Monday, February 26, 2018

American Diabetes Association's newest cookbook: THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALS COLLECTION is Perfect for Busy, At-Home Cooks -- Offers 31 Days of No-Fuss Meal Planning (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.


american diabetes association




$29.95 US / $23.50 CAN
Trade Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-58040-662-8


Was one of your New Year's resolutions to eat healthier?  If you have diabetes and find it hard to prepare meals that are not only healthy but taste good, have I got the cookbook for you.  Recently the folks from the American Diabetes Association released  THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALS COLLECTION, which contains hundreds of diabetes-friendly recipe to last your 31 days -- or a complete month of hassle-free meal planning.  And, you don't have to be an expert cook to whip up tantalizing breakfast, lunch, dinner or even desserts.  This spiral-bound cookbook is chock full of family-friendly recipes your whole family will love, and ask you to make again.  What I love about the setup of this cookbook is how with the spiral binding and format of the book, that you can pick and choose your three meals for the day.  Once you have your three recipes for a given day chosen, this book acts as a cookbook, meal planner and nutrition guide, all in one.  And, with over a hundred recipes to choose form you can mix and match breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes based on your mood or what your family likes. 

Even though we are not diabetic, I still like to cook healthy and find diabetic recipes offer healthy alternatives to some high fat, high cholesterol dishes I have cooked for my family in the past.  Every year, I make a resolution to eat healthier and serve my family more healthy options when it comes to meals and snack time, and I have found the new THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALS COLLECTION to be a perfect addition to my cookbook collection.  I have had this cookbook for about a month and half now and have tried about half of the recipes, which also include drinks, sides and salads, and even dressings, salsas and sauces.  Don't tell anyone, but this past Superbowl I ended up relying heavily on this cookbook and the sides and salsas to fill my buffet table.  No one noticed that they were diabetic recipes and actually good for you.  Instead, they kept raving about the taste and how they wished there was more, when the serving dishes were empty.  It wasn't until I shared a few of the recipes and cited the source that friends and family realized I served them up a diabetic dish.  They were shocked at how great the food tasted, as they said they would have thought a diabetic version would be a little bland...but, it wasn't! 

Here are just a handful of the recipes I have tried with my family and that they have loved and asked me to make again:

  • Waldorf Salad
  • Ginger Coconut Chicken Meatballs
  • Spanish Omelet
  • Chicken Okra Gumbo
  • Baked Sweet Potato with Savory Ricotta Cheese
  • Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins
  • Rainbow Rice
  • Pineapple Cooler
  • Baked Papaya
Is your mouth watering yet?  As I typed these recipes, I couldn't help but get hungry myself, thinking back to how tasty these recipes were. And, the best part, next to the flavor, was how easy each and every recipe I have tried from the THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALS COLLECTION was to put together.  I didn't have to go crazy looking for specific ingredients at the market, and most meals cooked up in 30 minutes or less.

If you are looking to revamp your diabetic menu, or want to add some healthier recipes to your family's meal planning, why not pick up the new THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALS COLLECTION, and see how easy this cookbook makes planning a month's worth of meals.  With a flip of the pages, you can choose three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in no time -- no fuss at all.  Say goodbye to the dreaded, "What's for dinner?" question your family asks, or you think to yourself.  With the THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALS COLLECTION, you will find your family asking for their favorite recipes from this book time and again.

More about THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALS COLLECTION:


"This bonanza collection of recipes and kitchen tips is designed to provide busy, at-home cooks with 31 days of no-fuss meal planning. Readers will discover new recipes, from comfort foods to quick and easy dinners, and will be able to put their own spin on classics their family already knows and loves. With a full month of diabetes- and family-friendly breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, the book will minimize the time readers spend worrying about what to make and whether a recipe is okay for those with diabetes, and maximize the time they spend doing what they love.

For nearly 30 million Americans living with diabetes and the 1 in 3 Americans faced with pre-diabetes, choosing healthy meals and recipes you can trust every time can be a daunting challenge. But that’s all going to change this fall.


