What? The Perfect Mint Julep for the Kentucky Derby (May 5, 2012)

What’s Chic? Pretend you’re at the Downs with the sweet smell of Mint and Bourbon under your nose.

What’s Weak? Anything but the drink. It’s almost all straight booze, so give someone else the keys if you’re enjoying one.

The Mint Julep is more than just a Derby drink in our household. You see, the Mint Julep is just as at home in the Big Easy as it is in Churchill Downs. In fact, a Mint Julep is truly a Southern tradition, and the exact way to make a perfect one brings out heated debates and opinions from all over the south. With such a beloved drink, everyone has an opinion on whether to use Rye or Whiskey, how to crush the ice, which mint leaves to use and how much muddling is too much. With this drink, even the length of the straw matters.

Esquire captures some of the history of the storied Mint Julep:

Just about every state in Dixie had its own sacrosanct way of handling the mint, the sugar, the ice, the booze. Duels were fought. Names were called.

Brushing aside all the tedious to-and-fro about brandy, rum, and rye (before the War between the States, a true southern gentleman would be hanged before he’d let whiskey pass his lips, and even after, when standards had slipped, no Marylander would build his julep with anything but rye), it’s that mint that caused most of the trouble.

As a former barkeep myself, I was taught the key to a good Mint Julep was three things: a chilled glass, simple syrup, and lots of mint. Combine that with a great Bourbon and you were in business. But as a Yankee, I’m sure we missed out on the subtleties that make for the perfect Julep. So where better to look for that perfect Mint Julep recipe than the place that makes them famous every year? The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Kentucky. Here’s the recipe for the Early Times Mint Julep on the Kentucky Derby website:

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Early Times Kentucky Whisky
Silver Julep Cups

Directions

1. Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes.

2. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.

3. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky.

4. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

But that recipe doesn’t really go into the care and thoughtfulness that’s required to make a perfect Mint Julep. Luckily, Bill Samuels comes to our rescue. If you don’t know who Bill Samuels is, you’re not familiar with bourbon. Bill Samuels is the former President of Maker’s Mark, one of the finest bourbons made. He ran the company for 35 years, so he knows a thing or two about how to make the perfect Mint Julep. He was on The Food Network to show everyone just what goes into making the perfect Mint Julep, and you can watch the clip here:

And here’s the recipe for the perfect Mint Julep from that show:

Ingredients

4 cups bourbon
2 bunches fresh spearmint
1 cup distilled water
1 cup granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

Directions

1. To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.

2. To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

3. To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.

4. Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

5. To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a spring of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

6. When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.

So whether you’re in the Big Easy, Churchill Downs, or at home, now you know the secret to making the perfect Mint Julep. With that, your Kentucky Derby party is complete, and you’ve got a great story to tell your dapper guests about the sweet drinks under their nose, complete with the perfect-length straws and perfectly crushed ice. They’ll be impressed, and you’ll be known as the Derby host with the most. And if you’re up for it, you can even try out the community edition of the Mint Julep!

How do you make your Mint Juleps? Let us know in the comments. And if you make these, report back and let us know how they went over!

Image credits: delish.com, flickr4jazz, Boulder Libation

Read the original How to Make the Perfect Mint Julep for Your Kentucky Derby Party on Chic Shopper Chick.

There’s nothing like fresh, homemade guacamole. It just can’t be beat. So this Cinco De Mayo, skip the processed guacamole from the warehouse store, leave the mayo in the fridge, pick up a couple of fresh, California Hass avocados, and treat yourself to the best guacamole you’ve ever had. It’s a delicious snack that isn’t half bad for you either, and makes you look like a hero on Cinco De Mayo.

What? 5 Mouthwatering Guacamole Recipes / California Avocado Commission

What’s Chic? Great-tasting guacamole from scratch. Not processed, no preservatives, just the good stuff.

What’s Weak? With over 150+ guacamole recipes on avocado.org, picking just a couple to try could take a while.

Ingredients

1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
4 ripe, Fresh California Avocados
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 cup small cherry tomatoes (cut in halves or quarters, if large)
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp. chopped, fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 of that amount of dried thyme
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions:
1. Set aside a small amount of the diced red peppers for garnish.
2. Coarsely mash avocados; stir in lemon juice.
3. Fold in remaining ingredients.
4. Top with reserved tomatoes and serve.

