Tag: movie

  • Disney’s BRAVE – Scotch Eggs Recipe

    Disney’s BRAVE – Scotch Eggs Recipe

    Make it a movie night with Brave and these Scotch Eggs! 
    Make it a family movie night. Watch Brave and enjoy Scotch Eggs.
    We love the movie Brave. It was one we were truly excited for from the first preview we saw over 6 years ago. When Brave came out we were in the middle of the Princess craze with our little girls.  They loved Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and the Little Mermaid. It was also during a time where there seemed to be a lot of backlash on Princesses in general.
     


    Why did Princesses always need a Prince? Couldn’t they take care of themselves? They’re always so helpless – well except Belle. I think people often overlooked her in their generalizations of the helpless Princesses. Actually, I could give a good argument on why every single one of the Disney Princesses was not helpless, and actually quite brave in their own individual stories. 
     
    That should probably be its own post. Instead, let’s talk about Brave and the strong-willed red-headed Scottish Princess. Merida. She is a spitfire! And one of my favorite princesses to watch. I’m raising my own little spitfire, and while she and I have way too many head-butting moments like Merida and her mother – I am actually grateful for that determination. 
    Make it a movie night with BRAVE and this recipe for Scotch Eggs.
     
    When I first watched Brave, I thought it was how Merida was brave enough to stand up for herself against family. She was brave to be herself, and live her own life. The more I watch it, the more I love the ending. Merida was brave for doing those things, but she became braver when she admited she was wrong, took ownership of her choices, and apologized to those she hurt. Saying sorry and meaning it, is the bravest thing any of us can do, and too few of us choose to do. 
     
    I’ve made it a personal goal to always apologize to my children when I’m wrong, or when I let my inner bear come out. I want them to know that I’m human, and that apologizing is a good thing. The first few times were not easy, but it’s become a natural habit, and has allowed a lot of trust between us all. 
     
    Check out these other family movie night recipes:
     
    For a fun family movie night, I would highly suggest making these Scotch Eggs! They were a lot of fun to make, and they tasted fantastic! Granted my kids hate eggs…but they all gave the scotch eggs a try, and some really liked them. Some just enjoyed the sausage casing, but that’s ok too. They showed me they were brave enough to give something new a try. 
    Make it a family movie night with this recipe for Scotch Eggs and the movie Brave.
    I knew the kids would be hesitant to try the eggs, and I wasn’t sure just how filling they would be so I paired it with a side of sauteed root veggies. A couple of chopped potatoes and some rainbow carrots from our backyard garden were just screaming to me for a hearty Scottish side. Toss them in a little oil, add some garlic and salt and cook up until fork tender. You’ll love it with the Scotch Eggs!
    Scotch Eggs
    Write a review
    Print
    Ingredients
    1. 8 large eggs, hard boiled, chilled, and shelled
    2. 16oz pork sausage
    3. 2 raw egg
    4. 1/2 cup milk
    5. 1 cup flour
    6. 2 cups panko bread crumbs
    7. dash of thyme, basil, and chives
    8. oil for frying
    9. salt and pepper
    Set up a breading station using separate bowls
    1. 1. Flour, salt, and pepper
    2. 2.Egg Wash – raw eggs and milk, whisked to mix well.
    3. 3. Panko Bread crumbs and herbs
    4. Portion the sausage into 8 balls. Flatten each ball into a thin round disc.
    5. Encase each boiled egg evenly in the sausage, making sure it closes well all around.
    6. Coat with flour, egg wash, then panko bread crumbs.
    7. Preheat oil to 350F.
    8. Cook meat encased eggs for 5 minutes until golden brown.
    9. Drain on a paper towel, and season with salt.
    10. Serve warm.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/


  • LEGO Star Wars The Freemaker Adventures Season 1 w/Exclusive Magnets

    LEGO Star Wars The Freemaker Adventures Season 1 w/Exclusive Magnets

    I received LEGO Star Wars The Freemaker Adventures in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

    Still looking for those last minute stocking stuffers? LEGO Star Wars The Freemaker Adventures season 1 came out on DVD this month, and it would be perfect for you LEGO Star Wars loving kids. 

