty BBQ and thirst-quenching brews, and special discounts for active duty military and veterans.

SPECIAL BANDS, BREW & BBQ PACKAGES INCLUDE:

• BBQ Tasting Sampler – Guests can choose up to five menu items from SeaWorld’s sampler selections at any of the Bands, Brew & BBQ food locations for just $20.

• Craft Brew Sampler – Guests sample 10 ice-cold craft beers — from a selection of more than 30 brews — for just $30.

• BBQ Tasting and Craft Brew Sampler (Best Value) – This sampler includes five menu items and five craft brew samples along the Bands, Brew & BBQ Pathway –all for only $35.

SAVE ON ADMISSION:

As a special discount for purchasing early — now through March 6 — guests who purchase a Fun Card will pay for less than a day and play all year long. During this special timeframe, the 2016 SeaWorld Orlando Fun Card is just $94 plus tax, which is a $5 savings

MILITARY OFFER – ACTIVE DUTY AND VETERANS

SeaWorld Orlando also is proud to offer a special discount for enlisted men and women and veterans during this event, including 50% off the standard price of the 2016 Fun Card, which allows unlimited admission to SeaWorld all year for the price of a single-day ticket. Military also get 10% off special sampler Bands, Brew & BBQ packages. For more details, visit wavesofhonor.com.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with regular park admission. Stay tuned for the latest event information and artist announcements on SeaWorldOrlando.com as well as SeaWorld’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Join the conversation using #SeaWorld #BandsBrewBBQ.  Pay for less than a day Fun Card must be redeemed in-park by March 6, 2016. Taxes, shipping, and service fees not included.

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Strawberry Filled Heart Cupcakes

Valentine’s Day is on its way and delicious treats are a must! These Chocolate Strawberry Filled Heart Cupcakes are rich and moist, sure to please anyone who receives one! This recipe is great for making during your child’s nap time, since you will use boxed cake mix and frosting.

Ingredients:

* 1 box of chocolate cake mix (and everything you need to add to the mix like eggs and oil)

* 1 to 2 containers of premade chocolate frosting (I used 2, but I applied the frosting very thick)

* 2 cartons of fresh (room temperature) strawberries

* 1/4 cup white sugar

* 24 cupcake liners

* sprinkles (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Following the instructions on the cake mix, bake 24 chocolate cupcakes in your cupcake liners and let cool (you can leave them in the cupcake pans for now).

Step 2: Wash the strawberries and pick out at least 12 of the prettiest to make strawberry hearts that will top the cupcakes (you need at least 24). To make the hearts, cut a v-shape at the top of the strawberry that will hull it. Then cut the strawberry in half lengthwise. You now have heart shaped strawberry pieces. You can trim a little off the pointy tops of the heart shape if you want to make more rounded. Place these aside.

Step 3: Hull and chop the remaining strawberries, place in a bowl, and mix 1/4 cup of white sugar with them.

Step 4: Cut cone shaped pieces out of the middle of each of the cupcakes that go about half way down, remove, and place them in a bowl to use later.

Step 5: Spoon out strawberries and sugar, being careful to drain any juice in the mixture. You don’t want your cupcakes too moist or they will fall apart. Place the spoonfuls of strawberries in the cupcakes.

Step 6: Take out the cone shaped pieces of the cupcakes you previously cut out. Keeping the smooth top intact, break the rest of the piece off to create a little top to cover back up the holes filled with strawberries in each cupcake.

Step 7: If you left your cupcakes in the pan, now is the time to remove and frost. I used a frosting applicator with a star-shaped tip.

Step 8: Add sprinkles and a heart shaped strawberry piece to each cupcake. It is important that the strawberries be room temperature, or else as they condensate they will slide off the frosting. Alternatively, you can make the cupcakes with cold strawberries and place the frosted and decorated cupcakes into a refrigerator until it is time to serve.

