Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Pajama Party // #DisneySide

Disclosure: I received party supplies and samples to facilitate hosting this event. No other compensation was received and all views expressed are my own. 

It's not a secret that I'm a huge Disney fan, so I was incredibly excited to be selected as a host for a Disney Side @Home Celebration this winter! My friend Stephanie, who blogs over at Moments That Take My Breath Away, was given the chance to host a party too, and the two of us decided to combine our efforts for an epic Disney bash.

After a lot of late night Facebook chat brainstorming, we decided that we would host a preschool Pajama Party, featuring breakfast snack foods, crafts and activities, and even a special guest visitor. We gathered up every Disney toy we own (and let's just say that's A LOT), invited lots of young Disney fans, turned up some Disney tunes, and partied the day away! We didn't send formal invitations in the mail, but it would have been really simple to adapt my DIY Mickey Mouse Party Invitations with a dreamy touch!

Since we were throwing an enchanted pajama bash, we carried the sleep/dream theme throughout the party. Our front door sign (above) featured a famous quote from Walt Disney, and the sentiment was echoed in the Mickey Mouse themed banner we displayed (below).

Stephanie is a food artist far more talented than I (have you seen the owl cake we she made for Addie's first birthday?), and she put together an impressive display of Disney themed snacks for everyone to munch on. Between Mickey and Minnie Cinnamon Rolls, Fairy Godmother (Fruit) Wands, and Luigi's Leaning Tower of (Donut) Tires, the table display was downright adorable.

The kids were more than happy to grab some snacks and devour them!

For entertainment, we had three main stations for the kids to cycle through: Cozy Cone Motel's Moonlit Raceway, Sweet Dreams Station, and Every Princess Needs Her Beauty Sleep (a princess makeover station - you can find that one on Stephanie's blog).

The Cozy Cone Motel's Moonlit Raceway featured lots of Cars themed plush toys, a giant Cozy Cone (still on hand from the theatrical release when my husband worked at a movie theater), and a race track so the kids could test out their racing skills!

The track was a big hit and the kids returned to it many times throughout the party to send some cars flying down the road!

The Sweet Dream Station featured plain white pillowcases, fabric markers, and Mickey Mouse stencils to allow each child to design their own Mickey Mouse pillow! Some of the sweetest dreams are Disney dreams, right? I know I dream about returning to Disney World someday!

This ended up being a really fun station, and the kids (especially the girls...and the moms!) were all very excited to create their own personalized Mickey pillowcases. This station held Lincoln's interest for about thirty seconds, and then he was back to playing with Cars.

Since there were a lot of little princesses in attendance at our bash, we thought it only appropriate to have a Princess Storytime. The preschoolers got to meet Princess Belle live and in person, and this crazy theatre lady got to portray a pretty epic role. Dreams were coming true all over the place!

Princess Belle read a story about being as polite as a princess first, then followed up with some Disney bedtime stories.

It's actually really difficult to read books while wearing gloves. You heard it here first, friends!

Storytime was a great success...at least, I thought so. Maybe I'm biased, though. Okay, I am...I admit it. But I'll let you all judge how the kids liked it, based on the photo below.

We kept the fun right on going after Belle went back to being just a mama helping to host a party and played "Pin the Sorcerer's Hat on Mickey." It sort of looks like a nightcap, so it fit the theme perfectly! The kids got a big kick out of closing their eyes for the game. Most of them cheated, but most of them couldn't figure out how to keep their eyes closed and move at the same time. It was cute.

We ended the party by asking everyone to join in a dance party to earn their favors!

I keep cracking up looking at these photos of Lincoln. He was having the BEST time. All of the kids loved dancing themselves silly!

We had the best time at our Disney Side party! Lincoln and Addie talked about it for days on end, and kept wanting to know when we would have another party. The good news is...with Disney, you never run out of party ideas!

Disclosure: Thanks to Disney Side @Home Celebrations for providing many elements of our party. All opinions expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

Sea Anemone Pipe Cleaner Craft

When I was planning Lincoln's Octonauts birthday party, I knew I wanted some sort of craft for the kids to do. I went back and forth between this idea (a Sea Anemone Pipe Cleaner craft) and a Paper Plate Aquarium, but the anemone ultimately required less prep, so it was the one we chose! My kids love sea creatures, so I thought it would be really fun to make an anemone - I knew they would use it after the party to play with their ocean themed toys!

Sea Anemone Pipe Cleaner Craft
Supplies Needed: 
-Pipe Cleaners in whatever colors you choose (about 50-60 per anemone)
-Small, Round Plastic Canvas (I used 3")
-Scissors

1. Cut all the pipe cleaners in half. You could leave them full length, or you could cut them in various lengths...for the sake of time, I cut mine all the same.

2. Insert each end of one piece of pipe cleaner through one side of the plastic canvas, pull tight, and twist to hold in place. See photos below for further visuals. I

3. Continue in this manner, filling the spaces closely. I found that the overall look of the anemone was fuller and more realistic when I used almost every hole in the canvas versus skipping over them to use fewer pipe cleaners.