	Classic Guacamole (Get the recipe)There’s nothing like an original. The ground cumin and hot pepper sauce give it just the right amount of kick.
Ingredients 4 ripe, Hass Avocados, seeded and peeled 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1/8 tsp. ground cumin 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tomato, finely chopped 3 drops hot pepper sauce Directions: 1. Using a fork, coarsely mash avocado with lemon juice and garlic. 2. Stir in remaining ingredients.
	The “So Cal” Guacamole (Get the recipe)Created by Chef Jeff Rossman at the Terra Restaurant & Bar, the cilantro and roasted poblano chile add some robust flavor to this guacamole. You can cut this recipe in half. 7 avocados is a ton of guac.
Ingredients7 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, seeded and peeled 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/4 cup chopped tomato 1/4 cup chopped red onion 2 Tbsp. lime juice 1 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. chile powder 1 roasted poblano chile, chopped 1 Tbsp. minced garlic Salt & pepper to taste Directions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, coarsely mash avocados, leaving some chunks. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix. 3. Season with salt & pepper.
	BLT Guacamole (Get the recipe)Did someone say bacon? Sign me up. Bacon + Guacamole = Heaven. Seriously. Try it out.
Ingredients4 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled 4 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, seeded and peeled 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. hot sauce 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 lime, juice only 2 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped Directions: 1. Place all ingredients except tomatoes in a medium bowl; mash and combine with a fork until the texture is semi-smooth. 2. Stir in tomatoes.
	Cajun Guacamole (Get the recipe)With Erika being from Louisiana, you knew we’d have a bayou-inspired guacamole recipe didn’t you? Cayenne, thyme, and garlic create a guacamole that’s the perfect marriage between The Big Easy and California.
	Pineapple Chipotle Mango Guacamole (Get the recipe)This recipe was the winner in the 2010 California Avocado Commission’s Best Guacamole Contest in the Most Original/Creative category. We have Trisha Kruse to thank for this delicious recipe featuring smoky chipotle and sweet pineapple and mango for a brand new twist on classic guac.
Ingredients4 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, seeded, peeled and diced 1/2 medium sweet onion, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce**, finely minced 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro 2 Tbsp. reserved pineapple juice 1 medium ripe mango, seeded, peeled and diced 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained, juice reserved Directions: 1. Place diced avocado in a medium bowl and coarsely mash. 2. Add onion to avocado along with chipotle peppers, salt, cilantro and pineapple juice. 3. Gently mix in mango and pineapple.

So there you have it, five guacamole recipes to make your Cinco De Mayo. If you’re looking for more, the California Avocado Commission has a database full of guacamole recipes to search through to find the one that’s just right for you. Have a favorite recipe that we should try? Let us know if the comments. We’re always up for a new guacamole recipe. Have a happy and safe Cinco De Mayo!

Read the original 5 Mouthwatering Guacamole Recipes for Cinco De Mayo on Chic Shopper Chick.

This probably isn’t too much of a leap for those of you who know or have been reading Chic Dad, but I am beyond excited for May 4th. Why May 4th and not say, Cinco de Mayo? Because May 4th is the opening day for Marvel’s The Avengers. Coming out in IMAX 3D and Digital 3D, The Avengers is poised to be the next, great Super Hero movie. If the trailers that have been steadily leaking out are any indication, it won’t disappoint. As a huge fan of Iron Man, Chic Dad is ready to see Iron Man in a loaded ensemble cast that includes Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) with Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson. You may have heard of a few of those people. Even better? It’s directed by Joss Whedon who has written and directed a litany of award winning TV shows and movies, and one of the best Internet shorts of all time, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. So there you go, about a dozen reasons that I’ll be sneaking off to the theater on May 4th to catch this movie in all it’s IMAX glory.

What? Marvel’s The Avengers / May 4th / Marvel

What’s Chic? Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America and the rest of The Avengers on the same screen. Need I really say more?

What’s Weak? The PG-13 tag means I’ll be taking this one in solo. I know my son, who loves Iron Man, will be crushed.