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GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali – 2016

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Heading to Wyoming? We love our travel but we also love to get our sweat on while traveling. Outdoor activities is at the top of our family to-do list when we are on vacation. Whether it be a sunny or snowy location, outdoor activities are a must! See the sites and enjoy nature while getting a great workout in. Southwest Wyoming is a great place to “get your sweat on”. Plenty of activities to check out this summer in Southwest Wyoming. Check these out:

• Run with the Horses Marathon (Aug. 20)
  Runners select their length: a marathon, half-marathon or 10k race. The route weaves through the high desert country where herds of spectacular wild horses live. Professional timers, aid stations, finishing medals and moisture-control shirts are also part of the event. Early bird registration is available for the marathon ($95) and half marathon ($65) until August 1. After that registration increases to $105 for the marathon and $75 for the half. The 10k is $20. Learn more at www.runwiththehorsesmarathon.com.

• Race on the Rock (Aug. 27)
  This high-altitude triathlon features super sprint, sprint and Olympic distance races. The event is held at about 6,300 feet above sea level. Participants swim, bike and run along the base of White Mountain and through portions of Rock Springs, an old mining town. There aren’t any big inclines, but there is some rise in altitude along the race course. Registration price depends on distance chosen. Find out more at www.raceontherock.weebly.com.
• Mountain Biking
  With land as far as the eye can see – many of it public – Southwest Wyoming combines a perfect setting with an attitude for adventure that makes it a top destination for mountain biking. The well-maintained Wilkins Peak Trail System is adored by locals for its trail variety and magnificent views. Bikers can get their hearts racing on the labyrinth of single-track trails on the peak’s western face, such as Brent and Mikes and Quick Draw. For technical biking, hit up the aptly-named 4.5-mile Pick Your Poison.

• Green River Bike Park
  Those ready to kick their mountain biking skills up a notch won’t want to miss the Green River Bike Park. It offers several trails for all levels of riding, giving freestyle riders the opportunity to practice their X Games tricks.
• Hiking
  Hiking is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the wild, Western landscape of Sweetwater County. For a great workout, hoof it to the Killpecker Sand Dunes which boasts acres upon acres of soft sand that is challenging – yet fun! – to traverse.

If  you’re heading to Southwest Wyoming, be sure to check out TourWyoming.Com for these activities and MORE.

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I have news! There are NEW Zootopia Clips to check out. My kids get excited every time a new trailer or clip is released for this hilarious movie. They can’t wait for opening day!

Check these out…

“Arriving” This one is plain CUTE:

“Fur of a Skunk”

Elephant in the Room:

ZOOTOPIA Comes to theaters MARCH 4th!

FOLLOW ALONG:

Like ZOOTOPIA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyZootopia

Follow ZOOTOPIA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyZootopia

Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://instagram.com/disneyanimation/

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

Visit the official ZOOTOPIA website here: http://movies.disney.com/zootopia

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Farm-to-Table Cuisine in a beautiful lakeside setting is what you will find at the new LakeHouse Restaurant located at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. This full-service restaurant blends contemporary dining with the comforts of home. The LakeHouse restaurant overlooks the hotel’s private lake in a family type setting.

Dine for an upscale breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or, stop in for a cocktail and small bite to eat throughout the day (7a to 10p).

LakeHouse is on point as with current industry trends as outlined by the National Restaurant Associations (NRA) “What’s Hot Culinary Forecast for 2016” to include locally-sourced meats and seafood, chef-driven fast-casual concepts, healthful kids’ meals and sustainable seafood.

Specializing in fresh, regional flavors, the LakeHouse menu features a unique combination of gourmet dishes and home-style favorites including:

 

Breakfast:
Energize Me: Grilled Banana Bread French Toast with Maple Pecan Butter, Whipped Cream Cheese

Fuel the Day: The LakeHouse Benedict: Poached Farm Eggs on Avocado Toast, Canadian Bacon, Roasted Tomatoes, Crisp Ciabatta, Hollandaise Sauce

Lunch:

Grand Cypress Club: Open Faced, Oven Roasted Turkey, Applewood Bacon, Cheddar, Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Garlic Aioli on Brioche

From the Heart Oven: Turkey and Brie Flatbread: Artichoke Pesto, Roma Tomatoes, Baby Arugula

Dinner:

Home Style Meatloaf: Smashed Grilled Root Vegetables, Shiraz Gravy, Crisp Shallots
LakeHouse Bowl: Scallops, Clams, Garlic, Onion, Tomato, White Wine, Lemon Butter Herb Broth, Shaved Fennel

For more information, Visit www.GrandCypress.Hyatt.com or to learn more about LakeHouse or make a reservation via OpenTable

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Celebrate at the 356 acre Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Bring the kids and enroll them in the fun and interactive QuestClub Camp while you relax with your Valentine at the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa, sip champagne in a private cabana at the Boca Beach Club, or lounge on the beach. 