    LEGO Star Ward The Freemaker Adventures with exclusive magnets.

    The Freemaker Adventures takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The story follows young Rowan and his siblings – Kordi and Zander – as they scavenge the galaxy, building and selling starships. One day Rowan finds a natural connection with the force through the Kyber Saber and the siblings life is thrown into the middle of the struggle with the Empire.

    My kids absolutely love this show. We found it while browsing Netflix one day, and were sucked in. So when the DVD came out earlier this month, it was one I knew we wanted. The 6 exclusive magnets were totally just a plus!

    LEGO Star Wars The Freemaker Adventures

    The magnets were quickly claimed by Venice to go on her Mastervision Board, and help keep track of her schedule and everyone else too. I believe for now they’ve divvied out the magnetic characters, so each child is assigned a magnet. Now she can not only keep track of herself, but her siblings too.  

    I love sitting and watching the LEGO Star Wars shows with the kids because it’s never just sitting in front of the TV. No, when LEGO’s are on screen we pull out the chest of LEGO’s as well. This keeps the kid’s imagination moving as they try to build what’s on screen and in their heads. Take for example the latest creation of Venice. She tells me this is some starship Rowan’s family built.

    LEGO Star Wars The Freemaker Adventures

    Isn’t that neat? It’s not complete but “You just have to pretend it has a roof and walls” 

    Have your kids gotten into the LEGO Star Wars The Freemaker Adventures yet? If they love Star Wars and LEGO, then they’re bound to love this show. Give it a try, and don’t forget to grab your copy with the exclusive magnets. You can’t get these anywhere else!

  • Yellow Sticky Rice for a Minions Movie Night

    Yellow Sticky Rice for a Minions Movie Night

    This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MinionsMovieNight #CollectiveBias

    The Minions movie is here! We didn’t have a chance to see it in theater so we were counting down the days to it’s DVD release. I surprised the kids with Minion Yellow Sticky Rice for our pre-movie dinner excitement, and Donut Goggles to eat during the movie. 

    Minions movie night with Minion Yellow Sticky Rice and Donut Goggles #ad #MinionsMovieNight

    The day had come. I sent the girls off to school, and Lincoln and I ran over to Target to pick up the Metalpak Minions© 2015 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. With 40 minutes of extra Target exclusive content!, movie night was about to get serious! Since we had the day, we did a little browsing and found a load of other minion inspired products to add to the excitement. Minion bowls, a Minion card game, Minion Imagine Ink (love that Dollar Spot!) and Lincoln’s favorite, Archer Farms Donuts to act as Minion Goggles. 

    Everything you need for a Minions Movie Night at Target #ad #MinionsMovieNight

    We headed home to start prepping for our movie night. Lincoln had a hard time waiting for sisters to get home, so he may have gotten his own little pre-screening of the movie before anyone else – but shh, don’t tell the girls! 

    Fried rice is one of our favorite meals. It has a little bit of something all my kids will eat. I wanted to shape the rice to look like our little minion friends though, so I slightly changed our recipe to sticky rice, but with the fried rice components. Yellow Sticky Rice is surprisingly easy to make. All you have to do is combine all your ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then let simmer covered until the rice is cooked. 

    Cooking Yellow Sticky Rice #ad #MinionsMovieNight

    While the rice cooked, I whipped up some Minion Goggles with eggs and a purple onion. To do this slice your onion 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Fry in a little butter on a non-stick cooking pan, on both sides for about 30 seconds per side. You still want them stiff, but not raw. Crack an egg into each onion slice, cover, and cook through. 

    Sliced Onion #ad #MinionsMovieNight

    Minion Goggles aka Fried Eggs in an onion #ad #MinionsMovieNight

    It’s perfectly OK if some of the egg spills out the onion, just try to keep the yolk intact for an eyeball effect. Once the rice and eggs are done cooking, it’s time to start assembling. The kids were all surrounding me, telling me just how to shape a minion. “MOM, it needs arms! Where are the feet? Wait, it’s NAKED!”

