***CLOSED***Giveaway - The Lion King

Where are my Lion King fans at?  Did you go catch this movie in theaters?  We love all the songs.

Disclosure-This giveaway is sponsored thanks to Disney Home Entertainment.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

In “The Lion King,” the all-star cast brings our loved characters to life; Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.

“The Lion King” can be watched in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital Code, and DVD.

Bonus features include*:

PRE-SELL BONUS:
Perfecting the Pride – The filmmakers share their experience and the attention to detail that brought the film to life.

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:
Pride Lands Pedia --Dung beetle shares the importance of his “roll” in the African Savanna in a fun, bug’s eye view of the land its inhabitants.

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL BONUS:

The Journey to “The Lion King” -
The Music - Go inside the studio with the cast and crew as they work to honor and elevate The Lion King’s beloved music.
The Magic - Discover how the filmmakers blended the traditional filmmaking techniques with virtual reality technology to create amazing movie magic.
The Timeless Tale - Filmmakers and cast reflect on the story that has moved generations and share how this Lion King carries a proud legacy forward.
More to Be Scene - Recording studio and layer-by-layer progressions of some of most iconic moments in “The Lion King.”
“Circle of Life” – Peel back the layers of effects and go behind the scenes of this iconic musical moment from the film
“I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – See all the effects, talent and fun that went into creating this vibrant version of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” for the movie
“Hakuna Matata” – Join Donald Glover (Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa) and Billy Eichner (Timon) in the studio for the making of this memorable scene.

Music Videos
“Never Too Late” (lyric video) by Elton John
“Spirit” performed by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Filmmaker Introduction
Audio Commentary – By Director Jon Favreau.
Song Selection
“Circle of Life”
“I Just Can’t Wait to be King”
“Be Prepared”
“Hakuna Matata”
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
“Spirit”
“Never Too Late”

Protect the Pride –Director Jon Favreau, the Lion Recovery Fund and conservationists highlight efforts to protect the majestic lions and their home.

Thanks to our sponsor, two (2) lucky readers will win a digital copy for themselves.  Enter below:

1)  Leave a comment with your favorite song or scene.  (1 entry)

2)  Share on any social media platform and come back to leave comment with link.  (1 entry/per share)

Good luck.  Giveaway ends on 10/18 at midnight.  Fulfillment of prize will be done by sponsor.

Planning the Perfect Playdate Party

I love to host parties.  Something about opening your home to friends and family brings me lots of joy.  I had taken a break from hosting parties because there is so much that goes into throwing a party.  Preparing for the party can be so overwhelming.  Trust me, I have been in tears the night before a party.  Hosting and greeting everyone, now that is the fun stuff.  Through trial and error I have learned how to do things better and more efficient, it's kinda my cheat sheet to planning a party.

Disclosure - I was selected to host a #NowMoreThanEver Disney Playdate Party.  Thanks to the sponsors of our #NowMoreThanEver party kit which included Disney, Jakks Pacific, Michael Angelo's, Popped Passion Popcorn, and Pillow Pets.  All opinions stated are own based on my personal experience.

Planning the perfect playdate party can be as easy as 1, 2, 3....

1)  Theme - A theme can drive the party.  So picking the right one could be key to your success.  Go with a theme that makes sense to you.  If you are throwing a party for a family member, pick something is true to them, something that makes them happy, and brings them joy.  Themed parties are so much more fun.  The theme will bring the decorations together. 

Personal Tips-Once you pick a theme, look around your house and see if you have any items that will go great with your theme.  We had plenty of Mickey Mouse items that we used as decor. 

You can also DIY items for your party, like creating a curtain with streamers.  This can transform a room and add a pop of color.  It can also be used as a good place for pictures.  Everyone loves balloons.  Take them to the next level by creating a balloon garland.  At the end of the party, you can hand out all the balloons to each of the kids.  What kid does not love balloons?

2)  Food - I love to feed my guests.  Any party I host, is a buffet of goodness.  If you are not hosting a charity gala or sit-down, bring out the good China dinner, then simple foods are my go-to.  Like I said, I have learned that less is more.  This way you spend more time with the guests and less time in the kitchen.  The menu should not stress you out or break your bank. 

Food that is convenient and affordable is always on my first choice.  Michael Angelo's makes it so easy with their frozen meals and party trays.  Cook in the oven or microwave.  Ready to serve. 

Personal Tips - Fruit trays are great for both adults and kids.  Sometimes kids do not like the food served at parties but they will munch on the fruit.  Save some money by creating your own fruit tray with some of your favorites, and don't forget to add some cheese squares.  Save time, take the stress out, and grab one from the store that is ready to serve.   