Super Hero movies used to be my favorite as a kid. I loved Superman movies and was always so excited when a new one was released. There was a bit of a lull in these types of movies, smaller budgets and studios just cranking out sequels without much thought really watered down Super Hero flicks. I can’t blame you if they’ve never done it for you. But starting with Batman Begins, Super Hero movies have really made a comeback. Their complex characters, and sublime mix of the fantastical with the reality of today makes them enjoyable beyond just the explosions. In fact, my favorite parts of Iron Man are when Robert Downey is out of his suit. Which is why I can’t wait to see the latest installment from Marvel.

The Avengers is unique because each of these super heroes is a franchise in their own right. Iron Man has two movies under his belt, THOR, Captain America and the Hulk each have one as well. Seeing them come together in one story can either be a recipe for awesome, or a recipe for disaster. Based on the cast, crew and most importantly the clips leaking out I think we’re in for a taste of super hero awesomeness. So ladies, if you’re looking to win points as wife or S.O. of the year, tell your man to schedule a boys night to go catch The Avengers. His inner-Super Hero fan boy will thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Want to get a taste? Check out these clips of Marvel’s The Avengers and be prepared to hear that 14-year old boy in you start getting excited about seeing his childhood heroes back together for one more epic battle.

The Avengers – Headcount

The Avengers Featurette – Assemble

The Avengers – Black Widow

The Avengers – Captain America and THOR Battle

Does Chic Dad Recommend?

I haven’t seen it; so I can’t say for sure, but I will tell you that I’ll be in line and ready for a thrill ride. If you’ve got a super hero fan in your house, you can earn quick points and lots of smiles with a trip out to see The Avengers. Check back if you see it and let me know what you think. And if you’ve seen any of the previous films featuring The Avengers, let me know which is your favorite.

Read the original The Avengers: Chic Dad’s Movie Pick on Chic Shopper Chick.

What? Transformers the Ride 3D at Universal Studios Hollywood

What’s Chic? Autobots, Decepticons and a 3D fueled romp that puts you in the driver seat of a brand new Transformer, EVac.

What’s Weak? It’s only at Universal Studios Hollywood. East Coasters welcome to Hollywood!

Not only was I a major Transformers fan growing up, but the recent movies have led to a resurgence of these awesome machines, which means that my son is all about Transformers as well. And while he may prefer Bumblebee over Optimus, we can both agree that Transformers are awesome. Universal Studios released a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Transformers the Ride 3D, and it’s well worth the 2:45 to check it out.

Check out the video below:

The best part of the video, learning that Peter Cullen is the voice of Optimus Prime…”Autobots, roll out!” But I digress. The new ride puts you right in the middle of the action as you ride shotgun on the newest Autobot, Evac as the battle continues between good and evil. After seeing this video, a trip back to Universal Studios is now at the top of the Chic Dad Summer to-do list.

I think my son will get a kick out of it, and I definitely know that I will as well. I remember my first visit to Universal Studios as a young kid, taking the tram ride through the Battlestar Galactica attraction and shrieking in pure terror and delight when Jaws came jumping out of the water as the tram passed through Amityville. Things have come a long way now, with the rides being made with the same thought and production values as the movies themselves, and I can’t wait to share the joy and magic of the Transformers with Banks.

Does Chic Dad Recommend?

Absolutely. I can’t wait to ride Transformers the Ride 3D at Universal Studios Hollywood myself, and I’m sure the Transformer fan in your family would be thrilled to experience their favorite extraterrestrial transforming robots in a whole new way. I haven’t been to Universal Studios in a while, but after watching the behind the scenes trailer I’m excited to go and see and experience the rides all over again. Let me know if you decide to go too. See you in Hollywood!

Read the original Chic Dad’s To-Do List: Transformers the Ride 3D on Chic Shopper Chick.

So, without further ado – here is a list of stuff that I discovered on the internet this week. Some of it made me laugh, some of it made me smile, and some of it was just downright shocking. However, ALL of it is worth reading. Ready, set, click.

I need a cool-looking Terrarium. The Twig Terrariums even come with a surprise inside. Love.

Nothing like a video of a newborn kitten scuttling around to make even the most grouchy person smile.

A diet that involves wearing a feeding tube for 10 days? Ew.

Zooey Deschanel’s new iPhone commercial makes me smile. We would totally be friends.

I flew first class with my 5 year old and we felt sort of slighted. Are kids in first class really second class citizens?

Love this honest post by Sarah Yates at A House In The Hills, inspired by Ashley Judd’s backlash at the media.

Is it ok to push your kids into a hobby? (I weigh in on this, and my hair looks totally funky in the video.)

The power of makeup. Wow.

Oh, hey look – Morgan and I have a wedding website. It makes me happy. Check it out.

School administrators bullied this kid into giving them her Facebook password. 1st amendment people. Not ok.

Things I found on the internet this week that I want to eat:

• Strawberry Angel Food Cake Roll.
• Slow Cooker Mac N Cheese.
• Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks.
• Lavender Lemonade.
• Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken.

Enjoy! And don’t forget to check out our review of “Wonders of the Universe” for the iPad!

Read the original Kittens, Recipes, and Zooey Deschanel (oh my!) on Chic Shopper Chick.

I always say that you can tell how old someone is by asking them what their favorite Disney Movies were as a child. If they say Snow White, Cinderella, or Sleeping Beauty – you know you’re dealing with someone a bit older. But if they say Aladdin, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, or, my personal favorite Beauty and the Beast, then I know I’m dealing with someone who is close in age.

It’s funny how experiences that I treasured as a child have come back around full circle so that I can share them with our two kids. I can very vividly remember sitting in the theater watching Beauty and the Beast at age 9 – falling in love with the music, the story, and of course – that yellow dress. Naturally, at 29 I was totally geeked out to share that same experience with my family – to see the twinkle in my kids eyes as they watched the story unfold.

I’m so thankful to the folks at Disney, who were kind enough to invite the four of us to do just that last Saturday at the El Capitan Theater (the same place that I attended the premiere of Cars 2) in Hollywood. We didn’t tell them where we were going until we were almost there – and then they kept shouting “We’re going to HOLLYWOOD!”.

I’ll take awesome parents for 500, Alex.

We felt like royalty ourselves when we got to the check-in table and discovered that we were special guests and were allowed to skip the line. One day, when our kids no longer think I’m cool, I’m going to show them this post as proof that I am, indeed, cool.

Did I mention that Beauty and the Beast has been remastered and is being released in 3D? We rocked our 3D glasses didn’t we?

What the kids didn’t know was that two very special people were making a surprise appearance at this sneak peek – so imagine how my heart melted when Belle and the Beast waltzed out on stage and I see both of my kids sitting on their knees, stretching out their arms waving and yelling at them with the world’s biggest smiles on their faces. Belle and the Beast thanked us for coming to see their movie, and then there was a confetti explosion and I thought my kids might explode with excitement themselves. They were literally bouncing in their seats. Pure magic.

Before the movie itself started, we got a preview of something that we had been waiting a long time for – Tangled Ever After! My daughter is the world’s biggest Tangled fan so this was a real treat for her. She literally giggled throughout the entire short – she loves Pascal especially, and she even told her grandparents about how funny it was on the phone later that day. My son’s favorite line from Tangled is “They just can’t get my nose right!” and without spoiling anything from you I can tell you that there is a little tribute to that line in the short as well!

We loved every second of Beauty and the Beast in 3D – and it was an amazing experience. The movie still moves me to tears – I was sniffling at the end of the movie. Just wait until you see the ballroom scene in 3D – you will be blown away!

Beauty and the Beast 3D hits theaters TOMORROW, January 13th – so be sure and check it out with your kids this weekend! What a great way to introduce them to the movie that captured our hearts 20 years ago! By the way, you can like Beauty and the Beast on Facebook for up-to-the moment updates!

Thank you so much Disney for this very special day with my family – we are still talking about it!

PS – Do you watch Modern Family? We watched Beauty and the Beast in 3D all while sitting a few rows away from “Manny” who is played by Rico Rodriguez. Kinda awesome! We also got to see Zachary Levi who is the voice of Flynn in Tangled. :)

Read the original Beauty and the Beast 3D Hits Theaters Tomorrow on Chic Shopper Chick.

