Download and print your own Trolls Valentine’s Day cards
Author: Francine Brokaw
It’s the “Year of the (Disney) Dog”
2018 is the Year of the Dog. Disney California Adventure’s celebration highlights Pluto and Goofy. But what about the other great Disney Dogs?
Nana is the loving Nanny to the three Darling children in Peter Pan. Lady and Tramp, along with their adventurous son Scamp should also be part of the celebration. And let’s not forget about Pongo and Perdita, as well as some of their pups Lucky, Rolly, and Patch. Plus there is Dodger from Oliver and Company.
Prince Eric’s faithful and fluffy dog Max (The Little Mermaid), Mulan’s buddy Little Brother, Toy Story’s Buster and Slinky Dog, Bolt, Dug (Up), Toby (The Great Mouse Detective), and the newest Disney dog Dante (Coco) should all be part of the celebration honoring canines.
And why not celebrate with all the buddies? RoseBud, Buddha, Mudbud, Budderball, and B-Dawg are all worthy of honor in the Lunar New Year festivities.
Although not technically a “dog” Stitch might also fit the bill, as well as Sparky (Frankenweenie), Zero (The Nightmare Before Christmas), and Footstool (Beauty and the Beast) could be part of the celebration.
With The Year of the Dog underway, it might be a good time to look ahead at future years.
Year of the Rat: Remy (Ratatouille), Jaq and Gus, Timothy, Roquefort (The Aristocats), Bianca and Bernard (The Rescuers), Basil (The Great Mouse Detective).
Year of the Ox – Babe the blue ox (Paul Bunyon)
Year of the Tiger – Tigger, Sher Kahn, Rajah
Year of the Rabbit- Thumper, Rabbit, Roger Rabbit, Roger Rabbit, The White Rabbit
Year of the Dragon – Mushu, Elliot, The Reluctant Dragon, Nessie
Year of the Snake – Kaa (The Jungle Book)
Year of the Horse – Philippe (Beauty and the Beast), Bullseye (Toy Stories), Angus (Brave) Samson (Sleeping Beauty), Kahn (Mulan), Maximus (Tangled), Minimus (Sofia the First)
Year of the Sheep – Lambie (Doc McStuffins)
Year of the Monkey – Abu (Aladdin) Rafiki (The Lion King)
Year of the Rooster – Heihei (Moana), Chicken Little
Year of the Pig – Pua (Moana), Hamm (Toy Stories), Piglet
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Download free activity sheets from Minnie Helping Hearts
Click the link below to download free activity sheets from Minnie Helping Hearts.
‘Minnie Helping Hearts’ on DVD
From the hit Disney Junior series Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Minnie, Daisy, and Cuckoo-Loca are the “Happy Helpers.” This newest DVD includes eight episodes featuring the Happy Helpers who are always willing to take on a new challenge.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Happy Helpers are called on to be the cruise directors for a Valentine’s Day cruise. They prove they are up for the job and put on a great dancing contest. They have a knack for pairing up dancing partners, and manage to coax a shy dancer into competing in the contest.
And speaking of shyness, when the girls are asked to look after the children when the daycare is closed for the day, they meet an adorable new goat in town. Buddy is super shy and not ready to take part in all the activities. But thanks to Minnie, he soon becomes a popular kid (no pun intended) and everyone has a great time when the Happy Helpers take over day care duties.
Uh oh, Billy Beagle is the race announcer for the big Mud Bowl Race, but decides at the last minute to enter himself. He has always wanted to win a race and let’s face it, he can’t win unless he races. And he cannot race while announcing. So the Happy Helpers jump into their announcing outfits courtesy of the TurnStyler, and off they go to announce the race while the contestants drive through the mud in Hot Dogs Hills, and thanks to some craziness on the girls’ part, through the town as well. But they get back on track and manage to continue through the mud. With Mickey in the lead, Billy Beagle gets some encouragement from Minnie and Daisy, and he summons up the drive (again, no pun intended) to step on the gas and win the race.
In another episode, the helpers again jump in to aid Billy Beagle when he needs help with Grandpa Beagle. In “Lights! Camera! Help!” the girls become assistants to a movie star who has a big problem. She cannot sing in public but can in the shower. So it’s up to the happy helpers to get her sing when she is supposed to. “Artful Helpers” has the girls hired to keep the museum’s art safe but they find more problems than they thought.