Another favorite is popcorn.  This can be fun.  Make bracelets or necklaces with popcorn.  All you need is a needle, string, and popcorn. 

Here is an easy to make Pixie Dust Popcorn:

Ingredients

• Microwave Popcorn
• Vanilla Candy Melts
• Sprinkles

Directions

1.  Pop the popcorn according to instructions on package.

2.  Microwave candy melts in microwave-safe bowl, pausing every 20-30 secs to stir.  Repeat until melted.

3.  Drizzle the melted vanilla over popcorn and stir in sprinkles.

4.  Place in the fridge for 5-10 mins to allow the candy to harden prior to serving.

If you don't have time, I know that you will be a winner with a Popped Passion Popcorn Cake.  You can order a customize popcorn cake and have it shipped directly to your door ready to enjoy!

3)  Entertainment - You do not have to have a strict itinerary to have fun.  Games can keep a party going, make your guests have so much fun, and it keeps everyone entertained.  Find games that are appropriate for your guests.  You can make small game areas so that everyone can rotate and enjoy.

Personal tips - Plan ahead and try out the games yourself.  Troubleshoot things before the party.  If you have crafts that need extra supplies, you can prepare small kits for each guess with all the pieces already included.  These can also be taken home, if guests are too busy having fun at the party.    

Assign helpers to game zones.  My daughter tried out all the games and was a handy helper to all the smaller kiddos.  You can shoot the parents emails with instructions for the games ahead of time.  This way they can participate along with their kids.   

Communicate with parents to see what are some of their kiddos favorite games to play.  I have hosted game nights before and we ask each person to bring a new game for us to play.  This keep guests from getting bored and they get to share one of their family favorites.

Play it by ear, let loose, and enjoy your party.  Being a host should not be scary.  The next time a mommy asks for you to host the next play date, you will be ready. 

Do you have any tips that you have learned?

***CLOSED***Giveaway - Captain Marvel

I have some great news for all of my Marvel fans.  Who are my Marvel fans?  Do I have any here?

MARVEL STUDIOS’

“CAPTAIN MARVEL”

LAUNCHED IN DIGITAL MAY 28 AND LANDS IN BLU-RAY™ COLLECTIONS JUNE 11

Have you seen this movie?  Have you been waiting to add it to you collection?  Real fans have collections, I get it.

Thanks to Disney Home Entertainment one lucky reader will win a digital copy of CAPTAIN MARVEL.

Extensive extras, deleted scenes, gag reel, commentary and much more!

BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Blu-ray & Digital:

· Alternate Movie Versions

- Movie with Intro – An introduction by directors/screenwriters Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck.

- Movie with Commentary – Commentary by directors/screenwriters Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck.

· Featurettes:

- Becoming a Super Hero – Follow Brie Larson's journey as she joins the MCU, and see what it takes to be a Marvel Super Hero in every sense of the word.

- Big Hero Moment – Explore how impactful Captain Marvel's entrance into the MCU is, and how she inspires audiences around the world.

- The Origin of Nick Fury – Witness some of the MCU’s most significant events through Nick Fury's eyes, and see how his influence helped shape the MCU.

- The Dream Team – Discover why Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck are the perfect pair to direct Marvel Studios’ most powerful hero.

- The Skrulls and the Kree – Take a deeper look into the Skrulls and the Kree, their ongoing conflict, and the importance of shifting perspectives in the film.

- Hiss-sterical Cat-titude – The cast and crew dish on working with Goose and the raw talent it takes to portray such a complex character on-screen.

· Deleted Scenes

- “Who Do You Admire Above All Others?” - Kree Commander Yon-Rogg must answer to the Supreme Intelligence, who questions his leadership ability.

- Starforce Recruits - Yon-Rogg lectures a roomful of students on the Kree's mission to defend all nations from the scourge of the Skrulls.

- Heading to Torfa - Vers (Danvers) and her fellow Starforce members banter as they prepare for their rescue mission to Torfa.

- “What, No Smile?” - In this alternate version of a scene from the movie, Vers is consulting a map when she receives a dubious offer of assistance.

- Black Box - Keller attempts to track Vers and Fury after their escape in a quadjet from the Joint USAFA Facility.

- Rookie Mistake - Novice S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson helps Director Keller out of an embarrassing situation.

· Gag Reel – The fate of the universe hangs in the balance as the cast battles props, flubs and Flerkens in these outtakes from the set.

Digital Exclusives:

· Journey into Visual Effects with Victoria Alonso – Experience how filmmakers' visions of the MCU come to life on-screen through the skill of the Visual Effects team.

