Whenever I hear the word SMURFS, my childhood self emerges! Everyone loves the SMURFS and Sony Pictures Animation just release a new teaser trailer and poster for the all-new, fully animated feature “SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE“, which will be in theaters in April 2017! 
This all-new take on the SMURFS features an all-star voice cast which includes Demi Lovato (Smurfette), Rainn Wilson (Gargamel), Joe Manganiello (Hefty), Danny Pudi (Brainy) and Jack McBraye (Clumsy), and Mandy Patinkin (Papa Smurf).
Directed by Kelly Asbury
Written by Stacy Harman and Pamela Ribon
Produced by Jordan Kemer
Co-Produced by Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews
Based on the Character and Works of Peyo
A Little Bit about the Story
SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE is about a mysterious map that sends Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest, a wondrous place 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!
Here’s the teaser trailer:
Notes from the Director
In an interview with the film’s director, Kelly Asbury, she talked about how “SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE” is different from the previous 2 SMURFS films saying,
Sony Pictures Animation’s previous two SMURFS movies were live action films in which real humans interacted with more realistically designed and animated Smurfs, and the stories centered as much around the human characters’ issues. SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE has nothing to do with those other films. It is a radically different take on the Smurfs and their imaginary world, fully computer animated, and much closer to the tone and style that creator Peyo initially envisioned.
Kelly was also asked to speak about the inspiration for this film.
Many things inspired the type of movie we wanted to make. Everyone involved agreed that the story should be a high-adventure journey, so classic movies like RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and GOONIES came to mind. The richness in color was influenced by the great French Impressionists painters. The Forbidden Forest where the Smurfs venture was envisioned as equal parts Oz, Pandora and Wonderland, filled with dangerous and magical creatures like Smurf-eating Flowers or Boxing and Kissing Plants, to name a few.
Here’s what she had to say about the Voice Cast for this film:
Demi Lovato has a certain toughness mixed in with a confident brand of femininity, which is perfect for Smurfette. Mandy Patinkin is one of my favorite actors, who can play both comedy and drama, each with honesty and sincerity. Who better then to play Papa Smurf? Rainn Wilson has a unique way of portraying wacky, comical characters, who are self-important, yet deeply insecure and flawed – that’s Gargamel in a nutshell. Joe Manganiello is the manly man, with a big heart, so he’s perfect for Hefty and happens to be a major Smurfs fan. Danny Pudi has a way with nerdiness that encompasses Brainy Smurf’s persona. Jack McBrayer can channel the fumbling nervousness needed to play Clumsy Smurf. All together, they form a wonderful ensemble, each of whom is hugely fun to work with. And there’s other incredible talent in the film which I can’t tell you about just yet.
Although she didn’t want to give away too many details, during the interview, Kelly shared a little bit about what’s new in this SMURFS film:
Without giving too much away, all I’ll say is that this new movie takes the Smurfs – and the audience – on a journey into a Forbidden Forest, a fantastical world like no other, filled with crazy plants, insects and animals. Most of all, there are surprises at every turn. The colors, shapes and overall environment are transportive and exciting, just the way a fun adventure movie should be. And the clever humorous tone should delight audiences of all ages–Smurfs fans or not!
Well, I know I’m already excited for SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE! What about you? Stay tuned, as I’ll be sharing more information about this fun, upcoming family film, as it comes out!
You can find the film’s official site here. Connect with Sony Pictures Animation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Not soon after the preview started to play, I began to worry it would suddenly trigger some questions about babies that I wasn’t ready to answer. I mean, everyone knows what storks traditionally bring but I just wasn’t ready to talk about the topic of “babies”, right then and there! Well, I’m happy to report that it didn’t trigger any unwanted questions from my child. The STORKS preview was so adorable that I couldn’t wait to see the whole movie! 
Fast forward. I was elated to receive a special invitation for my family and I to attend an advanced screening and “Blue Carpet” event for STORKS on the Warner Bros. lot. My daughter was so excited to go, she could hardly sleep the night before!
It’s always exciting to pass the lot when you’re driving in the area, but going inside those gates is way more fun! (Have you ever done a tour of the lot?)
As we proceeded to walk around, we saw some of the characters from the film on movie posters. You’re going to love Tulip, you’re going to love The Gardners, and you’re probably going to fall head over hills with The Baby! and ALL the babies!