    Once I had the Minion shaped, we added it’s Goggle eye, and then some clothes. For the overalls, we fried up a couple pieces of ham as the last component and added them on top. Voila! The kids were ready to dig in!

    Minion Yellow Sticky Rice #ad #MinionsMovieNight

    Minion Yellow Sticky Rice
    Make it a Minions Movie Night with Minion Yellow Sticky Rice.
    Write a review
    Print
    Ingredients
    1. 2 cups Market Pantry Jasmine Rice
    2. 1 1/3 cups Water
    3. 1 1/3 cups Coconut Milk
    4. 1 Archer Farms Bay Leaf
    5. 1 tsp salt
    6. 3/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
    7. 1/2 tsp Lime Juice
    8. Purple Onion Sliced
    9. Eggs
    10. Sliced Ham
    Instructions
    1. Combine rice, water, coconut milk, bay leaf, salt, turmeric and lime juice in a medium pot.
    2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low.
    3. Let simmer until rice has absorbed the water and milk.
    4. Shape rice like a Minion. A small slice on the sides for arms, and 2 little knobs for feet.
    5. For Goggles
    6. Fry onion slices in a little butter for 30 seconds each side.
    7. Break egg into each onion slice.
    8. Cover and cook until egg is done.
    9. Lay one egg on top of minion rice. Serve the rest on individual plates.
    10. Fry ham slices. Cut to form overalls and lay on top of minion rice. Serve extra slices with individual eggs.
    Notes
    1. Periodically stir the rice to keep it from sticking and burning on the bottom of pan.
    Adapted from WikiHow
    Adapted from WikiHow
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/

    After we finished our Minion Yellow Sticky Rice, we moved to the family room to watch the Minions movie, eat donut goggles, and have some good family fun with the extra goodies I picked up at Target – my one-stop-shop for the perfect Minions movie night.

    Find exclusive Minions metalpak at Target #ad #MinionsMovieNight

    The kids and I just adore the new Minions movie from Illumination Entertainment. They thought I had tricked them with the Metalpak from Target, because it looks like no other movie case in the house. At first glance, one of the girls gave me a look and said “That’s not a movie, it’s just the book”. Oh it was sweet when they finally figured out the case and their excitement just kept on growing. 

    Have you seen the Minions movie yet? Get more ideas for your watch party.

  • Movie Night with The Dark Knight

    Movie Night with The Dark Knight

    This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
    Movie Night with Orville Redenbacher's, M&M's®, and Warner Bros. #MovieNight4Less #ad
    Most nights, we put the kids to bed, and then veg in front of our favorite TV shows. It’s almost like we have a date night every night, but it’s more just decompressing from life, without real connection. I was so excited when I found Walmart had a movie night display with Orville Redenbacher’s, M&M’s®, and Warner Bros. movies on promo sale. It was time to up our TV night to a Movie Night! 
    Movie Night for Less at Select Walmart locations #MovieNight4Less #ad