A compendium of mouth-watering favorites, THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALS COLLECTION: Hundreds of Diabetes Friendly Recipes and Nearly Limitless Meal Combinations is the ultimate cookbook, meal planner, and nutrition guide for people living with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Containing hundreds of recipes and meal planning tips from the American Diabetes Association’s bestselling series of meal planners, this book is set to be the one-stop guide for those living with diabetes and looking to make healthier choices in the kitchen.

Using a unique three-part, split-page design, this interactive book allows readers to create meal plans instantly by mixing and matching breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, all designed to meet the American Diabetes Association's updated nutrition guidelines. By offering nearly endless meal options—not just a month of meals, but years of meals—this unique book takes the work, time, and confusion out of meal planning. Packed into this one-of-a-kind book, readers will find:
  • Hundreds of recipes, including classics
    and new twists on old favorites
  • Hundreds of thousands of menu options
  • Full nutrition information and exchanges
    for each recipe
  • Meal planning tips, nutrition advice, and
    much more! 
  • A one-of-kind meal planning design, designed specifically to meet the challenges and
    needs of those with diabetes
So whether readers are looking for quick meals on the go, weeknight dinners, or a night of family feasting, THE COMPLETE MONTH OF MEALSCOLLECTION has it all!

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About the Author:
Sacha Uelmen is the Director of Nutrition at the American Diabetes Association. She earned her BS in Dietetics from Eastern Michigan University and became a Certified Diabetes Educator while working at the University of Michigan Health System’s Adult Outpatient Diabetes Education Program. She would later become the Director of that program. Sacha’s background provides the ADA a variety of experience. She has facilitated group diabetes education classes as well as individual medical nutrition therapy counseling for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. She also led the implementation of a dietitian-led Diabetes Prevention Program for the Center for Disease Control, and worked with local insurers to pilot reimbursements for the program. Sacha grew up in Flint, Michigan where her father opened a pita bread bakery and the first Mediterranean food market in the area when she was a toddler. Sacha worked in the bakery and helped her father prepare authentic Lebanese foods throughout her childhood and teen aged years strengthening her passion for food.


The American Diabetes Association® is leading the fight to STOP DIABETES® and its deadly consequences for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, its mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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"I Am the Boss of this Chair" is a Fun Picture Book for Children Welcoming a New Sibling - Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.


Sterling Publishing


Have you recently, or will you be welcoming a new baby into your family?  If so, and you are looking for a cute book to share with your child about a new sibling, then you will want to check out the upcoming children's book, "I am the Boss of this Chair" by Carolyn Crimi.  Even though we haven't welcomed or plan to welcome a new baby, both of my girls enjoyed this cute story, especially my oldest daughter, Savannah, who LOVES cats.  As soon as Savannah saw that this book was about two cats, she couldn't wait to snuggle up on the couch and read it with me.  And, as we read through the story for the first time, my girls couldn't help giggle at the story.  When we got to the end of the book, the girls were all smiles.  Depending on the day and my girls' moods, they either like each other or they don't. When we sit to read a book, I have to have them on each side of me so that they will pay attention and not bother one another. God forbid their legs touch, or one breathes too heavy....then the complaining starts.  I used this book as a reminder to show the girls how having a sibling can be a lot of fun.  Siblings are like built in best friends, that are with you 24/7, and can cheer you up when you are feeling down, and play with you and act all silly, without you having to be embarrassed.  My girls are lucky to have each other, and thanks to cute children's books like this one, they are reminded, even on those days that they wish they were an only child, that having a sibling is way more fun.

We have had this book for about a week now, and it has become a staple at bedtime.  Like I said, Savannah is a huge cat lover, so she is always pulling the book from the shelf to read the story and admire the illustrations of the two cats in the book. She has even tried her hand at drawing Oswald and Pom Pom, as she freehands them while looking at Marisa Morea's illustrations i this cute and easy to follow along children's book from Sterling Publishing.  My girls both give this book two thumbs up and said they would recommend it to children expecting a new sibling, or those who are lucky enough to have a brother or sister, as the story is a great reminder about how great having a sibling is. :-)

Read on for your chance to win a copy of "I am the Boss of this Chair," which arrives on bookshelves on March 6th. :-)

More about this children's book:

"When a new kitten joins the family, can the top cat learn to share his chair—and everything else, too?

