2011 January | She Scribes

Happy 60th Anniversary Alice in Wonderland – Now on Blu-Ray

January 31, 2011 By Kimberly

When I was a young girl my Mom used to take me to a local movie theater once a week during the summer to see a different Disney film. This is where my love and appreciation for Disney films stem from. Thanks to my Mom and that local movie theater I have seen pretty much every Disney movie ever made.

One movie I remember seeing on the big screen in Alice in Wonderland. I was shocked to learn that Alice in Wonderland is celebrating it’s 60th Anniversary. WOW! I didn’t know this movie has been out THAT long. That is truly amazing.

As with most movies, Alice in Wonderlandis now available on Blu-ray and Blu-ray/DVD combo packs. We have a Blu-ray player in the living room and a DVD player in the kids room. I appreciate these Blu-ray/DVD combo packs because it means that everyone can enjoy the movie no matter what room they are watching it in.

The new Alice in Wonderland 60th Anniversary Combo Pack features a trailer for the new Winnie the Pooh movie that will be coming out soon. I am SUPER excited about this movie! It will be in theaters too!

If you have not already seen this classic Disney film or read the book by Lewis Carroll, Alice is Wonderland is a rather wild, off beat, fantasy story about a young girl name Alice in an underground world called Wonderland.

One day, after a History lesson, young Alice goes off into the woods with her cat. While they were sitting beside a stream they notice a very unusual site – a white rabbit wearing a vest and carrying a pocket watch. The rabbit mumbled that he was late for a very important date and he dashed away from Alice. In effort to find out what the rabbit was racing off to she followed him to his rabbit hole. Once inside the hole Alice accidentally slips and free falls to the bottom of the hole, bringing her to an peculiar land filled with the most outrageous characters.

While Alice is trying to find the white rabbitt, as well as her way home, she bumps into an assortment of very unusual beings such as the twins, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, a walrus, a Dodo bird, a catepilar that is smoking some pretty funky stuff (LOL), a mysterious Cheshire cat, a Mad Hatter and several other off beat individuals.

From start to finish Alice in Wonderlandis a wild, trippy “ride”. Wonderland is stems from Alice’s fantasy about a world where everything is nonsense and things are not what you think they are. Alice is a very creative imagination.

In the end we learn that Alice never saw the white rabbit, nor did she fall down the rabbit hole. The whole crazy adventure was just a dream that she had.

The original version (Disney) of Alice is Wonderland is a million times better then the remake staring Johnny Depp. I adore Johnny Depp but nothing compares to the original.

This timeless classic is a favorite of both young and old alike. The crazy characters, fun story and entertaining songs is the reason why this movie had stood the test of time and has lasted 60 years. Adults enjoy the logic, puzzles and word play where as children enjoy the free form fantasy world of Wonderland.

Even though I truly enjoy this story I found that the bonus features on the Blu-ray DVD combo pack were my favorites. I learned A LOT from the bonus features, not only about this film but also about Walt Disney and the process that goes into making a film.

Did you know that it took nearly 2o years for Walt Disney to bring this movie to life? He loved the story and tried very hard for many years to turn Lewis Carroll’s story into a movie. Disney had a challenging time finding artwork that would help tell the story but would not be too scary or dark for children. It wasn’t until Disney saw the artwork that Concept Artist/Art Directory Mary Blair make up for the movie that he knew he found what he was looking for. Mary did the artwork for other classic films like Peter Pan and Cinderella. Even the movie UP was inspired by her artist style.

Another interesting tidbit is that Disney made a Mickey Mouse cartoon called Thru the Mirror that was inspired by the Alice in Wonderlandstory. The whole cartoon is featured in the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. The short cartoon was made back in the 1930′s.

Alice in Wonderlandhas more songs then any other Disney feature film. Approximately 30 songs written for the movie never made the final cut. One such song, “I’m Odd”, sung by the Cheshire Cat is featured in this special movie edition.

After learning how they voice animations, thanks to Gnomeo and Juliet, I was surprised to find out that parts of the movie (most especially the tea party scene) were recorded when live actors acted out the scene to provide the artists with inspiration. They did try and record the voices (the Mad Hatter especially) in the sound booth but it didnt’ sound as good as it did when he acted live. So they went with the live recording instead.

I am amazed and how many facts and interesting behind-the-scenes information is found on the Blu-ray and DVD. Everything and anything you ever wanted to know about this movie can be found in this special anniversary edition.

Through the Keyhole: A Companion Guide to Wonderland is the essential “guide” for this movie. It shows you references to the original Lewis Carroll movie that I found very fascinating.