The Happy Helpers are always ready and eager to help out. And with their TurnStyler, they are always dressed for the occasion. Too bad we all don’t have one of these handy little gadgets!
The episodes on this DVD are:
• The Happiest Helpers Cruise!
• The Big Broadcast
• Adventures in Buddysitting!
• Lights! Camera! Help!
• Grandpa Beagle’s Day Out
• Artful Helpers
• Cuckoo La-La
• Figaro’s New Friend
Minnie Helping Hearts is rated TV-Y for everyone.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Alex and Ani bangles for your Disney Valentine
The Alex and Ani Company has exploded over the past several years. Anyone who knows anything about current trends knows Alex and Ani. The bangles adorn some of the most famous women and everyday women who have a message they want to carry with them in a beautiful way.
Alex and Ani has a new set of bangles for Disney lovers this Valentine’s Day. Why not give your special Valentine a Disney bangle that expresses your love through the characters she holds dear?
Founder, CEO, CCO Carolyn Rafaelian explains, “we are connected with each other through signs, symbols and things that resonate to our core.” So, whether your Valentine adores Mickey and Minnie, Rapunzel and Flynn, Snow White and the Prince, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Ariel and Prince Eric, Aurora and Prince Phillip, Belle and Beast, there is a special bangle for her.
Not only are there heart charms displaying the loving couples in colorful enamel cloisonné, but there are also smaller charms with empowering messages. Some bangles are rose colored, some white metal and some gold metal. And they are all made in the United States.
These are great Valentine’s gifts to the woman – or girl – in your life. They’re perfect for all ages.
Each bangle lists for $44.95.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
‘Red Dog: True Blue’ on DVD
Red Dog: True Blue is a touching tale of a boy and his dog. It’s the story of love, loyalty, and friendship.
The story is told by adult Mick (Jason Isaacs) to his young son who desperately wants to get a dog. Mick has been procrastinating but once he finally comes to terms with his past, he is able to feel his son’s desire for a companion.
After his father dies, his mother has a breakdown so eleven-year-old Mick (Levi Miller) is sent to his grandfather’s (Bryan Brown) cattle station in Western Australia. This place is so remote, only helicopters and planes access it on a regular basis. Mick is lonely until he comes across a puppy alone and shivering. The dog is covered with blue dust, so he names the dog Blue. Once he washes it, he sees the dog’s true color is red, but that doesn’t change his name. He is Blue, and Blue and Mick soon become inseparable.
Blue looks out for Mick and vice versa. For the first time in a long time, Mick is happy and the two buddies grow together over the next year.
Out on the cattle station there isn’t much to do, so Mick and Blue explore the vast area of Australia. They come upon a cave and when he is told about the myth that surrounds it, he is interested in the power involved with this strange myth. Will he heed the warning not to disturb that somewhat sacred place or will he and Blue decide to tempt the legend and disturb the history of the cave?
The landscape of Western Australia is front and center in this endearing story of friendship. It highlights the loneliness of the region and enforces the viewers’ empathy for this young boy who has nowhere else to go. While some of the words are a bit strange to American viewers (Australian tribes, regions, etc.), the story is heartfelt and anyone who has ever had a canine companion will sympathize with the relationship between Mick and Blue.
Spoiler Alert: the dog does not die in the film so you don’t have to worry about showing this to kids (or adults) who get upset when the animal dies.
Bonus features include a look at the vast landscape where the film was made. There is another short featurette about KoKo, the dog who played Blue. In reality, he is not red and has become a beloved Australian canine actor. Deleted scenes and an alternate ending are also included. The alternate ending is interesting, however the one that ultimately made it into the film is more satisfying.
Red Dog: True Blue is not rated however it is suitable for all ages.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
The Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas
I recently discovered a diamond in the rough. The Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas is a relaxing place to hang your hat when visiting Sin City.
Located just off the strip, Tuscany has all the amenities of the larger resorts without the hustle and bustle. It’s a quiet retreat with the flavor of Las Vegas. Instead of being a huge high rise, this resort is a group of 15 smaller buildings grouped together with easy parking access. After you check in you don’t have to maneuver your way through a large casino to a slow elevator. The atmosphere here is low-key and stress free.