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If you’re looking for a family friendly ski-resort, that is also budget-friendly, be sure to check out Granby Ranch.

Granby Ranch is part of the Rocky Mountains and located just 90 miles from Denver, Colorado, and 20 miles from Winter Park, Colorado and the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. This ski resort is family owned and is geared toward families as well. All ages and all skill-levels are welcome. There is something for everyone.

Families will enjoy the wide-open terrain that includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.

Buy in advance and SAVE! Details here —> Granby Ranch lift ticket offer

If you’re visiting Granby Ranch or the Winter Park, Colorado area, be sure to check out Winter Park Website for more information on what to see, where to stay, and more.

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There are FOUR Beautiful NEW Posters available for Disney Pixar’s Finding DORY that will be coming to theaters on June 17th! I absolutely LOVE the colors. I know kids of all ages are going to fall in love with this movie (and with Dory all over again!). I can’t wait for the release. I’ve been waiting over 2 years…patiently….

Check these out and get excited with us:

Here is the teaser trailer again, in case you missed it:

FOLLOW ALONG:

Site: https://disney.com/findingdory

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarFindingDory

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FindingDory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixarfindingdory/

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/

Tumblr: http://disneypixar.tumblr.com

Hashtag: #HaveYouSeenHer

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THE ORLANDO EYE

Picture credit: Orlando Sentinel

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5 Family Friendly Things To Do While Visiting Atlanta

Are you heading to Atlanta with the family? Atlanta is an exciting city, with so much to see. However, there’s so many things to do that it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s family friendly and what’s not. Heading out for a day in Atlanta can be awesome, but you need to know what the top things are to do, which is what will be explored here. Whether you spend time outdoors, at the aquarium, or focus on the historical aspects of Atlanta, you’ll have an amazing experience. Check out these 5 family friendly things to do in Atlanta.

Spend the Day at the Georgia Aquarium

Looking for something family friendly to do in Atlanta? The Georgia Aquarium is on the top of my list. There’s a rumor going around that you can actually swim with the whale sharks. Another really cool thing about this aquarium is that it is open year round, so you can visit anytime you want. It has more undersea animals than any other aquarium and it has four whale sharks, which is completely awesome. There’s so much to do as a family at the Georgia Aquarium that you’ll probably want to carve out a whole day to go.

Check out the Animals at Zoo Atlanta

If you’re up for a day of fun, then Zoo Atlanta is where it’s at. There are not many zoos out there that you can spend an entire day at. The Atlanta zoo is one that can keep the kids buy ALL day long. You’ll see animals, like the African elephant, clouded leopard, zebra, and much more. The Zoo was started in 1889 and continues to be a flourishing part of the Atlanta area. It’s the perfect place for a family because there are so many varieties of animals, plants, and other interesting things to discover. Heading to Zoo Atlanta with the family for a day, would be one smart move.

Things to do at the ZOO:

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

There are very few places in the world where everything is dedicated to “just kids.” The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is great for many reasons, but you will find that many families head there because of the fabulous exhibits. There are a very large number of exhibits to dig into as a family, like the science exhibit, food exhibit, or even the exhibit dedicated completely to learning. You’ll have plenty to do as you head to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, together, as a family.

Below is a list of permanent exhibits the museum has. This is in addition to seasonal and changing exhibits:

*Fundamentally Food
*Gateway to the World
*Leaping into Learning
*Let Your Creativity Flow
*Step Up To Science
*Tools for Solutions

MORE INFORMATION

Enjoy the Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is one area that the kids will love. The Fountain of Rings is located in Centennial Olympic Park and it just happens to be the remaining legacy of the Centennial Olympics Games during 1996. The kids can burn off energy as they play in the Fountain of Rings, check out the architecture, or just enjoy the loop—it’s an awesome place for families to spend time together while in Atlanta. It’s free to view the Fountain of Rings show, which plays four times a day, 365 days a year, at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. VIEW THE SCHEDULE.

Six Flags Over Georgia

What family doesn’t need a little excitement in their lives? Six Flags Over Georgia is a great way to spend the fay with the family. This is the largest theme park on this side of the country. Of course, it has several areas dedicated to children, where your kids can have a ball. There are also plenty of rides for teens and adults, such as; the Batman, Carrot Patch, and the Acrophobia. The whole family can also enjoy water slides, water rides, and other thrill rides.

Spending the day in Atlanta is more exciting than most cities. With their famous aquarium, Six Flags, and even a playground from the 1996 Olympics. It’s safe to say your family will have a ball while spending time in Atlanta, Georgia together.

What is your favorite family friendly place to visit in Atlanta?

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In just a few short days, Feb 20-22nd, I will be heading to Walt Disney World for a whirlwind of a weekend! Exploring the parks, sneaking in a screening of Zootopia, and interviewing Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, directors, Byron Howard and Rich Moore, producer, Clark Spencer, and co-director, Jared Bush. Plus, I will get to hang out with some amazing blogger friends and part of my crew is tagging along to the parks with me.

To get you excited to follow along, I’m sharing some NEW clips from the movie below. You and the family will not want to miss this hilarious movie that takes place in the modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia!

“Meet Clawhauser”

“Have A Donut”

“Assistant Mayor Bellwether”

Be sure to follow along using #ZootopiaEvent on Twitter and Instagram. I will be posting on our Instagram as well, so be sure you are following.

Follow Zootopia:

Like ZOOTOPIA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyZootopia

Follow ZOOTOPIA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyZootopia

Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://instagram.com/disneyanimation/

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

Visit the official ZOOTOPIA website here: http://movies.disney.com/zootopia

ZOOTOPIA opens in theatres everywhere on March 4th!

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MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2”

I’m excited to announce that the Guardians are coming back. Production has begun at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is slated to hit U.S. theaters on May 5, 2017.

I’m also excited to announce that the amazing cast is back:

The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (“Jurassic World,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord;  Zoe Saldana (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Star Trek Into Darkness”) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (“Spectre,”  “Guardians of the Galaxy”) as Drax; Vin Diesel (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Furious 7”) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (“Joy,” “American Sniper”) as the voice of Rocket;  Michael Rooker (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Jumper”) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Big Short”) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Gilmore Girls”) as Kraglin.

New cast members include Pom Klementieff (“Oldboy”), Elizabeth Debicki (“The Great Gatsby,” “Everest”), Chris Sullivan (“The Knick,” “The Drop”) and Kurt Russell (“The Hateful Eight,” “Furious 7”).

And, if you heard the Awesome Mixtape #1 (soundtrack) from Guardians of the Galaxy, you know why I’m really looking forward to the Awesome Mixtape #2 in the new movie.

STAY TUNED for more updates!

Slated for release MAY 5 2017

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We just LOVE living in the Central Florida area. The weather is gorgeous. The beaches are close by. Year round activities are a plus. When it comes to vacationing, the possibilities are endless. Living anywhere in Florida, you really do not have to travel far to escape and relax!

We prefer to find hidden vacation spots that are not overpopulated. Quaint and cozy getaway spots with plenty of activities to keep everyone busy, sand to put our feet in, and sunshine. Discovering the “Carefree side of Florida” is our top priority. Places like Ocean Breeze Resort in Jensen Beach Florida has all of those amenities and more. With beaches, shopping, restaurants, and other activities nearby, no one will be bored. Rent one of their NEW 2BR/2BA Fully furnished homes with spectacular intracoastal views or choose on of the RV Supersites if you prefer, there is plenty of room for you and the family.

If you’re looking for a special, we’ve got one for you! Reserve a week rental, receive a $100 gift card to nearby Peters Steakhouse. If you book an RV Site for a week, you receive a $50 gift card to Peter’s Steakhouse. A 5-minute walk from Ocean Breeze Resort, Peters Steakhouse is a Treasure Coast favorite offering a classic American menu plus beer & wine.

More info: Ocean Breeze Resort is just minutes from some of the finest beaches, shopping, seafood and fine dining and outdoor activities Florida has to offer. There’s always something new to discover in and around historic Jensen Beach, where cars share the streets with golf carts and where world-class culture meet small-town charm. With its major shopping centers, numerous specialty stores and unusual boutiques, the Jensen Beach area is renowned as a retail shopping center of the Treasure Coast!
Home sales
Another option to consider. Ocean Breeze Resort’s multi-million dollar development will place it among the newest master planned communities in the area. Central to this vision is a partnership with Florida’s premier residential builder, Jacobsen Homes. Choose from a range of packages and the ability to personalize options.

For more information and prices for your next vacation, head on over to Ocean Breeze Resort

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Check out the easy video tutorial & recipe below:

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St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Oreos 

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to gather some amazing St. Patrick’s Day Recipes. These St. Patrick’s Day chocolate covered oreos are easy enough to make that the whole family can join in the fun. ENJOY!

St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Oreos Recipe

Ingredients:

1 package of Oreo cookies
2 packages Ghirardelli White Chocolate wafers
green gel food coloring
Wilton Dot/Stripe Cookie Candy Mold

Directions:

Using a double boiler melt the white chocolate wafers.
Set aside 1/4 of the melted wafers for the white chocolate stripes.
Add the green gel food coloring to the melted chocolate.  Stir to blend well.
Pour some of the dyed green chocolate into each of the molds (Following the mold directions for the amount)
While the chocolate in the mold is still warm add 1 Oreo cookie to each mold.
Cover the top of the cookie with more melted green chocolate.
Place plastic mold tray on a cookie tray and put in the freezer for 2 hours.
Remove from freezer and gently pop out of the mold.
If necessary reheat the melted white chocolate.
Spoon the melted white chocolate into a plastic
Drizzle the melted white chocolate on each of the green chocolate covered oreo cookies (you can also use squeeze bottles to drizzle)

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Photo Credit: EOnline

A Mom’s Perspective on Disney’s Zootopia | Interview With Ginnifer Goodwin

Ginnifer Goodwin plays Judy Hopps in Disney’s Zootopia, which will hit theaters March 4th. I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Ginnifer at a press junket that took place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This amazing resort was the perfect backdrop for this press event. Animals could be viewed out almost every window from the resort.

Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps

Ginnifer was not able to be with us in person for this interview, however she kindly skyped in and it was if she actually was there. She was friendly, energetic, and full of smiles throughout. My fellow bloggers and I sat at a “round table” and took turns asking questions between laughs.

Being a mother herself, I was curious to know Ginnifer’s thoughts on the message of Zootopia. Once you see the movie Zootopia, you will quickly notice there are quite a few positive messages for children as well as adults throughout the movie. When asked what kind of message she hopes kids will take away from the movie, her reply was “I feel like the overlying theme, the one that Judy articulates in the movie, is that anyone can be anything”.  I couldn’t agree more. I can’t wait to share my review on Zootopia with all of you, so I can elaborate even more on Ginnifers quote! Ginnifer goes on to say that Judy takes real responsibility for her actions, making her noble. And Ginnifer hopes that kids pick up on that. While her kids are not currently old enough to watch and understand the movie just yet, she hopes that when they are, they too, will pick up on the message that “anyone can be anything”.

I don’t want to give away the whole story, but in a nutshell, Zootopia is a metropolis of animals. It is a a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest animal to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. When Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. She learns a lot of lessons along the way. And, she teaches quite a few as well, especially to Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman).

Have you ever wondered how it feels to work on a Disney movie? We asked Ginnifer what she liked about working with Disney on ZOOTOPIA. Her response, “The reality is even better than the dream is”.