Additional bonus features include:

- Operation Wonderland

- One Hour in Wonderland

- Original Theatrical trailers from 1951 and 1974

- Games including Roses Red (paint roses in the queen’s garden) and a Virtual Wonderland Tea Party (great appeal for younger children)

- Rare footage from the movie

- Newly discovered pencil drawing test of Alice shinking (pretty cool!)

- Sing a long songs

And much, much more!

All of the amazing background information, trivia, unseen/unheard of footage totally fascinates me. Personally I think the bonus features are the main draw to this special Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and the movie its self is the “bonus”. I tend to be a bit of a nerd. I enjoy learning about the behind the scenes stuff and back stories just as much as the movie its self.

The Alice in Wonderland 60th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is available where ever DVD and Blu-ray is sold on February 1, 2011.

Save $10.00 on the purchase of this Blu-ray/DVD combo. Click on this link for more information:

http://disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/Alice-upgrade?cmp=dmov_dmr_blg_upg_aliceupg

Kimberly

*I recevied a free sample copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Children, Disney, Entertainment, Movie, Music, Reviews

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel

January 31, 2011 By Kimberly

As most of my regular readers know last weekend (January 21 – January 23, 2011) I was out in Hollywood, California. Disney flew several bloggers out to Hollywood to attend the Gnomeo and Juliet press junket as well as attend the red carpet event and after party. We were also given a tour of Walt Disney Studios and other special surprises I cannot talk about as of yet.

While we were out in Hollywood we were lucky enough to stay at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel located at 1755 N. Highland Avenue in Hollywood, California.

Before leaving for California I made sure to look up information about the hotel. I did read many reviews which were all very favorable. I was looking forward to staying at the hotel based upon the reviews I had read before I left.

The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel is located in the heart of Hollywood. You can walk to places like Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Kodak Theater, Hollywood and Highlands Center, Madame Tussands Wax Museum and the Hollywood Walk of Fame within minutes. In fact the hotel some what connected to the Hollywood and Highlands Center and Kodak Theater.

The hotel’s location couldn’t be anymore ideal if you ask me.

The lobby of the hotel was very large. It featured very colorful artwork as well as several comfy sitting areas. There is a small bar located to the one side of the lobby. It’s an ideal place to hang out and chat with friends. The only thing I didn’t like about the bar was that the two nights I came in to the hotel through the lobby there was a strong smell of beer in the air. The first night I came into the hotel through the main lobby there was even a drunk guy with a tie wrapped around his head hanging out. I wasn’t overly keen about that.

When I first checked in I was anxious to check out my room. I only have about 15 minutes to get my bags to my room and get back down to the lobby because we had to leave at 6:00 PM.

The room was a nice size, even bigger then I am accustomed to. It featured a huge King size bed. I ♥‘d the bed! I have never slept in a bed that big before. It is huge! The bed also had a lot of soft, comfy pillows. I love sleeping with a lot of pillows. For me this bed was heavenly. I couldn’t wait to snuggle into it each night I was there. I could have easily slept in it all day! (The Minnie Mouse pictured is mine, it did not come with the room).

The room also came with a chair and ottoman, desk, min-fridge and flat screen TV. There was even what appeared to be a docking station for an iPod. The room also had an alarm clock which I couldn’t figure out how to use so I replied on the hotel’s wake up service instead.

The bathroom was very large and featured a light up mirror on the counter and a hair dryer. I am grateful for the hair dryer since I left mine at home.

On the counter in the bathroom was also small bottles of Aveno Herb & Mint shampoo and conditioner (smelled great!) and body lotion.

For a big hotel I was surprised at how quiet it was. I thought there would be a lot of sounds coming from the other guests but it was actually very quiet, thankfully.

The view from my room was OK. I overlooked the Kodak Theater and some of the Hollywood and Highland Center. I know some of the bloggers who were with me had rooms that faced the other direction. There had a great view of the Hollywood sign. I would have loved to had taken a picture of that from their vantage point.

I have never ordered room service before. The couple of days that I was staying at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel I ordered breakfast via room service. The first morning I ordered Eggs Benedict. My meal arrived promptly. The meal was make exceptionally well. It was by far the BEST Eggs Benedict I have ever had. It was even displayed nicely on the plate. It wasn’t just thrown on. There was so much food that I could only eat half of it before I was full.

The next morning I ordered Cinnamon Bun French Toast and Orange Juice. Oh my! The French Toast DID taste just like a Cinnamon Bun. It was oh-so-good! They even sent an individual bottle of maple syrup.