Oswald Minklehoff Honey Bunny III has a nice life.  He’s the king of his castle, and likes it that way. Then Pom Pom the kitten comes along and suddenly Oswald isn’t the boss of everything anymore—not the toilet paper, food dish, back door, toy mouse, or even his own special chair. Will Oswald realize that life is more fun when you have a friend, and that there’s plenty of room on the chair to share?

I AM THE BOSS OF THIS CHAIR (Sterling Children’s Books, March 2018) is a fun picture book with a comforting message for any kid (or cat) with a new sibling!"


--GIVEAWAY--

I Am the Boss of this Chair

Thanks to the folks at Sterling Publishing, one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader will win a copy of this cute children's book releasing on March 6th.  To enter, complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About the Author and Illustrator:

Author Carolyn Crimi has published over a dozen picture books, including Boris and Bella (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), Where’s My Mummy? (Candlewick), and Henry and The Buccaneer Bunnies (Candlewick). Carolyn won the SCBWI Golden Kite Award in 2018 for There Might Be Lobsters (Candlewick).  She lives in Evanston, IL and is available for interview. Find out more about Carolyn at carolyncrimi.com.

Marisa Morea is a freelance illustrator based in Madrid, Spain.  Visit her at www.marisamorea.com, and follow her on Instagram at @marisamorea.



Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Screechers Wild! Will Make for a Great Easter Basket Filler (Review) #world-of-screechers

Disclosure:  I was sent sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.




 Screechers Wild! Level 1 Vehicle - Nightweaver
Available now at most major toy retailers including Toys 'R Us, Target, Walmart and Amazon


Ready, set, launch! Introducing the latest transforming toy vehicle phenomenon from Alpha: Screechers Wild!. Based off of the new online animated show (which you can watch through YouTube here), these are the only toy vehicles that transforms into insect creatures with explosive, 360-degree flip morphing action through a "fuel-injected feeding time" -- well, actually you shoot a plastic disc ("food") that activates the flip transformation -- but, this is so cool, and will have kids, both boys and girls, asking for more Screechers Wild! vehicles to race and transform.








Unlock your inner Screecher and see how they transform into the coolest creatures on the block. Check out this short YouTube video showing the Screechers Wild! in action, and how with a simple flick of a food disc, your toy vehicle will morph into a super awesome beast model right before your eyes.





Don't these look so cool?  I was recently sent two of the Screechers Wild! vehicles -- Smokey and V-Bone to review.  






Even though I have girls, they still love racing and playing with cars, thanks to their Daddy and his love for kids toys, especially ones you can race and morph.  I don't know who was more excited when they saw me take the two Screechers Wild! vehicles out of the box -- my husband or my girls.  All I can say is that they were all smiling and asking what these were and when they could play with them.  When my youngest daughter got a closer look she knew what they were as she has been watching Screechers Wild! episodes on YouTube, after stumbling across them a few weeks ago.  As she starting talking up the racing/morphing cars, I remembered sitting to watch an episode on the iPad with her and telling her to show her Daddy as I knew he would think these transforming cars and the episodes would be so cool -- and, that he did.  He has been watching the Screechers Wild! YouTube episodes with her, and was secretly hoping they would come out with a toy line so they could have have their own Screechers Wild! racers, and morph their favorite vehicles into cool beast racers.

My family left the spec and PR sheets to me, while they grabbed the two Screechers Wild! vehicle to play with.  They loved how you get 3 discs to shoot and activate the transforming feature of this toy.  And, as soon as the transformation takes places, your Screechers Wild! does an amazing 360 degree flip to reveal its beast racer.  "OMG, this is so cool!" is what I heard my girls say as they saw my husband morph the Smokey vehicle for the first time.  Then, all I heard was "My turn, my turn" as they raced to pick up the feeding discs to call dibs on the next morph.  :-)

They got so caught up with this new transforming race car toy line that an hour went by before they realized it was dark outside and ready for bed.  They were having so much fun racing the two Screechers Wild! vehicles and morphing them at just the right time to get them to do their awesome 360 degree flip to cross the finish line they set up.  