· What Makes a Memory: Inside the “Mind Frack” – What does it take to craft an action-packed sequence for a Marvel Studios film? Nothing short of an epic team effort!

· Concept Art – Explore artwork from “Captain Marvel” and trace the visual development of characters.

· On-Set Images – Uncover a trove of behind-the-scenes and production photography.

Enter below:

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This giveaway is US only.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The sponsor will take care of fulfillment to the winner.  The winner will need to claim prize immediately.

Flick Friday-THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS

Everyone has heard of the Nutcracker?  It is a two-act ballet of the adaptation from "The Nutcracker and The Mouse King".

Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.

Disclosure-Thanks to Allied Global Marketing for inviting us to an advanced screening.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

SYNOPSIS:   All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift.  A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Disney has done it again.  The upcoming holidays are a beautiful time of the year that remind us about family and traditions.  It is a beautiful story, perfect for the entire family to share.  A perfect twist to the original story line. Clara takes you along on her adventure.  We laugh and cried.   

Like THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneysNutcracker

Follow Disney Studios on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyStudios

Follow THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneysnutcracker/

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS is now playing in theatres everywhere! 

***CLOSED***Giveaway-Peter Pan

Summer is a time for exploring.  What do you have planned for your kiddos?  For us, it is the perfect time to let our kids unwind, let loose, and be free.

This post is in collaboration with Disney and Movies Anywhere.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Let your kids imagination soar past "the second star to the right and straight on till morning" as Peter Pan makes it debut into the Walt Disney Signature Collection.

All it takes is faith, trust, and a dash of pixie dust, and this timeless classic will launch you on epic adventures in Never Land as it sparkles with legendary animation and extraordinary songs!

Wanna win your own digital copy?  Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a US only giveaway.  Three (3) winners will be randomly selected and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Good Luck.

***CLOSED***Giveaway-A Wrinkle In Time

School's out, school's out, one and all, school is out for the summer.  Now what will your kids be doing?

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Movies Anywhere and Disney.  All opinions posted are my based on my personal experience.

Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” from acclaimed director Ava DuVernay, is now available everywhere on Digital HD, Movies Anywhere, Blu-ray™, 4K Ultra HD™, DVD and On-Demand.

The stunning story of an ordinary girl’s extraordinary adventure through time and space offers exhilarating entertainment and positive messages for the whole family—encouraging self-confidence, inclusion and pushing imagination to the next level.

The Heart-felt, Inspirational Story of the Timeless Classic starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and breakout star Storm Reid ­­take viewers on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, then behind the scenes through exciting extras!

Thanks to our sponsor, in celebration of this movie coming home, we would like to give (3) lucky winners a digital download code.

How to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a US only giveaway.  Three (3) winners will be selected randomly and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Good Luck.

Giveaway-Star Wars-The Last Jedi***CLOSED***

Did you know that STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI will be available in Blu-Ray and DVD on Tuesday, March 27?  Have you seen the movie?  If you have not, here is the trailer:



Synopsis:  In Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.

Thanks to our partnership with Allied and Disney, two lucky readers will win their very own copy before you can buy it.

Enter below:
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This giveaway is US only.  The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Fulfillment will be done by the sponsors.  Good luck.

Giveaway-COCO***CLOSED

We are celebrating the release of Disney - Pixar COCO.  Did you and your family watch this movie?

***Sponsored giveaway.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.***

If you have not gotten a chance to see it, check out the trailer now:

Synopsis: Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. 

A pesar de que su familia ha prohibido la música desde hace generaciones y sin ninguna explicación comprensible, Miguel (voz del actor principiante Anthony Gonzalez) sueña con convertirse en un músico experto como su ídolo, Ernesto de la Cruz (voz de Benjamin Bratt). Desesperado por probar su talento, Miguel se encuentra en la asombrosa y colorida Tierra de los Muertos después de una misteriosa serie de eventos. En el camino, conoce al encantador embustero Héctor (voz de Gael García Bernal), y juntos, se embarcarán en un viaje extraordinario para descubrir la verdadera historia detrás de la historia de la familia de Miguel. 

Wanna win a copy?  2 lucky winners will win a digital copy thanks to the sponsor.  Enter now:

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This giveaway is open for US only.  The winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize.

Giveaway-Disney Descendants 2

Does your family watch the Descendants?  Descendants is a 2015 American musical fantasy television film of the teenage daughters and sons of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil. The film serves as a continuation after the Disney Animated Classics series.

We love everything Disney.  Are you get hooked?  