The room had a mini-fridge. I never opened it up to see what was inside. On top of the fridge was a giant bottle of Evian water. There was also a small complimentary coffee maker and the fixings to make coffee and/or tea. I used it to make coffee each morning. It wasn’t the world’s greatest coffee but it was doable. If you really want coffee you can order a pot from room service or walk just a few feet from in front of the hotel to Starbucks which is right next door.

When I read the reviews people mentioned fruit infused water in the hotel lobby and an M&M dispenser. I did see the candy dispenser (I never used it) but the water was no where to be found. I don’t think they have that anymore. One of the bloggers I was with asked the lady at the front desk for a water fountain and she was told to go to the bar in the lobby to get a glass of water.

I found everyone that worked there to be very nice and accomdating. There are several people there to open the doors for you to the lobby. The people behind the front desk were very nice. The people I spoke to on the phone (wake up call and room service) were pleasant. The men who delivered my food were very nice too.

Overall I am very pleased with my stay at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.

If you are planning a trip to Hollywood and would like to stay in the heart of all the action consider staying at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.

For more information or to book a room visit www.RenaissanceHollywood.com. You can also follow them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/RenaissanceHollywood) and on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/RenHollywood).

Kimberly

*I was not asked to write this review, nor was I compensated in any way. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Reviews, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Reviews, Travel, Website

Sandwich Thins – Tasty Low Calorie Alternative

January 31, 2011 By Kimberly

With the start of the new year many people resolve to watch what they eat, exercise and lose weight. Was that one of YOUR resolutions? If so, how are you doing? Have you been able to stick with it? Are you losing momentum? Are you having a hard time staying on track? Perhaps I have a product that might just make eating healthy and losing weight a bit easier.

Arnold (often called Oroweat in some parts of the country) makes a wholesome bread alternative that is sure to liven up your lunches.

Where I come from the company is referred to as Arnold. Please note that Oroweat is the same company. So whenever I reference Arnold it also applies to Oroweat.

Sandwich Thins are a bread alternative that is not only a healthier option but also low in calories. 100 calories to be exact.

Arnold Sandwich Thins are similar to rolls except the they are thinner (less calories) and are nutritionally better then the average roll. Sandwich things pack between 6 grams to a whopping 20 grams of whole grains per serving. As you know whole grains are a vital part of good nutrition. The 100% Whole Wheat Flax and Fiber Sandwich Thins has 20 grams of whole grain per serving. That is unreal! I have never come across a product that has THAT many grams of whole grain. WOW!

Each variety of Sandwich Things also contains 5 grams of Fiber. As you know Fiber is also important for a healthy digestive system. Fiber also fills you up and keeps you feeling full. When you are trying to loose weight it’s very important to choose foods that are high in fiber so you feel full.

From what I know none of the Sandwich thins contain high fructose corn syrup either.

Sandwich Thins come in a variety of flavors including…

- Whole Wheat

- Multi-Grain

- Honey Wheat

- Whole Grain White

- Seedless Rye

- 100% Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin

- 100% Whole Wheat Flax & Fiber

- Nine Grain

So far I have tried the the 100% Whole Wheat Flax & Fiber and the multi-grain. I have used them to make sandwiches as well as for toast. My kids won’t usually entertain the thought of eating something other then white bread, rye bread or regular rolls. I have been able to get them to eat he sandwich things if I top them with Nutella or toast them and add some peanut butter.

I have also cut the Sandwich Thins into strips and dunked them in my tomato soup. They are very versatile.

I find that the sandwich things are tasty. The one with the flax is a bit “grainy” for my taste. I’m OK with whole wheat and multi-grain products but anything more then that (flax, oatmeal…) is just a bit over the top for me. It’s still good. Its just not my thing.

I like that the Sandwich Thins fit perfectly in our reusable sandwich bags. Sometimes average rolls are too thick and don’t fit properly.

If you like English Muffins you will probably like the Sandwich Thins too. You can use them pretty much the same way. I haven’t tried it yet but you could easily top these with a poached egg and some Hollandaise sauce and make Eggs Benedict. I ♥ Eggs Benedict!

Sandwich Thins sell between $3.29 – $3.49 for a package of six. Locally I can get a package of regular sandwich rolls for around $2.99, so they are pretty close in price. The only difference of course is that the Sandwich Thins are a healthier option with the whole grains and fiber. The average sandwich roll doesn’t even come close.

To learn more about Arnold/Oroweat Sandwich Thins please visit www.SandwichThins.com