My husband said that this toy reminded him of transforming vehicles he grew up playing with -- the only difference and what he said makes these even better and cooler is how you morph them by feeding them a disc.  He thought this was a neat feature, and one kids (of all ages) will love.  The morphing and flip is what really drew in my husband and girls and kept them playing with the Screechers Wild! toys we were sent for review.  We have only had the two Screechers Wild! vehicles for a couple weeks, but they continue to be a hit and favorite toy for my girls and husband to play with. My girls had to hide the toys as my husband wanted to bring them to work and keep at his desk.  But, my girls said they looked forward to racing them every night with my husband and didn't want him to forget them at work, or have someone steal them as they, too, would think they were super cool when they saw them. :-)


With Easter fast approaching, I know a toy my girls will be hoping the Easter Bunny will be bringing and leaving in their baskets -- more Screechers Wild! vehicles.  After checking out the different vehicles available in the Level 1 line available now in stores, they want them all.  And, before I could tell them that a Level 2 (available as of this post) and Level 3 launch was expected later this spring, they were quick to let me know, and told me to keep an eye out for them. :-)  Maybe one of these days they will let me try out these cool new morphing vehicles from Alpha Toys.  Maybe...but, in the meantime, I am enjoying watching my husband and girls enjoy quality time together, as they laugh and play, racing their Screechers Wild! vehicles across the dining room floor. :-)



To learn more about the new Screechers Wild! toy line from the Alpha Group head on over to http://www.alphatoys.com/screecherswild/.  And, be sure to check out the episodes of Screechers Wild! available now on YouTube -- http://www.alphatoys.com/screecherswild/videos/.


---BUY NOW---




The new Screechers Wild! Series 1 line from Alpha Toys is now available at Toys 'R Us, Target, Walmart and Amazon.  Prices range between $6.99 - $12.99.  You can also pick up fun launchers including the Speedlauncher and Rapidfire Disc Launcher for only $14.99, to bring more action to the awesome morhping, racing Scheechers Wild! vehicle toy line.

Right now you can choose from a variety of styles from Series One including: RevAdactyl, Stingshift, Nightweaver, Nightbite, V-Wrex, Monkeywrench or Gatecreeper. More Waves are set to release this spring, so be on the lookout for them.



Disclosure:  I was sent sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Sunday, February 25, 2018

Disney Pixar's Coco Arrives on Blu-Ray and DVD This Tuesday -- Enter to #Win a Digital Copy of the Movie Now! #Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.


COCO [Blu-ray]


Last night we watched Disney Pixar's COCO for the first time, and "Wow!" it was amazing.  As soon as the movie starting playing we could tell that this was going to be another Disney Pixar winner, and that it was.  Did you see Coco when it was in theaters.  Like so many other must see movies we had on our 2017 in theater watch list, this is one movie we hoped to see, but missed due to illness.  So, I made a point to mark the DVD/Blu-Ray release on the calendar in 2018 so that we could pick up the movie when it hit stores shelves to enjoy as a family.  But, thanks to the folks at Walt Disney Studios, they made my girls' day the other day when Coco arrived on our doorstep to watch.  They also offered to give one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader the chance to win a digital copy of this movie, so be sure you read on to learn how to enter my giveaway for your chance to win this wonderful family-friendly movie to enjoy with your family soon.

I wish you could have saw the reaction on my girls' faces when I took the movie out of the package.  They were all smiles.  Even though we haven't seen the movie, the girls know all the songs thanks to the original motion picture soundtrack, and the story thanks to all the wonderful Coco storybooks and activity/sticker books my girls received when the movie released in theaters.  Even though they knew what the movie was about, it was ten times better (my daughter Bella said) watching the movie and seeing what they read in the Coco books come to live on the screen.  And, because the girls knew the songs, they broke out into song and dance when their favorite Coco songs started to play. My youngest really got into the whole song and dance and pulled out one of her toy guitars to pretend to strum along like Miguel. :-)

Even though my girls are of Latin descent -- my husband is from El Salvador, they could relate to some of what they saw in the movie, as Miguel's skin color was brown like theirs, and he and his family spoke Spanish words they could understand.  We have also studied Dia de los Muertos in homeschool as my husband's family used to celebrate this every Nov. 2nd when he lived in his country.  I really liked seeing how the families in the film honored their ancestors by preparing  shrines with their ancestors photos and candles, and how they threw a party to honor them, as well as visit the cemetery to bring offerings.  This is all we talked about in school and how my husband has described Dia de los Muertos to my girls, so it was nice to see it played out like this in the movie.