    Only available at these select stores until 11/24
    There were a lot of good choices, like The Notebook and Forest Gump, but I knew Mark would really enjoy watching The Dark Knight. A couple weeks ago Mark was working late, so I made us a special dinner to eat without the kids, so I wanted to do something similar again. A night, just for us, that wasn’t our usual. 
    Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn and the theater boxes of M&M’s® were just the inspiration I needed for our movie night. I actually got the idea for these Special Dark Brownies when I was debating about getting Forest Gump. It was an easy transition to the Dark Knight though. 
    The Dark Knight's Special Dark Brownies with M&M's® #MovieNight4Less #ad
    For these brownies, you’ll need your favorite brownie mix, your favorite flavor M&M’s® (we used peanut butter), yellow and brown Peanut M&M’s®, and Special Dark Chocolate chips. 
    Whip up your brownie batter, then fold in your favorite M&M’s®. If you’re not using a box mix, add the M&M’s® with the flour. Pour in a pan, and bake according to your recipe’s directions. 
    Mix in M&M's® to brownie batter for a special treat #MovieNight4Less #ad
    Let cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then cut into bite size pieces, place on parchment lined cookie sheet, and stick in the freezer. 
    While those freeze, you want to melt the Special Dark Chocolate. I find the best way is in a double boiler. Don’t have a double boiler? That’s OK, neither do I! I made my own with a couple of my pots that stack almost perfectly together,
    Make your own double boiler!
    Fill the bottom pan about 1/3-1/2 full with water. Place the top pan over and add chocolate chips. Turn heat on medium/low. This needs constant watching and stirring to avoid burning. Once the chocolate is sufficiently melted, remove from the heat. 
    Pull your brownies from the freezer, and pour your chocolate over the tops. I used a rubber spatula to help spread it around the sides for a more even look. Before the chocolate sets, add your brown and yellow M&M’s® to the tops. Voila The Dark Knights own Special Dark Brownies!
    We couldn’t make something for Batman without making sure he had some evil to fight. So just as The Dark Knight has his nemesis, these Special Dark Brownies have their own – The Joker’s Sriracha Popcorn. 
    The Jokers Sriracha Popcorn #MovieNight4Less #ad
    I keep seeing Sriracha around, and then my brother even was telling me I had to try it. So I bought a bottle. WOW! If you haven’t tried it yet, phew, that was the perfect nemesis to these incredibly sweet brownies. 
    You thought those brownies were fairly easy right? This is going to be even better! Grab yourself a bag of Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn, some green candy melts, and Sriracha sauce. I love the Orville Redenbacher’s because the bag turns into an awesome bowl. I got, count with me now, 1 dish and 1 spoon dirty in the making of this. No joke (ha, see what I did there…?). 
    Right, moving on. Pop that bag of popcorn. Try not to snack on it just yet. Now grab your candy melts. It’s important these are green, because come on, that’s one of The Joker’s colors. Pour a handful or two into a mug. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave again. Stir again. Do that until they are melted. It doesn’t take very long at all. Now pour over the popcorn, in the bag. Give it a little stir, or shake, just to really get it all around. 
    Now, grab that bottle Sriracha. Drizzle it over the top. Trust me, you just want this over the top. It will make it’s way throughout the bag on it’s own. 
    Jokers Sriracha Popcorn #MovieNight4Less #ad
    These will put a smile on your face the natural way. No need for elaborate story telling, or holding anyone hostage. 
    Mark and I really enjoyed a night that was more put together. I really couldn’t leave well enough alone though, so on top of it all, I grabbed a couple extra boxes of M&M’s® to enjoy as well.
    M&M's®, Orville Redenbacher's, and Warner Bros. The Dark Knight make for a perfect #MovieNight4Less #ad
    Keep up with M&M’s®, Orville Redenbacher’s and Warner Brothers Entertainment on their social media channels for more great #MovieNight4Less ideas! For sure Mark and I will be doing more of these nights!
    M&M’s®
    Orville Redenbacher’s
    Warner Brothers Entertainment
    Facebook *  Twitter  
  • Disney/Pixar’s new movie Inside Out

    Disney/Pixar’s new movie Inside Out

    Why does June have to be so far away?  I think this movie looks amazing!  We all struggle with emotions, how to show them and control them. Some of us hide them deep inside, while others let it all loose. I’m excited to see this movie, and hope that besides being a good story, it will inspire us all to take a deeper look at how we really feel and allow us to open up to those who care about us more.

  • Happy St Patricks Day #MuppetsMostWanted

    Happy St Patricks Day #MuppetsMostWanted

    #MuppetsMostWanted
    Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone. 
    I was so excited the last time we went to the library and found The Muppet Show on DVD.  I had to introduce my kids to the Muppets I grew up with. 
    The Muppets are coming back March 21st with their all new movie Muppets Most Wanted
    Keep up with the Muppets on

  • Preview of Disney’s 2014 Movies

    Preview of Disney’s 2014 Movies

    I don’t think Disney will be able to ever top Frozen, but they have a pretty awesome line up for 2014.  Here’s just a few we are looking forward to.
    The Wind Rises
    From Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki slated for release in late February. 
    Muppets Most Wanted
    Release date March 21.