Read the original Holiday Gift Guide: Littlest Pet Shop Magic Motion Treehouse on Chic Shopper Chick.

Yesterday I was in Costco and as I was perusing the vitamin section I hear the strains of a song I know, all too well, coming from the electronics section –

“Everybody looooook left!

Everybody loooooooook right!

Everywhere you looooook I’mmmmmmm

…standing in the spoootttttliiiiiight!”

And right there, in the middle of Costco, I surprised myself and everyone around me by practically shouting Zazu’s line –

“NOT YET!”

Which led to this tweet.

Oh yeah. I’m totally that girl.

The Lion King has always been my ultimate favorite Disney movie. I knew every line, every song, every word to this movie (and apparently still do). I even had the soundtrack. It didn’t hurt, of course, that I was 11 years old with a huge crush on Jonathan Taylor Thomas (who is the voice of Simbaa).

Then of course there is the very cool connection of my cousin, Ernie Sabella, being the voice of Pumbaa in the movie. Not that he knows me, or anything, but related we are. And at 11 years old? That made me like, totally cool.

Of course, The Lion King has just been re-released in theaters in 3D, but as of yesterday, October 4th, it’s also available as The Lion King: Diamond Edition on Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray Hi-Def Combo Pack. You can save $5 on your purchase with the coupon below (click the image to be redirected)!

And of course, the folks at Disney always have such fun items to go along with each release – I love these Fun Food Ideas (featuring Pumbaa, of course!).

And these coloring and activity pages (which are always such a hit in our house!).

So, if you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend with your kids, try out some of these fun food ideas and then pull up a tub of popcorn and pop in The Lion King. I know we will be. (And I’ll try not to annoy the kiddos by singing every single line, but hey – I’m not making any promises.)

Read the original Hakuna Matata: The Lion King is Now On DVD and Blu-Ray on Chic Shopper Chick.

There is a lot of love in our house.

But no one gets more love, I’m afraid, than Tigger.

All Tigger - right down to her toes. For the record, she is even watching Tigger on TV in this picture. :)

The “original” Tigger appeared as a gift from one of my students when Audrey Grace was 6 months old. Even though she had a room full of stuffed animals, she immediately took to Tigger. Now, 4 years later, we have over 20 different stuffed Tiggers, not to mention Eeyores, Pooh Bears, Piglets, and so forth. But there is still the original Tigger – the one she has loved from the start – the one who, when he takes a bath (in a pillowcase in the washing machine) she stands guard by the machine until the wash is over. When his nose came unravelled, I found her in the bathroom on her tippy-toes, reaching for a band-aid for him (and I happily obliged).

So, as you can tell, for the past 4 years, Winnie the Pooh and his loveable friends have been a huge part of our lives. Naturally we are counting down to the October 25th release of WINNIE THE POOH on Blu-ray, DVD & Movie Download. Did you catch the film in theaters? It was adorable!

If you’re a huge fan of Pooh (and Tigger too!) much like we are, I have a few fun recipes to share in honor of National Honey Month (which is wrapping up today!). Check out these super fun recipes that you can make with the kiddos – I’ve printed them out and put them in page protectors – I have a feeling we will be using these for a very long time!

TTFN!
 

Read the original For the Kids: Recipes with Winnie The Pooh For National Honey Month on Chic Shopper Chick.

Oh yeah baby, you read that right.

Jem and the Holograms: The Truly Outrageous Complete Series is going to be available on DVD beginning October 11, 2011.

When I received the email telling me this very fact, I responded exactly like this…

O

M

G

When I was a little girl, Jem was my ABSOLUTE favorite show.

I can still sing the theme song.

You pretty much just made my month. And I’m not even kidding.

I would love to share Jem with my little girl, and share my obsession (and hidden rock-star dreams – pre Hannah Montana days, of course) with my readers.

I’d love a review copy of the entire Box Set if possible.

You have no idea how happy this makes me.

Thank you!!

Erika

And guess what, y’all? They sent it to me. I’m the proud owner of the 11 DVD Box set. I’m in Jem Heaven.

This is one of those giddy pieces of nostalgia that I want to hold on to forever. I had no idea I could even find Jem on DVD, much less have the complete series? Shut the front door.