If you cry easily at movies, especially Disney Pixar ones, then you will want to have a box of tissues handy.  My youngest daughter and I always try -- even at happy moments -- and we found ourselves reaching for tissues to wipe our noses and dab our eyes.  I will not spoil the ending, but will say that if you haven't cried throughout the movie, the final scenes will have you crying like a baby.  But, then the movie ends and you can't help but smile as you realize you sat and watched a beautifully made movie that does a great job at honoring Mexican history and heritage, and love how Miguel's journey ends.

Just like the Lady and the Tramp release I recently blogged about, this upcoming Coco DVD/Blu-ray/digital release is chock full of bonus features you and your family will enjoy watching after you watch this amazing heartwarming film.  My girls really enjoyed "The Music of Coco" and "How to Draw a Skeleton" features.  Who knew that making a skeleton could be so easy and fun. My girls spent the afternoon yesterday after watching the easy step-by-step  art lesson by Pixar artist Daniel Arriaga, drawing and honing their skeleton drawing skills.  And, as they drew and added embellishments to their skeletons, they listed to and sung along to the Coco soundtrack.  I have "Remember Me" stuck in my head, thanks to them having this particular song on repeat. :-)

I could go on and on about how great the Coco movie, or how entertaining the bonus content is, but I am guessing you have already seen this movie, or have heard family and friends rave about and are waiting for Tuesday to get here so that you can pick up at the store, and plan a fun family movie night.  To make it more fun, why not consider printing off some fun Coco coloring and activity sheets -- just do a Google search and you will find a lot of great free printables to download and share with your child, as you prep a fun Mexican-themed dinner to enjoy before you sit for this fun-filled movie.

I can't wait to see what you think of this movie, if you haven't seen it already.  Even though I wished we could have seen it on the big screen, we are happy that we have finally had the chance to watch this much talked about animated movie, and will be watching it again soon, and time and again.  This is one of those animated movies you will never grow tired of, especially when you hear the catchy music, and find yourself wanting to sing along and tap your feet to. :-)


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More about this upcoming Disney Pixar animated release:


"Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” —the story of a 12-year-old aspiring musician’s extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors—won a 2018 Golden Globe AwardÃ’ for Best Animated Motion Picture, topped the domestic box office Thanksgiving holiday weekend, became the highest grossing film of all time in Mexico, broke records in China and earned widespread praise, receiving 96 percent from critics and 97 percent from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Now this vibrant tale filled with love and laughter arrives home Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and on Movies Anywhere on Feb. 13, and on 4K Ultra HD,™ Blu-ray,™ DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 27.

Through fresh and fascinating bonus material, adventurers of all ages will tag along with filmmakers as they soak in Día de los Muertos in Mexico; explore the essential role of music in “Coco;” and learn how the cast and crew personally connect with the film’s message. They’ll step behind the scenes to discover the inspiration behind the film’s creative costuming; Miguel’s beautifully complicated family; Dante the loyal Xolo dog; and the stunning worlds of both the dead and the living. Features also include deleted scenes, insightful filmmaker commentary, the music of Coco and more

"Coco" is packaged several ways to ensure viewers get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multi-screen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, DVD and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for Digital 4K Ultra HD or the 4K UHD Combo Pack, which includes 4K UHD, Blu-ray and a Digital copy. 4K Ultra HD provides four times the resolution of HD, bringing the rich color, textures and sounds to life and immersing viewers in two fantastically animated worlds. Dolby Atmos audio heightens the memorable score created by Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino and his 83-piece orchestra, as well as original songs like “Remember Me” by the Oscar®-winning team behind “Frozen,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

BONUS FEATURES*

                Blu-ray & Digital:
·         Deleted Scenes with Introductions - Director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina talk about the deleted scenes and the part they played in the development of “Coco.”
o    Da de los Muertos - In this musical extravaganza, the colors and excitement of Día de los Muertos come to life as we meet superstar Ernesto de la Cruz.
o    The Way of the Riveras - A musical number in which Abuelita and Miguel prepare their Día de los Muertos celebration while she teaches him Rivera family history and traditions.
o    Celebrity Tour - Héctor, a Land of the Dead tour bus guide, agrees to help Miguel, revealed to be a living boy, on his quest to find de la Cruz.
o    The Bus Escape - The Rivera family catches up to Miguel and Héctor and attempts to halt their mission to find de la Cruz.
o    Alebrije Attack - Miguel and Héctor are interrupted on their journey to find de la Cruz by a fierce alebrije.
o    The Family Fix - After de la Cruz reveals his true colors, the Rivera family puts their dismay aside and comes together to repair the smashed guitar needed to send Miguel home.
o    To the Bridge - As the Land of the Dead counts down to the end of Día de los Muertos, Miguel and de la Cruz come head-to-head on the marigold bridge.
·         Filmmaker Commentary – Presented by Lee Unkrich (director), Adrian Molina (co-director) and Darla K. Anderson (producer).
·         The Music of “Coco” - Collaborating with musicians of Mexico and some unique instrumentation, this documentary explores the beautiful fusion of music essential to the story of “Coco.”
·         Paths to Pixar: “Coco” - Explore how the film crew’s personal stories resonate with the themes of the movie itself.
·         Welcome to the Fiesta - A musical exploration of the skeletons that make the Land of the Dead in “Coco” so wondrous and intriguing.
·         How to Draw a Skeleton - Pixar artist Daniel Arriaga gives a lesson on the quick and easy way to draw skeletons using simple shapes.
·         A Thousand Pictures a Day - Join the “Coco” crew on an immersive travelogue through Mexico, visiting families, artisans, cemeteries, and small villages during the Día de los Muertos holiday.
·         Mi Familia - Developing the Riveras was a labor of love that took the cast and crew on a deep dive into the meaning of family.
·         Land of Our Ancestors – Watch Pixar artists lovingly construct layer upon layer of architecture from many eras of Mexican history, bringing the Land of the Dead to life.
·         Fashion Through the Ages – The cast of characters in “Coco” are from many different eras, making for some magnificent costuming opportunities.
·         The Real Guitar – The majestic guitar that spurs Miguel on his journey through the Land of the Dead is a unique creation. Watch as it is initially designed by a Pixar artist and ultimately realized as a real instrument by a master luthier in this poetic ode to craftsmanship.
·         Dante - How the crew fell in love with the uniquely Mexican breed of Xoloitzcuintli (or “Xolo”) dogs that inspired Dante.
·         How to Make Papel Picado - Join Pixar artist Ana Ramírez González as we learn how papel picado is made traditionally, and then try your own approach to this beautiful art form.
·         Un Poco “Coco” - A montage of original animated pieces used to promote “Coco.”
·         “Coco Trailers” - Trailers include “Feeling,” “Dante’s Lunch,” “Destiny,” “Journey” and “Belong.”

                        DVD:
·         Filmmaker Commentary
·         Dante

About “Coco
In Disney•Pixar’s “Coco,Pixar Animation Studios’ 19th feature film, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt)—despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music. 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 Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

The voice cast of “Coco” includes characters from the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead. From the Land of the Living, Anthony Gonzalez (“Ice Box,” TNT’s “The Last Ship”) lends his voice to Miguel, Renée Victor (“Weeds,” “The Apostle”) provides the authoritative voice of Abuelita, and Jaime Camil (CW’s “Jane the Virgin,” Disney Junior’s “Elena of Avalor,” “The Secret Lives of Pets”) is the voice of Papá. Lombardo Boyar (“Happy Feet,” TNT’s “Murder in the First”) voices a town mariachi, and Ana Ofelia Murguía is the voice of Miguel’s cherished great-grandmother Mamá Coco. Sofía Espinosa (“Gloria”) provides the voice of Miguel’s loving Mamá, and Luis Valdez (“Which Way Is Up,” director La Bamba” and “The Cisco Kid”) lends his voice to Tío Berto, Miguel’s hardworking uncle.