“You know, they are utterly creative!  I’ve never heard of another studio that will start over from scratch to make something better.  And they do this again and again!  They started this movie over, like, November before last.  After we had been working on it for years… Because they said they can be better. They can be better than that.  But it can be even better than that last version that we did.  And I know stories of them doing this in the past, and also it’s a place where, honestly, the employees are so happy, and that energy is palpable when you walk into the studio.  I think it’s part of why I wanted so much to actually physically be in the studio to record.  They just want it to be… They know that part of that liberation is fun. They create such a safe place to be free. I felt like I could really try anything and really fall on my face, and it was because they made me feel so safe to do that.”

Again, working for a company that, as a mom, she can be proud of sharing with her children is amazing! She was also excited that she was able to record portions with her husband. Her husband, Josh Dallas, plays the Frantic Pig in Zootopia. “it was really fun ‘cause we got to do it together.”

Wrapping up the interview, Ginnifer shared her favorite scene in the movie. And, I bet many of you will agree with her answer to this question! “I still laugh at the DMV scene. I’ve seen it four hundred thousand times. There’s always something new that I find in that sloth scene.”  Below is the trailer so you can view this hilarious scene:

ZOOTOPIA Will Be In Theaters March 4, 2016

Follow along:

Zootopia Official Website

Zootopia on facebook

Zootopia on Twitter

Zootopia on Instagram

Disclosure – I was invited to the #ZOOTOPIAEVENT, a Zootopia Press Junket by Disney. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

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Exclusive Interview With Jason Bateman

Jason Bateman is the voice of Nick Wilde, the sly fox in the upcoming Disney movie, Zootopia. Zootopia opens in theaters March 4th.

I had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Jason Bateman and interview him about his role and so much more. To give you a little background on the movie, Zootopia is a metropolis of mammals where many different animals live, work, and play. Judy Hopps becomes the first rabbit to join the police force and she must overcome obstacles to prove that she is capable. Along the way she meets Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) who makes her job even tougher! Jason’s character is a con artist fox with a pretty big mouth. He is sly and can be conniving. However, due to the opposite characteristics of the main characters, we learn quite a few life lessons and kids can really learn how everyone should get along no matter what.

I have been a fan of Jason Bateman since I was a young child. I remember seeing him on Little House on the Prairie, the Hogan family, and more recently the hilarious Arrested Development. There is something about his laid back, dry humor that I just love. So, it was quite fitting to ask him a question about humor as well as his traits vs. Nick Wilde’s traits.

(photo Walt Disney Pictures)

Did you have any laugh out loud moments?

Yeah.  I mean it can get pretty silly in there because it gets a bit monotonous at times.  You know, you’re doing the same four or five pages over the course of two hours.  And again, for the same sort of reason you can just end up saying something different, or even, curse, you know. It’s kinda odd to hear, you know, a cartoon character say a bad word.

I hope they grab some of his humor from the recording studio and add in some “out-takes”. That would be a ton of fun to see/hear. Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps, even said “Jason’s improv skills are sick. I would cackle and ruin the whole scene”! You can check out my interview with Ginnifer Goodwin HERE.

(photo Walt Disney Pictures)

Would you say you had any of the same traits?

I mean, you know, my job is to be kind of full of it. So I kind of know that and I’m pretty sarcastic and dry, you know.  My mom is from England, and she gave me a lot of that dry British, sarcastic sense of humor, and that comes pretty easily to me. Plus I’m pretty… I’m pretty laid back, and my heart rate never really gets up pretty high.  So, I appreciate how Nick’s kind of lays back and lets life kinda come at him.

Jason had us all laughing throughout this interview. I just love his sense of humor. And I didn’t think he was “full of it” at all. He had a very kind demeanor and he was very nice and kind to all of us.

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

How did you feel when you saw that they were making the fox’s face to resemble your own?

Yeah I picked up on it a little bit… They didn’t tell me anything about that. But it was actually after… I started to see it alittle bit in Ginnifer, with Judy Hopps… And, I saw a little bit of it with JK Simmons with the lion. I saw little bit of Octavia Spencer in her character, and then I was, like, well, wait a second… You should take a look at yours, too… And then I, I did kinda see that, you know, sort of these, these droopy eyes, and kind of the general body language of it, and, all of that stuff was pretty cool. They were very subtle with it.  It’s kinda neat.