Remember I said that I could still sing the theme song? I just tested myself out with this clip while my very kind and patient fiance’ pretended like he didn’t need to plug his ears. It’s official, I can totally still rock out to this, and sing almost all of the words. And oh man, lemme tell you, it’s 80′s-tastic, and I’m lovin’ it!

The series “JEM and The Holograms” ran from 1985-’88 in first-run syndication and still boasts a loyal and vocal fan base. It is frequently credited with influencing fashion in the late 1980s and beyond, and launching the careers of female pop-rock stars and music groups. The series follows Jerrica Benton, whose discovery of Synergy, a powerful computer companion, allows her to transform from co-owner of Starlight Music into rock star Jem. Teaming with her sister and best friends who form The Holograms, Jem sets out to make their musical dreams come true, even as she battles against the ruthless Eric Raymond and his musical protégés.

This would have been on my Christmas list in a heartbeat this year. I’m sure there are lots of other 30-40 somethings who would agree with me. I can’t wait to share Jem in all of her glory with my daughter – I have a feeling she will love it just as much as I do.

Read the original Jem and the Holograms: The Complete Series on DVD on Chic Shopper Chick.

You already know that I’m a huge Disney fan, especially classic Disney. So when I heard that Dumbo was being released on Blu-Ray and DVD in honor of the 70th anniversary, I knew it was something we had to have in our collection. After all, I’ve been riding the iconic Dumbo ride at Walt Disney World ever since I can remember…and it was especially nostalgic when I got to ride it with a film crew back in January for the Lifetime Moms / Disney Parks Commercial shoot!

This movie is being released for the first time in high-definition, and has been flying off shelves since it’s September 20, 2011 release date. We have the DVD/2 disc Blu-Ray combo pack, but it is also available as standard definition 1-disc edition, or just a high-definition 1 disc release – so it fits all budgets and preferences. They all come with quite a few “extras”, such as:

DVD:

• Deleted Scene – “The Mouse’s Tale
• Deleted Song – “Are You a Man or a Mouse?”
• Taking Flight: The Making of Dumbo – A journey back to the origins of the film as everybody’s favorite baby elephant takes wing.
• The Magic Of Dumbo: A Ride of Passage – Witness the excitement and magic of Disneyland’s most popular ride through the eyes of a child.
• Audio Commentary with Pete Docter, Paula Sigman and Andreas Deja
• Sound Design Excerpt from The Reluctant Dragon
• Original Walt Disney Television Introduction

Blu-ray:

Everything on the DVD plus:

• Cine-Explore
• Disney View
• “What Do You See?” Game
• “What Do You Know?” Game
• “Celebrating Dumbo” Featurette
• Animated Short: “The Flying Mouse”
• Animated Short: “Elmer Elephant”

Movie Download (Standard Definition & High Definition Versions):

• Deleted Scene – “The Mouse’s Tale”
• Deleted Song – “Are You a Man or a Mouse?”
• “Celebrating Dumbo” Featurette

Read the original Dumbo 70th Anniversary Edition on Chic Shopper Chick.

Frankly, there are a lot of questions I need answered. Who is pregnant? What will Dan do when he finds out Vanessa sold his book for publication? What is going to happen to Chair (Chuck/Blair) in the midst of all of the royal wedding planning? How long will Serena stay in LA? And perhaps most importantly…

What the HECK happened to Dan’s hair? Ew.

No matter your level of Gossip Girl curiosity, I’m sure you at least want to know the thing that we all do – where are all of those amazing clothes from. So, here is your Season 5, Episode 1 Gossip Girl Fashion preview for “Yes, Then Zero“.

Serena’s Purple Dress in LA with Nate

Catherine Malandrino Dress
Azzedine Alaia Platform Shoes $838

Serena on-set in Los Angeles

Maje Cream Silk Studded Tank Top $80
Alice + Olivia Shannon Printed Maxi Pleated Skirt $484

Serena in Los Angeles

Rag & Bone Aubry Top (sold out)
Theyskens Theory Beaded Vest (sold out)
Rag & Bone Feather Skirt $277

Blair Waldorf

Oscar de la Renta S/S 2011 Dress
Nancy Gonzalez Clutch

Diana Payne (played by Elizabeth Hurley)

Herve Leger Bandage Dress
Jimmy Choo Nude Sandals

Read the original Gossip Girl Fashion: Season 5 “Yes, Then Zero” on Chic Shopper Chick.