The rooms are enormous. The only choice you have is a single king size bed or two doubles. Whatever you select, there is still a decent size bathroom, kitchenette, and living space with a couch, desk, and chairs. With 650 square feet, these suites are a welcome change from the average hotel rooms. Plus they have a 2-bedroom suite if you need a second bedroom.
There are exercise rooms with weights and treadmills and The Spa offers a nice selection of massage options. And they won’t break the bank. Compared to other resorts, the fees for massages are much less, ranging from $60 for a 50 minute Swedish Massage to $180 for an 80 minute Couples Swedish Massage. These prices are definitely competitive.
There are several options for dining at the resort. Marilyn’s Café is open 24 hours. For a hotel coffee shop, this place has a wide variety of options from which to choose. Plus, there are daily specials and you can’t beat the all you can eat pancakes for $3.99! Pub 365 is the place to grab a small bite or burger. Their variety of craft beers and specialty beers makes this a destination for locals as well as guests. Caffe Bottega is where you can grab a fast cup of coffee or specialty drinks and some pastries and salads. And, fine dining is elevated in Tuscany Gardens, where I personally recommend the Eggplant Lasagna.
Nightly entertainment is offered in the Piazza Lounge. And, for a blast from the past, The Rat Pack is Back plays Monday through Saturday in the Copa Room. Frank, Sammy, and Dean have returned to Las Vegas – in spirit. These 2018 guys sound and move exactly like their 1962 counterparts. This is truly a show from the past.
If you simply must have your slot machines, the casino here is just the right size. It has enough games while not being overwhelming, as in many of the large hotels.
The 715 suites have undergone an extensive “refresh” “We are consistently looking for ways to reinvigorate the guest experience here at Tuscany Suites & Casino,” stated Brett Heers, the owner of the resort. “Over the last few years, we have completed major redevelopment projects to elevate our offerings into Las Vegas’ best.”
And speaking of Las Vegas’ best, the resort won several awards in 2017:
• Best Beer Selection – Gold for PUB 365 by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Coffee House – Gold for Caffé Bottega by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Piano Bar – Gold for Kenny Davidsen Celebrity Piano Bar at Piazza Lounge by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Coffee Shop & Diner – Silver for Marilyn’s Café by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Family-Friendly Hotel – Silver by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Place to Drink Daily – Literally for PUB 365 in Vegas Seven’s “Best of the City 2017”
• Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s “Restaurant Awards” in 2017
• Best Beer Selection for PUB 365 in Desert Companion/KNPR’s “2017 Best of the City”
• Certificate of Excellence for Tuscany Suites & Casino by TripAdvisor in 2017
• Certificate of Excellence for Tuscany Gardens by TripAdvisor in 2017
A lounge, spa, gift shop, restaurants, large rooms, pool, and plenty of areas to sit inside and outside, Tuscany is a little gem. And there is free Wi-Fi and free parking.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
‘The Rat Pack is Back’ and appearing in Las Vegas
In 1960 a group of friends got together in Las Vegas to make a little movie. The script for Ocean’s Eleven was brought to Frank Sinatra by his pal Peter Lawford who knew it was a good script and a way for all their friends to work together. Along with Sinatra and Lawford, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop (the 5 members of the group known as “The Rat Pack”), along with an impressive gathering of actors made an iconic film. But what happened when they were not shooting was what has become a Las Vegas legend. “The Summit” as it was referred to, happened at night. The cameras were shut off, the scripts put away, and the five rat pack members took to the stage for plenty of music and antics. Headlining the show were Sinatra, Martin, and Davis, the three singers of the group. And now they are back. Well, not exactly but as close to reality as can be. “The Rat Pack is Back” is a fun show playing at the Copa Room in the Tuscany Suites and Casino resort in Las Vegas, and is just as fun, or almost, as the original shows in 1960.
What guests get when they attend this show (Monday through Saturday nights) is a trip back to the 1960s. PC (Political Correctness) was not in our vocabulary and smoking and drinking were considered the “in” things.
This show features some of the great moments from the three entertainers reincarnated into 2018. The three singers taking the roles of Frank, Dean, and Sammy are all superb. Their mannerisms and vocal inflections are spot-on. It’s truly a blast from the past and audiences in this cozy theater get their money’s worth. The men interact with them and bring back the songs and indeed the atmosphere of the 1960s and definitely the personas of Dean, Sammy, and Frank.