Do you see it? I can see a resemblance in their smile. And in other photos I can see it in the eyes. I love how Disney did this. The animators are amazing.

And on a more serious note. We asked Jason about the message of the movie.

What message are you hoping that the movie brings to kids?

I would say that he’s got a bit of a defeatist attitude at the beginning.  He’s really cynical.  And, sort of mocks Judy for her optimism, and her enthusiasm.  That’s
such a lazy and easy place to sit and be.  You know?  It’s a very defensive kinda, like… No one can hurt you if you don’t try. That’s just kind of a dangerous thing and luckily Judy does come into his life, and shows him that it’s okay to let people know that there’s something different than what is on the surface of you.  And, you know, that has relevance emotionally, but also clearly racially.  Um, religiously.  I mean, there’s all kinds of things where people make judgments on, you know, perceptions very quickly on who they think you are.  But what about what’s on the inside?  Like, she has no vanity at all.  She has no idea how she comes across.  It’s all inside out with her and I think that’s probably, you know, you’re never too young to learn that one.

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ZOOTOPIA opens in theatres everywhere on March 4th!

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Unique Places To Stay While Visiting Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park is one of Colorado’s favorite mountain playground! Located in the Central Rockies, there are plenty of snow activities. But that doesn’t mean the other seasons aren’t just as fun in Winter Park. There are plenty of summer festivals, fall colors to enjoy, and so much more to do throughout the year. No matter what time of year you plan to visit Winter Park, Colorado, you are sure to have a great time staying active or relaxing and enjoying the views.

We are all very familiar with hotels, motels, and suites. How about trying something different? In Winter Park, Colorado, there are many options for accommodations. Below are 3 unique places to stay while visiting Winter Park, Colorado.

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Guest Ranches

The guest ranch experiences in Winter Park are truly extraordinary. Take the environmentally friendly Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, for instance, with its rustically upscale accommodations, fine dining and array of outdoor and wilderness recreation. C Lazy U, which has been in operation for 90 years, is an authentic dude ranch with a rich history, rustic elegance, legendary cuisine and signature 5-Spur Service™.

Drowsy Water Guest Ranch in nearby Granby is nestled into 700 private acres in a beautiful mountain valley and offers horseback riding, ranch activities, kids programs and much more.

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B&B’s, Inns, Cabins

There’s something charming about staying in a B&B or inn, and the Winter Park area has two fabulous options. Wild Horse Inn in Fraser offers distinctive rooms and cabins – some of which are even pet friendly. It’s a perfect combination of comfort, style and rustic elegance, combined with amazing food and hosts. At Winter Park Chateau, visitors enjoy a prime downtown Winter Park location that is walking distance to most restaurants and nightlife. Boasting Victorian charm, the accommodations here include eight guest rooms, some with balconies, fireplaces and jetted tubs. There is also a hot tub, gazebo, terraced back landing area and an entertainment living room for all guests.

Yurts & More

I admit it. I had to look up the definition of a Yurt. Here it is: a circular tent of felt or skins on a collapsible framework, used by nomads in Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey. Yes, Winter Park has a yurt village. What a fun place to stay. The 12 elevated yurts at Snow Mountain Ranch are available for rental year-round, but be warned, they are not heated, so you may want to avoid the winter months.  Yurts can accommodate up to six people, with one queen bed and two bunk beds. A bathhouse is located in the yurt village that has flush toilets, hot showers, hair dryers and a coin-operated washer and dryer. The High Lonesome Hut on Berthoud Pass sits within a 160-acre meadow and spruce forest, surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest. The hut is located at the end of a 2.5-mile trail that can be accessed by any non-motorized method. It features electricity, running water, an indoor toilet and shower and room for up to 12 guests. Arapaho Valley Ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is located in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It offers luxurious “glamping” tipi and tent accommodations, as well as old-school campsites. There are also a number of other RV parks and campgrounds from which to choose.

As you can see, Winter Park has something for every taste and budget. Click here to learn more or book a stay.

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