Upside Down Magic On Disney DVD Now + Giveaway

Upside Down Magic On Disney DVD Now + Giveaway

By Erin

Upside Down Magic on Disney DVD

*An Enchanting Twist on a Classic Story of Friendship and Self-Discovery*

Featuring Exclusive Bonus Content Including Bloopers and Five Deleted Scenes

Upside Down Magic is about 13-year-old Nory who discovers she can flux into animals and her best pal Reina can manipulate flames. They then enter the Sage Academy for Magical Studies. But Nory’s wonky magic and tendency for turning into a “Dritten” – a half-kitten, half-dragon – lands her in a class for those with unconventional powers, and she and her classmates must prove that their upside-down magic beats right-side up!

If you’re a fan of the books, the movie is nothing like the book, but that’s not bad. Watching a movie exactly like the book would be boring.  I like the message of “be the best version of yourself.” These kids are outcasts but in the end turn out to be better than anyone realized. The story and characters were cute and it kept us engaged.

Cast:                   Izabela Rose as Nory Boxwood Horace;  Siena Agudong as Reina Carvajal;  Kyle Howard as Budd Skriff;  Max Torina as Andres Padillo; Elie Samouhi as Elliot Cohen; Alison Fernandez as Pepper Paloma; Vicki Lewis as Headmaster Knightslinger; Yasmeen Fletcher as Chandra; Callum Seagram Airlie as Phillip; Cynthia McWilliams as Professor Argon; Elaine Hao as Professor Han; Amitai Marmorstein as Professor Lewis

Director:                              Joe Nussbaum

Executive Producers:      Joe Nussbaum, Suzanne Farwell and Susan Cartsonis

Teleplay by:                       Nick Pustay and Josh Cagan

Based on:                            The novel “Upside-Down Magic” by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins

Bonus Material:                

Bloopers (DVD Exclusive)  – Laugh along with the cast as they flub their lines, make mistakes and act goofy on set.

Deleted Scene #1 (DVD Exclusive)  –“Night Before Sage”

Deleted Scene #2 (DVD Exclusive)  –“How’d You Do?”

Deleted Scene #3 (DVD Exclusive)  –“Hey, Goat”

Deleted Scene #4 (DVD Exclusive)  –“Don’t Wait Up”

Deleted Scene #5 (DVD Exclusive)  –“Ready for Anything”

Music Video #1 – “Everything’s Magic” Performed by the Cast

Music Video #2 – “A Place For Us” Performed by Izabela Rose & Siena Agudong

Here’s a super FUN activity you can do while watching the movie! It’s Upside Down Magic BINGO! As you watch the movie, check off the things you see and hear, including the icons!

Upside Down Magic BINGO game

Now for the other really fun part! Enter below in the rafflecopter for your chance to win your own copy of Upside Down Magic just in time for the Holidays! Must be a US resident +18 years or older. Ends 12/11/20 at 12AM PST. Go to the sweepstakes tab on the blog for all giveaway rules. Good-luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Need some more family movie night ideas? Try these!

Mulan

Toy Story 4

Frozen 2

Knott’s Taste of Merry Farm

Knott’s Taste of Merry Farm

By Erin

 Knott’s Berry Farm is now open on select dates through January 3rd for a new seasonal food and retail outdoor experience, celebrating the merriest season of all, with Knott’s Taste of Merry Farm, as it continues to follow state, local and CDC health guidelines. While the theme park itself remains closed, the Christmas spirit still shines bright this year with holiday charm brimming out of every corner of the park, as Knott’s wondrously transforms with enchanted décor, thousands of twinkling lights, miles of festive garland, and a variety of picturesque holiday settings, all serving as a backdrop to the tastiest holiday foods around.

With over 60 unique food and drink items offered on the tasting card, guests can choose from popular flavors of the season like Fully Loaded Turkey Dinner Tater Tots and Comet’s Cinnamon Bun with a Maple Glaze and Candied Pecans, plus options for all dietary preferences. Guests can take care of their holiday shopping at Knott’s one-of-a-kind stores filled with exclusive Knott’s specialty items or discover rare, handmade, and personalized gifts from over 23 artisan local crafters, including Knott’s famous glassblower and chainsaw carver.

With your tasting card, adults get 5 tastings and children get 3 tastings. Here are some of the delicious festive offerings you have to choose from, and there are a LOT of choices! Food booths are lettered and there are maps around the park so you can see where each one is located. Make sure to come HUNGRY as the serving sizes are very generous.

Cupid’s Corn Chowder Soup in a Bread Bowl with Chives

Strawberry Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Sprinkles, and Raspberry Drizzle

Comet’s Cinnamon Bun with a Maple Glaze and Candied Pecans

Merry Mint and Pineapple Aqua Fresca

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with Parmesan and a Panko Crumb Topping

Continue reading »

Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle

Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle

By Erin

Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle

If you’re looking for a delicious Thanksgiving dessert to make next week that is easy to make, this is it. I’m a huge cheesecake lover, so I’d take this over pumpkin pie any day. 😉 This is also served in individual jars, so you know with germs and everything, this is ideal vs. serving in a pie tin with multiple people touching it.

This is such a fabulous recipe that it can be made for a huge crowd in more normal times or for a small party with family at home during these strange covid times. It’s also casual enough that kids can help assemble it.  To save time, I used a pre-made angel cake.  Bonus points – if you use a mason jar,  they travel well and are just super cute.

Notes:

This recipe uses about ⅓ of pre-made angel cake, and it yields approximately six 8 ounce jars.  You’ll want to use jars with wider mouths, as it’s more difficult to layer the ingredients in a jar with a narrow mouth.  These are great eaten immediately, but even better if they have time to chill.  Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep time : 15 minutes

Rest time : allow to chill.

Ingredients

For the angel cake layer:

3 cups of angel cake (about ⅓ of a cake), cut into ½ inch squares or smaller

For the whipped cream:

1.5 cups of whipping cream

½ tablespoon granulated sugar

½ teaspoon of cinnamon

Pumpkin Cheesecake Process

For the pumpkin layer filling:

8 ounces of cream cheese

1 ½ cup of pumpkin puree

4 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

½ teaspoon vanilla

Optional: 

¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped

Caramel drizzle

Directions:

Whipped cream: 

To make the whipped cream,  mix 1.5 cups of whipping cream with ½  tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.  Beat until stiff peaks form.  Set aside.

Pumpkin layer filling:

Mix cream cheese, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until combined.  Gently fold in ⅓ cup of the whipped cream, setting the rest of the whipped cream aside.

To Assemble:

Layer the angel cake with the pumpkin cheese-cake in jars, alternating the layers as shown. Top each jar with a dollop from the remaining whipped cream, and then top with toasted pecans and caramel.  Chill until ready to eat, or up to 3 days. Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is now ready to devour! 😉

ENJOY!

Need something festive to drink to go with it? Try this.

Instant Pot Apple Cider