Family time and family movie nights have long been something after my own heart. I’ll just be honest – there is so much junk on TV these days that it’s hard to find something appropriate for the entire family to watch.

Think about it – creating something appropriate for the whole family to enjoy is harder than you might care to admit. For us that means the following:

• Not overtly sexual
• No crude jokes
• No cursing
• Not violent

But it also means:

• Easy for the entire family to follow but…
• Complex enough for the adults to enjoy
• Appealing to both boys and girls (we have a 50/50 split)

I mean, honestly. That’s a tall order, is it not? P&G and Walmart have successfully accomplished this yet again, however, with Game Time: Tackling the Past, the newest of the Family Movie Night franchise. You might remember that I visited the set of The Jensen Project, another one of the Family Movie Night movies, back in March of 2010. I’ve enjoyed all of the movies that P&G and Walmart have created so far, and I have been partial to The Jensen Project because of my involvement, but I have to tell you – they have really outdone themselves this time with Game Time: Tackling the Past.

Our family LOVES football — I grew up in the South where Football is in your blood. Even my now 4-year-old daughter has been asking to watch more football since she was barely old enough to talk. I made this video when she was around 17 months old, asking me to put “fut-ball” on the TV. (Sorry it’s so dark, it was one of those moments where I just grabbed my camera!)

Football fans like us will LOVE this movie because it is all about the Football spirit! Check out the synopsis from the official Family Movie Night site:

Pro football star Jake Walker is living the dream… or so he thinks. The veteran tight end is a fan favorite and on pace to set the all-time receiving yards record that will guarantee him a spot in the Hall of Fame. While working out at training camp, Jake receives an unexpected call from his brother Dean – their father Frank has suffered a major heart attack. Jake immediately leaves practice and returns to Riverton, North Carolina, the small hometown he’s avoided for nearly 15 years. Memories of glory and regret flood his mind as he returns to the family and friends he abandoned in pursuit of his career. Jake dutifully visits with Frank and Dean, but hurt and misunderstanding from the past begins to resurface, leaving him counting the days until he can return to his team.

A second unexpected call, this time from his agent, delivers Jake another crushing blow. His contract is not being renewed amid concerns about his surgically repaired knee. Suddenly, the life Jake knows is over. To avoid the media circus around this news, Jake reluctantly decides to extend his stay in Riverton. Attempting to make the best of the situation, he begins reconnecting with the community that once revered him. Jake is reintroduced to Sarah, his high school sweetheart, and helps Dean take over their father’s high school coaching job.

Surprisingly impacted by the people around him, the real Jake begins to emerge from behind his armor to see that life is much more than the accumulation of personal stats. But when Jake’s offered a lucrative new contract to play for another team, he is forced to decide whether to go back to the career he thought he loved, or stay in Riverton and embrace the people who always believed in him.

I was able to watch the movie online and chat throughout the film with one of it’s stars, Catherine Hicks (who you might remember as the mom from Seventh Heaven!). It was so much fun to get the behind-the-scenes peek at the film with her insight, and I can tell you that she, along with the rest of the cast and crew, have personally put so much heart and soul into this film – and it is apparent while you watch it. It is directed by Doug Barr, who also directed The Jensen Project (and is just a totally awesome guy.)

So, if you’re looking for something to watch this Labor Day weekend with the family, check out Game Time: Tackling the Past, which premieres on Saturday, September 3rd on NBC at 8 pm EST/7 pm CST. Also, don’t forget to check out the Family Movie Night Facebook Page for more information!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Read the original Fun, Football, and Family {What More Can You Want?} on Chic Shopper Chick.

When it arrived in all of its shiny, new, sleek glory, I felt myself get all tingly. I carefully read the instructions, and then pressed the power button and watched my Xoom spring to life. The honeycomb (the Android 3.0 operating system – which has been optimized for tablets) is pretty incredible.