Prior to the show a film is shown looking back in time, and just before the show begins the Sands hotel where the original shows took place but has been demolished, reemerges from the rubble, setting the scene for the singers to come out and take everyone on a trip back in time.
Songs like “Luck be a Lady,” “The Candy Man,” “Volare,” “That’s Amore,” and more combined with on-stage banter make this as close to reliving the original shows as possible.
These cool guys were fun individually, but when they got together, well, the entertainment went through the roof. And today’s audiences get to experience a bit of what it was like in what many people call “the good old days.” When in Las Vegas, definitely check out “The Rat Pack is Back.”
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure
From January 26 – February 18, 2018 Disney California Adventure is celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dog. With décor, themed merchandise, and of course entertainment and cuisine commemorating the event, guests will be engrossed in all the festivities with their favorite characters.
Guess who is front and center? Considering it’s the Year of the Dog, it’s none other than Pluto. Along with Mickey and Minnie, and Chip ‘n Dale, Pluto and the gang are all dressed in their special Lunar New Year attire. Make sure to get your photo taken with them when you visit the park.
Besides highlighting Pluto (after all, it is the Year of the Dog), Mulan and Mushu host the “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” all decked out in their “god of Good Fortune” outfits and joined by Goofy. (Did I mention it’s the Year of the Dog?)
Paradise Bay presents a special nighttime water show, “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” with lanterns and Mulan and Mushu before experiencing the celebrated “World of Color” on the water.
There are special Asian performances and entertainment designed for the occasion along with plenty of activities for guests during this celebration. Guests can try their hand at specific arts and crafts (Chinese calligraphy, paper lantern making) and add their own wishes at the Lucky Wishing Wall. Let’s all have good fortune and happiness in the year ahead!
With lanterns and banners in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, Disney California Adventure is even more colorful than ever. Plus, there are Asian-inspired items to purchase to commemorate this special experience. And, if you haven’t had the chance to visit Shanghai Disney Resort, there are items that are only available in China that guests in California can purchase during this event.
Happy New Year, and in case you didn’t already know, it’s the Year of the Dog.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Click below for a glimpse of “Hurry Home Lunar New Year 2018”
Hurry Home Lunar New Year 2018
Experience The High Roller in Las Vegas
In February 2014 The High Roller began taking guests 550 feet high giving them a remarkable view of Las Vegas from the sky. Compared to the famed London Eye, which tops out at 443 feet high, The High Roller is currently the tallest Observation Wheel in the world. It takes approximately 30 minutes to make the journey from the wheelhouse and is virtually motionless. If you get motion sickness, you most likely will not experience any adverse reaction to this ride. If, however, you are afraid of heights, you might want to skip this and wait for your family and friends on the ground.
The High Roller operates daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., so you get your choice of a daylight view of the strip and the city, or a nighttime view. Those who say Paris is “the city of lights” haven’t experienced The High Roller after dark. Las Vegas is lit up with all colors of lights. In every direction you see lights, lights, lights.
Inside each of the 28 cabins, music plays and an announcer informs the occupants of the progress. Plus, a monitor counts off the feet going up and coming down.
For a different experience, they have a “Happy Half Hour” with an open bar, a “Chocolate Tasting” ride with Ethel M Chocolates, “Yoga in the Sky” hour-long yoga class (2 rotations) with an instructor and up to six guests, and the cabins can also be reserved for special occasions like birthdays, parties, events, and even weddings. Each option is a different price so check with the website for days/hours/prices.
The High Roller is lit up at night with a light show that fits right into the city. From The LINQ Promenade, nightly at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 the fountains, observation wheel, and surrounding buildings at the LINQ Promenade celebrate the city with syncopated lights/music for everyone on the ground. So, even if you don’t ride the wheel, you can still get in the spirit of this attraction.
Having never experienced an Observation Wheel before, I didn’t know quite what to expect. After all, I get queasy in regular Ferris Wheels. I had no problem with The High Roller. The speed, or lack thereof, is motionless. The only way I knew it was moving was the fact that we kept getting higher, slowly but surely. And oh, what a view!
I know if I ever get to London I will definitely want to go on the London Eye, and most likely the other great Observation Wheels around the world. After experiencing The High Roller, I know that the views from the top are outstanding. The 30 minutes went by too quickly.
The High Roller is definitely a unique experience in Las Vegas and one I highly recommend.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about travel, products, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter