“Have Courage and Be Kind,” A Modern Day Cinderella

“Have Courage and Be Kind,” A Modern Day Cinderella

By Erin

*I was invited by Disney to attend the press junket for Cinderella. All opinions are my own.*

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“Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And where there is goodness, there is magic.” This pretty much sums up the magic that is created in Disney’s new live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella.” To make this film relevant to modern audiences, this core value of kindness and compassion was fundamentally important to its success. The filmmakers were convinced that by having a powerful story, combined with an exceponally-talented cast, along with complex and realistic characters, would make for a truly entertaining and magical experience. After seeing the film, I am still in awe of all the magic, beauty, artistry, and the heartfelt message of “Have Courage and Be Kind.” I cannot wait to see it again, and am happy to say that I had the pleasure of interviewing a few of the key characters, producers, and the costume designer for Cinderella to be able to share with you today a little bit about what makes this re-make of Cinderella oh so special.

CINDERELLA

First, we spoke with Prince Charming himself, Richard Madden. We had many questions to ask him.

What drew you to the roll of the Prince?

Richard: I wanted a character with depth and humor. I got to see Cinderella as a daughter and the Prince as a son. Cinderella sees the Prince as a friend and soldier first, as well as a prince.

What was it like working with the Director, Kenneth Branagh?

Richard: It was wonderful. I’ll be working with him again in 2016. He’s considerate and has confidence in me.

How will this movie speak to kids at heart today?

Richard: Cinderella would have been fine if she didn’t end up with the prince. It’s not like the original. This is two people bringing out the best in each other. Young boys will see love in a more equal way, and will have more of a respect for women and the world around them.

CINDERELLA

What’s the first thing you see in a woman Richard?

Richard: I don’t know. I am just interested in people. I want to talk to them and get to know them.

What did you think about learning to Waltz?

Richard: Awful!! You won’t be seeing me on Dancing with the Stars. Absolutely not!

What was it like working with Lily James as Cinderella?

Richard: A joy. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. She’s so kind, generous, caring, loving, giving, everything you could want.

 What is your favorite scene from the movie?

Richard: When the Prince and Cinderella meet for the first time. There are many feelings going on, the dancing around of the horses. Lily hadn’t ridden horses before the movie. She took many riding lessons to prepare for these scenes on horseback.

CINDERELLA

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Flowers, And Candy And Hearts, Oh My

Flowers, And Candy And Hearts, Oh My

By Erin

Vaelntine’s Day can be a sticky subject for many. People either love it, hate it, or could just care less. Those that have someone to spend it with may love it. Those that are single may hate it and have Anti-Valentine’s Day Parties or refer to the day as “Single’s Awareness Day.”

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Being single myself, I can’t really say the day has much meaning to me right now. I am my own Valentine.

The times I have been in a relationship though,  I haven’t minded it. It was nice to have someone to spend it with, but I would rather have my Valentine  365 days a year for the rest of my life. Not just on one very commercialized holiday to do something special to show my Valentine I care and to tell them that I love them. It should be something you do throughout the year because you want to and truly love and cherish the one you’re with. Not because some holiday tells you that you are supposed to do this.

In conjunction with the whole #putitintheuniverse idea, this is me putting it out there, on the things I’d love my future Valentine to do for me or with me any day of the year.

Until then, I’ll just be treating myself to a few of these things when I can.

Happy Valentines Day 2015

 1) Spa Day

What girl doesn’t love a good spa day? A day filled with relaxation, a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure sounds wonderful to me!

Burke Williams has a package that pretty much covers this. 😉

True Love

Indulge in a Spa Pedicure with a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -and- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel. Just $259 (regularly $328), $279 in San Francisco (regularly $360).

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is also a wonderful place to spend a spa day laying out by one of the pools, enjoying some spa treatments, and a healthy snack or lunch.

Spa Day

 

2) A Special Meal Together (Dinner, Brunch, Lunch)

Wether it’s dinner, brunch, lunch or breakfast; as long as you’re together to enjoy a great meal at a place you love or are curious to explore is sure to create a special moment. Here are a few of my favorite places (I have MANY favorites!!) that I have had the pleasure to be able to dine out at. From left to right: Club 33 at Disneyland, Darren’s in Manhattan Beach, and Dominique’s Kitchen in Redondo Beach.

Dinner Love

3) A Getaway Weekend

Taking a drive up the coast to one of the central California cities of Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Cambria, Carmel or San Luis Obispo is always a special and romantic weekend in my book. The beach, amazing food, wine tasting, horseback riding, shopping, just exploring to see what new things you can find, whatever your hearts desire, you can probably find it somewhere around one of these places. Santa Barbara, San Diego, Mammoth, Big Bear, the river, and Vegas also make for some fun quick getaway weekends in California. No matter where you live though, each state has it’s own unique places and cities to check out. What are some locals you enjoy visiting?

A couple of my favorite places to stay at for a weekend away include:

The Madonna Inn: A very quirky and unique place, with an amazing steak house and spa complete with infinity pool. Each room is different, no two are alike.

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Blue Dolphin Inn of Cambria Inns: For an amazing ocean view and for some equally amazing sunsets; stay at the Blue Dolphin Inn. With breakfast, fireplaces, and the ocean just outside your door, you won’t want to leave this beach paradise.

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4)Flowers

I’m always a sucker for a beautiful arrangement of flowers. I love nature and pretty things, I spend much time in my own garden, taking care of the roses, flowers, and fruit trees. It’s nice to be able to take some of this beauty and bring it indoors, even if it’s only for a short bit. My favorite place to ever have gotten flowers from is Disney Floral & Gifts. A little bit of magic and pixie dust just makes it that much more special.

Flowers

5) Chocolates/Favorite Candies

A sweet treat can brighten up any day. One of my favorite kinds of Chocolates I’ve EVER had is from this place, called Pure Madness Chocolate. It’s heaven in a box…. seriously.

Chocolates

6) Wine/Beer Tasting

Wine or beer tasting always leads to a fun adventure. Find some new favorites or revisit  some old loves. No matter where you live, you should be able to find a winery or a tasting room not too far away. One of my favorite places to go around here is to Malibu for some wine tasting. It makes for a beautiful drive, and there are many wonderful wineries and eateries (since you’ll need something to go with all that wine or beer 😉 to choose from. A little bit farther away, but still doable for a day trip in Southern California, is in Temecula, there are many great places to choose from there as well. Cheers!

Wine Tasting

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Endless Love Equals Endless Fondue: A Valentine’s Day Celebration at The Melting Pot.

A Valentine’s Day Celebration at The Melting Pot

By Erin

*This Valentines Day, Whoo Your Sweetheart with an Intimate 6-Course Fondue Experience and Free Chocolate Fondue for One Year as The Melting Pot Irvine and Brea are giving away FREE Chocolate Fondue for ONE YEAR to couples who get engaged at their restaurant on Valentine’s Day!

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The Melting Pot is one place I love to go to for a fun meal. Whether I want something sweet, like chocolate, or more savory (or maybe both) The Melting Pot has you covered. When I heard about these sweet Valentine’s Day specials, I just had to share them with you.

True Love and Endless Love Equals Endless Fondue this Valentine’s Day at The Melting Pot OC when it hosts “Endless Love of Fondue” from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on February 14th, 2014. A top choice for Best Romantic Dining Experience, The Melting Pot OC will treat guests to an intimate celebration that includes a menu of savory fondues, complete with rose petals and candles, a bouquet of fresh aromatic red roses, a bottle of Champagne, fresh strawberries and silky chocolate fondue.  Thinking of getting engaged on this special night? Let The Melting Pot be the setting for your romantic engagement!

Couples who make a reservation for The Melting Pot’s proposal package will receive one free chocolate fondue each month for one year!  How’s that for a SWEET deal? Couples’ packages start at $275 the True Romance Package featuring a six-course fondue dinner, a half-dozen red roses and premium Champagne, and $375 for The Proposal Package, featuring a six-course fondue dinner, a dozen red roses, premium Champagne with commemorative sparkling wine flutes and one complimentary chocolate fondue each month for one year.

Valentine’s Day menu prices range from $64.95 to $69.95 per person. The Melting Pot has two locations in Orange County: The Melting Pot Brea, located at 375 W. Birch Street, (714) 671-6000; and The Melting Pot Irvine, located at 2646 Dupont Dr.,(949) 955-3242. Reservations are recommended.

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On Valentine’s Day, guests may choose from two menus: Endless Love, a prix fixe six-course fondue and choice cuts entrée from $64.95 to $69.95 and Late Night Romance, a light bite menu available from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., featuring cheese fondue, farm fresh salad, chocolate fondue with a celebratory cocktail from $22.95 to $29.95.  The Melting pot is the perfect spot for a romantic night out!

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