From the Land of the Dead, Gael García Bernal (Amazon’s “Mozart in the Jungle”) helps bring to life charming trickster Héctor, Benjamin Bratt (Fox’s “Star,” “Doctor Strange”) is the voice of Miguel’s idol Ernesto de la Cruz, and Alanna Ubach (“Meet the Fockers,” Bravo’s “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce”) provides the voice of Miguel’s great-great-grandmother Mamá Imelda. Alfonso Arau (“¡Three Amigos!” director/ producer “Like Water for Chocolate,” director “A Walk in the Clouds”) is the voice of Miguel’s late great-grandfather Papá Julio, Herbert Siguenza (“Larry Crowne,” “Ben 10: Alien Swarm”) lends his voice to both Tío Oscar and Tío Felipe, Miguel’s late identical twin uncles, and Gabriel Iglesias (“Planes,” “The Nut Job,” “The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature”) lends his voice to the Clerk. Natalia Cordova-Buckley (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”) provides the voice of legendary artist Frida Kahlo, Selene Luna (“My Bloody Valentine,” “Celebrity Wife Swap”) voices Miguels aunt Tía Rosita, and Edward James Olmos (“Blade Runner,” “Stand and Deliver”) lends his voice to Chicharrón.

Also lending their voices are Carla Medina, Dyana Ortelli, Blanca Araceli, Salvador Reyes, Cheech Marin, Octavio Solis and John Ratzenberger.

Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy Story 3”) and co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) from a script by Molina and Matthew Aldrich (“Spinning Man”). Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”) produces, and John Lasseter is executive producer. “Coco” features an original score from Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“Up,” “Rogue One”), a song by Oscar winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (“Frozen”), and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco (“Dope,” “Shovel Buddies”) and Molina. Also part of the team is musical consultant Camilo Lara of the music project Mexican Institute of Sound, as well as cultural consultants Lalo Alcaraz, Marcela Davison Avilés and Octavio Solis."


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--GIVEAWAY--

COCO [Blu-ray]

As promised, the kind folks at Walt Disney Studios are offering one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader the chance to win a digital copy of Coco to enjoy with their family.

To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Disc Specifications
Product SKUs:                          Digital = 4K UHD with HDR (HDR-10 or Dolby Vision), HD, SD
                                                        Physical = 4K UHD Combo Pack (4K UHD+Blu-ray+Digital HD/SD), Multi-screen Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital HD/SD) and DVD
Feature Run Time:                                 Approximately 109 minutes
Rating:                                                                                         PG in U.S., G in CE, and G in CF
Aspect Ratio:                            2.39:1
Resolution:                                4K UHD = 3840 x 2160, HD = 1920 x 1080, SD = 720 x 480
Audio:                                          4K UHD Blu-ray = English Dolby Atmos, English, Spanish and French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio; 4K UHD Digital = English Dolby Atmos (platform dependent), English 5.1, English 2.0; Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 5.1 DTS-HDHR, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio; DVD = English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
Subtitles:                                     Blu-ray = English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Closed Captions:                      Digital = English; DVD = English

Social Media
Facebook:                                                                  Facebook.com/pixarcoco
Website:                                                                      movies.disney.com/coco
Twitter:                                                                       Twitter.com/pixarcoco
Instagram:                                                                 Instagram.com/pixarcoco

ABOUT MOVIES ANYWHERE (MA):
Movies Anywhere simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers.  Movies Anywhere brings together the movies from Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film, The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Participating digital retailers at launch are Amazon Video, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Movies Anywhere offers a library of over 7,300 digital movies at launch, including new releases, and will continue to expand the consumer experience as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can connect their Movies Anywhere account with participating digital retailers and enjoy their favorite digital movies from the comfort of their living room and across multiple devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Apple TV; Chromecast; iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Roku® devices and popular browsers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray and DVD disc packages from participating studios and enjoy them through Movies Anywhere.  

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:


For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Lucasfilm. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.


Disclosure:  I was sent a review copy from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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