Synosis-Decendants 2

The story deepens in the music-driven sequel to the global smash hit "Descendants," as the teenage sons and daughters of Disney's most infamous villains -- Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay (also known as Villain Kids or VKs) -- try to find their place in idyllic Auradon.

When the pressure to be royally perfect becomes too much for Mal, she returns to her rotten roots on the Isle of the Lost where her archenemy Uma, the daughter of Ursula, has taken her spot as self-proclaimed queen of the run-down town. Uma, still resentful over not being selected by Ben to go to Auradon Prep with the other Villain Kids, stirs her pirate gang including Captain Hook's son Harry and Gaston's son Gil, to break the barrier between the Isle of the Lost and Auradon, and unleash all the villains imprisoned on the Isle, once and for all.

Decendants 2 will be released on DVD on August 15.  To celebrate our sponsor would like to give one lucky Independentmami reader their own copy.

Enter below:

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One winner will be randomly selected.  US only.  Good luck.

Giveaway-Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Have you seen Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST?

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

In celebration of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST coming out on Digital HD and Blu-ray on June 6, I am hosting a giveaway.  Thanks to the sponsors for sending me 2 digital copies to giveaway to 2 lucky readers of Independentmami. 

Enter below.  Good luck.  2 winners will be randomly selected.
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Tips to Hosting a #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate

Have you ever had to host a party and you did not know where to start?  Let me get you started.

I received free products in order to host a #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate.  Thanks to American Tourister, Pop Secret, Softsoap, Pillow Pets, HP, MyPrintly, Disney Parks, and Disney.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Throwing a party does not have to break the bank.  You do not need to pull out your hair to plan the perfect party.  The first thing I do is pick a theme.  Once you decide what the theme is, look for items in your house that go with your theme.  We love Disney and have many items already in our house.  It can be a scavenger hunt for you and your kids.  The more you look, the more you find.  Anything can be turned into décor.

Decorations-Create the perfect space with some décor.

My gameroom walls are red.  The perfect color for a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Party.  Last year, we hosted an Disney @Home Celebration where we used these Mickey faces for pin the smile on Mickey.  I saved it and added it as a hidden Mickey behind these Friends Quote because we love when friends come over and play. 

Décor can also create great photo op spaces.  The kids loved hanging out with Nemo pillow pet Under the Sea.  This was a backdrop we used for my daughter's Ariel birthday party. 

Food-Playdates call for finger foods. 

I set up all the kid's food on small tables for them to grab and go at their leisure.  I used all of my daughter's play tables including her picnic table.  One recommendation I learned was to make sure and ask all the parents for their kids' allergies before planning your menu.  I kept it simple and let my daughter pick some of her favorite foods.

Activities-You don't to over plan and you don't even have to have a schedule.  I have learned the best thing is to let the kids tell you what they feel like doing.  I had different activities set up for the kids.  Our gameroom was open for them to do as they pleased.

 Karaoke-Who doesn't love to sing catchy Disney songs?

Dress up-Photo Ops were set up all over the gameroom.  We have different hats, crowns, and so much more.  They laughed pretending to be princesses or pirates.

Sorcerer's Hat decorating, Mickey and Friends coloring sheets, stickers, etc...  It was not hard to keep them entertained.

We had a wonderful time at our Disney Kids Preschool Playdate.  The best part of all was that all the kids had a lot of fun.  You can find Mickey and Friends decorations and paper good at the Dollar store also. 

Here are more pictures from our party:

 We watched Moana and we all sang along.  It was a fun time.  Everyone left with all smiles.

Disney-Beauty and The Beast

It is a tale as old as time.  You know the story.  It is one of favorite stories of all time. 

I was invited to an advance screening.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

The story has been brought to life before my eyes.  The film stars that brought it to life are Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, thewardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.  This cast did an amazing job truly portraying this story.

The story that starts with a daughter's request: "All I'd like is a rose you've picked specially for me!"  A beautiful rose for a beauty.  “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle.  Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. 

It is the story that teaches us to look within.  To go past the outside exterior of a person and really get to know them.  There is beauty in everyone.  We have to want to give people a chance.  You do not know the other person until you give them a chance.

It teaches us that no matter how lost you are and when you see no light, you never know what may come to your life to be the light.  To bring you out of the darkness.  It is a beautiful story.

My favorite song that always touches me...

The story on screen opens in theaters today.   

Giveaway-MOANA

Have you seen the movie MOANA?

This is a sponsored post.  Any opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

MOANA will release on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 7, and is currently available in Digital HD.  It is the story of a spirited teenager who sets sail on a daring adventure to save her people, starring newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho as the voice of brave and tenacious Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, has dazzled both critics and audiences.

According to directors Ron Clements and John Musker, the story of “Moana” was inspired by the great explorers who masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania.  “Voyaging is a real source of pride for many Pacific Islanders, a part of their identity,” says Clements.  Many experts believe that about 3,000 years ago, those deep-sea exploratory voyages halted for about a millennium before resuming.  This rebirth of exploration sparked the filmmakers’ imaginations, and the heroine at the heart of the story.  “The idea of a teenage girl who dreamed of becoming a navigator—considering the abilities of her ancestors—was so appealing,” explains Musker.  Moana’s quest to become a wayfinder also serves as a journey of self-discovery, empowering her to find her own identity – a beautiful and powerful message for audiences of all ages and genders.

Want to win your own digital copy?  Enter now:

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US only.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  Fulfillment of prize will be done by sponsor. 

Cinderella Birthday Party

I am a little late with sharing my daughter's birthday day from December but I have to share.  I love how everything came together.  The day was magical and my daughter was so happy.  My daughter was not even one when I decided that her 5th birthday party theme would be Cinderella.  I want it to be magical.  Years ago when my son was five a mom was sharing her birthday party plans for her daughter with me.  She said in Mexican tradition they celebrate their daughter's at age 5 by throwing them a huge birthday party like a Quinceañera but it is called a Cincociera.  I was sold.  If I ever had a daughter, she was going to have one.  Years went by and I finally had my baby girl.  If you don't remember I call her my miracle baby because I almost lost her at 15 weeks when I was having a miscarriage.  Each year we celebrate this beautiful gift we received.

For the party decorations, I want to take everyone on a journey of her five years of life.  Flashback of some of our favorite memories we have had throughout the years with our Lil Bit.

Entrance-I had this sign cut out of corrugated.  We spray painted it silver.  We had blue birds cut out as well.  I added blue strips of ribbon for each year she has lived.

The main table had the cake, cake pops, and candy.  I had several candy stations throughout the house for everyone to enjoy.  I made candy centerpieces that everyone got to take home.  I did not even get a change to take a picture of those. 

I used paper flowers for the background, thanks to Joanna from Flores De Madame Mariposa. 

The birthday cake was made by my coworker.  Her cakes are delicious.  All the kids enjoyed the Cinderella cake pops.

We even had a photo booth section for all the guests to take pictures with Cinderella and Prince Charming.  The crown we had cut out and used for a previous birthday party.  We spray painted it gold for this party.  We also cut a carriage out and spray painted it with the theme colors.  It took many coats of glitter to get this affect but it was perfect.  Everyone enjoyed taking pictures with our Princess.

We set up a tent to keep the cold out.  The centerpieces were fabric pumpkins I found at the At Home Store right after Halloween.  They were the perfect color.  I had enough to give each Madrina/Padrino (sponsor).  I also printed pictures of the birthday girl that I put in silver and gold frames that we also gave to family members with thank you cards my daughter had personally signed.  I had big glitter blue bows on the columns of the tent that I got from the dollar store at Christmas time.

Even the piñata was a life-size Cinderella.  It was custom made for my daughter's birthday party.

Our princess loved every part of her birthday party.  She did not want to take her dress off even after the clock stroke midnight.  I think the best gift was daddy being her Prince Charming.

It was a lot of hard work to pull this off.  The vision I had in my head came to life.  And seeing how happy this made her was all the thank you I needed.  This was my gift to her. 

Alice Through The Looking Glass Tea Party

Have you ever been to a tea party?  I do not believe we had.  Every little girl wants to attend a tea party and where do they get this idea from?  From Alice and her friends.  Alice who?  Alice in Wonderland, or course. 

Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment for inviting me and my kids to a very special Tea Party to celebrate the release of Alice Through The Looking Glass on DVD and Blu-Ray!  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal opinion.

What do you need in order to have a perfect tea party? 

1)  Tea Room? -McHugh Tea Room hosted us in their beautiful location that included everything tea.

2)  Tea Party Attire-From what I know, you definitely need a hat and anything goes for an Alice in Wonderland tea party.  We each picked a character from the movie and interpreted their look.  My daughter was Alice, my son was the Matt-"Hat"er, and I was the White Queen.

3)  Tea Party Food-We started with some tea, sandwiches, scones, and desserts.

4)  Entertainment-What is an Alice in Wonderland tea party without Alice and her friends?  In celebration of Through the Looking Glass, we got to watch it.  And remember those hats I said we needed, well no need to worry if you did not bring one.  We created our own creations.

Check out more random pictures of all the fun we had:

Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is a spectacular adventure, featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, in which Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.

For more information, go to Disney.com/Alice.