I’m a heavy user of the suite of Google products, so an android-based tablet was definitely the way to go for me. I was thrilled to see that my Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Docs, and ahem even Google + were all easily accessible from the Xoom. I manage almost all of my editorial calendars this way, as well as share ideas with colleagues, access information on various campaigns, and keep track of all of my invoicing with the Google suite. Accessing them all with the Xoom has made my life even easier.

Of course, the Xoom isn’t all business. It kept my busy social calendar organized while I was at BlogHer11, making sure that I knew exactly where I was supposed to be at all times (and also giving me an excuse to politely duck out of conversations that were taking a bit too long – the calendar on my Xoom would pop up and I’d apologetically show it to whomever I was speaking with as I said my goodbyes and dashed off. My apologies if you were one of those people – let’s just say I am not good at exits.)

I’m also obsessed with the app “Pulse” which was recommended to me by the good folks at Motorola. Pulse is a customizable news aggregator and it ROCKS. It makes it so much easier to keep up with the important things in life – you know like the upcoming Kardashian wedding, for one.

Of course, my daughter and future step-son have found their own use for my Motorola Xoom. So much so, as a matter of fact, that my fiance’ looked at me the other day and said “We’re going to have to buy another Xoom”. He may be right, because there is lots of Cutting of the Rope, Fruit Ninjaing, and Angry Birds flying across the screen on a daily basis. Oh and air hockey. And pool. And yes, I let our 4 and 5 year old play pool on the Xoom. I consider it a part of our preschool aged college-prep program. ;)

Also, this may sound cheesy but I was so very thankful for our Xoom on a 4-times and 5-hours delayed airport layover – mostly because it kept my 4 year old daughter happy. Which, in turn, makes me VERY happy.

Did I mention that the Xoom has some pretty cool video capabilities? Check out this adorable video of my daughter singing happy birthday to me – all shot and uploaded in under 5 minutes on my Xoom.

Gosh I love that kid.

So anyway, as you have probably realized by now, I’m a huge fan of the Xoom, and not just because it showed up on my doorstep, but because it really does rock. I am certainly the envy of my tablet-less fiance’ as he sits on the couch in the evenings with his big, bulky laptop and I flick through the latest celebrity gossip, tweet, and answer emails from my slim little Motorola Xoom. Come to think of it, I think he’s right, we will need another Xoom…I just don’t think it will end up being for the kids. ;)

Disclosure: I have a working relationship with Motorola and this was a sponsored post.

Read the original Xoom, Xoom, Xoom with Motorola on Chic Shopper Chick.

They chatted with lots of Hollywood celebs throughout the evening – most of whom were insanely excited to met the Duke and Duchess themselves. Jennifer Lopez’s date for the evening – her mom (hubby Marc Anthony stayed home) was so excited, in fact, that she tripped over her gown!

Obviously the Duchess was stunning, and ever regal in her McQueen gown, but let’s check out what some of the other celebs were wearing – shall we?

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GREATEST HITS

Blake Lively: Draped in lace and delicate embroidery, Blake Lively wowed in Marchesa.

Elizabeth Banks: The 30 Rock star turned heads in this va-va-voom number by Versace.

Jennifer Garner: This blue one-shoulder Yves St. Laurent number left us drooling. The perfect choice for meeting a Princess.

Nicole Kidman: For me one of the night’s standouts was Nicole Kidman, who shined (literally!) in her custom-made Elie Saab haute couture gown. Nicole looks like she is prepared to meet royalty.

Elizabeth Moss: Looking like a goddess in her own right, Elizabeth Moss stunned in a J. Mendel gown. Perfect for summer, but still appropriate for the occasion, she hit the nail on the head.

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BIGGEST MISSES

Jennifer Lopez: Don’t get us wrong, Jennifer Lopez looked sizzling in her Emilio Pucci dress but we think it was a bit inappropriate for the occasion.

Zooey Deschanel: While we big puffy heart Zooey (as well as Oscar de la Renta, who made her dress) we felt the length of this dress was too short for the occasion and the color was not the best on her.

Kristin Chenoweth: We know she has the most amazing voice in Hollywood, but instead of looking statuesque, Kristin just looks like a gold statue. Not her best look.

Read the original Hollywood Royalty: BAFTA Bash Hits and Misses on Chic Shopper Chick.