    Captain America: Winter Soldier
    Release date April 4th
    Maleficent
    Release date May 30
    Planes: Fire and Rescue
    Release date July 18
    This is just a sampling of what’s coming this year from Disney! 
    What are you most excited about?
  • Movie Night with DreamWorks and a Giveaway

    Movie Night with DreamWorks and a Giveaway

    I mentioned back in this post, about how I should get Mother of the Year Award. I mean seriously, 3 themed parties in one weekend? It was like a miracle around here!

    We had some leftover Root Beer and Cookies & Cream Ice Cream from Princess C’s party, so I started by whipping up some Root Beer Floats. Then I remembered seeing these licorice straws on my friend Kristin’s blog – Pinning With Purpose. So I snipped off the ends of licorice and popped them in with the floats. My kids are big on straws, so I knew they would be a hit.  The Cookies & Cream ice cream went over pretty well with the root beer – a fun variation to your normal vanilla.

    While I was putting together the floats, I had a bag of popcorn going in the microwave. We normally use our air popper, but sometimes a good old microwave bag is the way to go. I was aiming for quick and easy, but fun. Once that was ready, I served it up in our new movie reel tin (now decorating our movie shelf).  And what would conclude a movie night, better than a box of Swedish Fish?

    I put our snacks on my handy bed tray, and carried it down to our entertainment room (aka toy room).  Mark had the kids down there cleaning so we could enjoy our night without the mess. Once I made an appearance though, the cleaning stopped and the fun began!

    Oh, would you like to know what we watched? 

    Right now, until March 15th, in specially marked boxes of Big G cereal you can collect 4 DreamWorks Sampler DVD’s.  We were planning on watching all 4, but some tantrums ensued, and bedtime approached faster than we anticipated so we started with a family favorite – How To Train Your Dragon – and saved the rest for later.

    The Sampler DVDs contain 1-2 full spin off episodes from the popular movies How To Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, and Madagascar. Each DVD also contains a sneak peek into DreamWorks new movie The Croods – coming to theaters March 22nd.

    Giveaway Time!
    It’s been awhile since I’ve had a giveaway for you. DreamWorks and General Mills would like to send one of my readers a Movie Night. What it includes
    – All 4 DVD Samplers
    – Movie Reel snack tin
    – The Croods: movie novelization
    – The Croods: Grub’s Survival Book
    This giveaway is only open to residents of the US
    All entries will be verified
    Enter using the Rafflecopter

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    *I received some of the products mentioned here for free from DreamWorks and General Mills through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.

    
  • Happy Thanksgiving

    Happy Thanksgiving

    Happy Thanksgiving
    Here’s a tidbit of history for you
    May we all find reasons to be Thankful today and give Praise. 
  • Lincoln in Theaters Today! {Date Night}

    Lincoln in Theaters Today! {Date Night}

    It’s Friday Night Date Night!
     
    In an effort to date my husband more, I’ll be bringing date night ideas to you each week! 
     
    Tonight, Lincoln, the new Steven Spielberg movie, is open in theaters. I have been waiting all summer for this movie!!!  We would be at the theater tonight, except we have other things going on this week.
     
    Here’s my idea though, and if you’re headed out to see Lincoln this weekend, you can use these to make the night a little more special
     
    Dress Code!
    Ladies – curl your hair in ringlets and pull back into a net. Then dust off those hoop skirts! (or borrow one, or wear your fanciest dress you own)
    
     
     
    Guys – pull out those suits, vests and pocket watches! If you have a top hat, wear that as well.

    Dinner
    If you’re doing dinner before the movie, find somewhere that has a good cornbread, and enjoy civil war fare.  Or whip up your own batch of cornbread and Lemonade.
     

    Then head on out and enjoy the show!  I’m hoping we can sneak away for a bit next weekend for our own date night.