Inside the theater, I think there were more kids than adults, anxiously awaiting for it to start. If you’re wondering about whether or not you can take your young kids to see it, I’d say yes. 
There were so many toddlers in the audience with us, and not only were they engaged in the story the entire time, I heard no crying. I don’t believe in spoilers, but as a mom, I would say that this film is “safe” to take kids of all ages to see. (other than your newborn, who isn’t going to be interested in anything for that long).
Here’s a little bit about the STORKS movie:
STORKS is now playing in theaters everywhere. Grab your flock and head out to see it! Don’t forget to come back and tell me your favorite part about the film! 
Visit the STORKS official site 
What I do get most excited about are the beautiful, seasonal colors all around, pumpkins appear in the stores, and the feeling that we’re on fast-forward towards the holiday season! My most favorite part about this time of year though, are the foods, I could spend all day cooking and eating my favorite fall recipes! It’s Fall, Ya’ll! (Grab this free Fall printable, 
One of my most popular recipes to make is my “Bountiful Harvest Salad” made with cranberries and apples. It’s a really light and delicious salad that combines baby lettuce, 
I think it’s the “zing” that make them unique. 1/4 cup of Craisins® Dried Cranberries provides 1/2 cup of fruit. 
Ingredients for salad
The dressing preparation is another step that can be done ahead of time and set aside. I usually double the recipe for the dressing in case I need to whip up another batch of the salad. (I told you it’s very popular at parties!) Whisk together salt, pepper, sugar, and olive oil in a small bowl. Finely chop up parsley and add to the mixture. Shake well before tossing onto the salad. 
Salad Preparation
This “tale as old as time” has always been one of our favorite Disney films to watch as we absolutely adore Belle! She is so beautiful and kind and as a teacher, I love that Belle has such a love for reading! She is absolutely breathtaking in her gown and every time we wave to her in the Disney parade, we can’t help but grin from ear to ear.
In honor of the release of this Disney classic’s 25th anniversary, we made a super cute no-sew Belle hair bow. It was very easy to put make.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own “Belle Hair Bow”: 
How cute did our “Belle” bow turn out?
The film, starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson & Auli’i Cravalho, tells a beautiful story about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people. 
Well, I think I’ve found a solution! Charmin® Essentials are here to help! Just look at the size of their rolls! They’re huge! 
I’m not saying that having bigger rolls of toilet paper in my bathrooms is going to motivate my family more to help replace them when they run out, but it’s going to make my job as “toilet paper roll changer” much less demanding! Hehe!
Now you can participate in the #CharminEssentials TP swap! Have you heard about it yet? Charmin is inviting shoppers to upgrade their Angel Soft® for Charmin Essentials Soft and Scott® 1000 for Charmin Essentials Strong. All you have to do to participate is simply Tweet their TP swap out request to @Charmin using the hashtag #CharminEssentials and #Promotion, and Charmin will send you a free roll. For more information about it and to read the terms and conditions of this program, go 
You’re definitely going to want to watch the new trailer because it features Anna and Justin talking and they’re adorable and hilarious! Here it is: 
With fun tools you can create and share some hair-raising Trolls characters! To “Trollify” yourself, just click 
Along with some of the beloved Holiday traditions you’ll find at the Resort, such as snowfall on Main Street U.S.A., the beautiful decor throughout the Parks, and Disney-themed holiday treats and entertainment, guests are in for a treat with some new surprises in store. There’s just nothing like visiting during “the most wonderful time of the year“! 
Holiday Offerings At Disneyland Park
Disney characters celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a daily
Disneyland guests definitely will want to experience the popular seasonal
“it’s a small world” becomes “it’s a small world” Holiday with children around
Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, with Jack Skellington
Jungle Cruise is transformed into Jingle Cruise, as the jungle skippers gather
Holiday Offerings At Disney California Adventure Park
The new “Festival of Holidays” celebrates time-honored traditions and heartwarming
Princess Elena, from the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor,” will make her
Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) returns as the finale of “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” in
The residents of Cars Land also decorate for the holidays, beginning with a whimsical
“a bug’s land” transforms for the holidays, too, as Flik and his bug friends deck their
What are you most excited for during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort? Have you had the chance to experience this magical season yet?