Below: an example of what the bottom of a canvas looks like when a four-year-old actually makes the craft. It still turns out really cute - just not as full!

4. Continue to fill in the spaces until all have been covered. 

5. Arrange as desired and enjoy!

Our anemones were a big hit. My kids think they're cool, and they loved the sensory-friendly craft project.

Bonus piece of info which can double as a warning: anemones sting and it turns out that pipe cleaners have a stinging effect when exposed as they are in this craft. The kids and I actually think it's more realistic and cool, but some people may not agree with us!

I'm dreaming up more unusual sea creature crafts...what should we make next?!

Little Gestalten: 5 Very Unique Books {Review + Giveaway}

Disclosure: I received sample books to review. No compensation was received and all views expressed are my own. 

I love picture books. I may love them more than my kids love them. We read books as often as we can. So I was happy to take a peek at a set of new books from Berlin-based children's book publisher Little Gestalten. We were sent five of their debut line of high concept, very unique picture books - and we have enjoyed them so much!

Issun Boshi: The One Inch Boy
This classic Japanese fairy tale tells the story of Issun Boshi, the tiny son of an old, long childless couple. His mother had longed to have a child for so many years that she finally added "even if it is a very small one" to her wish. When the elderly couple did in fact bear a son, he turned out to be only one inch high. He was thus called Issun Boshi, Japanese for one-inch boy. Tiny and brave -- these are the two most striking characteristics of Issun Boshi. Although his parents raised him very lovingly, Issun Boshi realized one day that he would not grow any taller. He then left his home to set off on a journey to find his place in the world.

This book has such a vivid color palette and introduces kids to a fairy tale from another land. This slightly over-sized book features a sweet little story - although I've given my kids a slightly milder version of the page where Issun Boshi is trapped inside an ogre's belly!

Little Red Riding Hood
The New York Times Sunday Review describes this book the best -- "Even the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” seems new again in Little Gestalten’s version, with cutout images that can be held up to the light to cast shadows on the wall until it’s time to say, “My, what big, tired eyes you have."

This book has one of the coolest concepts ever. It unfolds into a giant artistic panorama that is super cool when you hold it in front of a light to cast shadows on the wall. Not so cool is when your toddler unfolds it and drags it through the house like a scarf. After that incident, it moved to a higher level on the bookshelf!

Elsa and the Night
Elsa and the Night tells the story of an extraordinary friendship. Can one make friends with the night? One day Elsa is sitting at her kitchen table and suddenly hears a sound coming from under the sofa. When she investigates, she realizes that it's neither an animal nor a ghost. It's the night. The night not only listens to Elsa, but also accompanies her on a heartwarming and moving journey where it cares for her, protects her, and finally carries her through the town in its arms.

A tale translated from Swedish, this story is a bit bittersweet, but intriguing. The muted color tones provide a lovely backdrop for the melancholy telling of how Elsa has not fallen asleep in years. I especially like the way the "Night" starts off very small, but grows until it has become dark all throughout the town. It's very visually pleasing!

The Zoo's Grand Opening
With this book, even the youngest children can playfully learn their ABCs, the names of animals, and how to count. This fun animal book tells the exciting story of a zoo preparing for its opening day. The head zookeeper, who guides young readers through its pages, is waiting anxiously for the animals to get there. Will they all be in their cages by the time the first visitors arrive?

My kids love alphabet books, animals, and zoos, so this is our favorite of the collection and the one I recommend the most. It features one page and one poem for each letter of the alphabet, and covers unusual species like dromedaries, quoll, and chameleons. I love the simplicity of the design in this title - each animal is outlined in white on a solid color background. It's a nice touch!

Alphabetics: An Aesthetically Awesome Alliterated Alphabet Anthology
C is for cat? D is for dog? Not in this book! Here, Colossal Cornelius captures his companions with his camera and Daisy the diver dares a death-defying dip with dinosaurs. In Alphabetics, each of the alphabet’s twenty-six letters is depicted with an awesome alliteration—not to mention an illuminating illustration—that will captivate and stimulate young minds.  Although the lettered tales are meant to be humorous and fun, they also serve a commendable purpose. Complex words are introduced to expand children’s vocabularies and linguistic horizons. The book includes a glossary so that readers can look up any terms that are unfamiliar to them.

This book is a little above the level of my 2- and 4-year-olds, but we are enjoying learning tons of new words on each alliterated page! An example of the writing style:

Wanderlust Wren with a walrus mustache enjoys wearing a warbonnet and warpaint while wayfaring with warbling whales.

It's pretty cool, and I think I'll be pulling it out as we study the alphabet in homeschooling adventures!

Make sure you follow Little Gestalten on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the latest updates and new product releases!

Giveaway

One Director Jewels reader will win a set of the 5 books featured above from Little Gestalten! This giveaway will end on March 25 at 11:59pm CST. This giveaway is open to US readers only. Winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or prize will be forfeited.

To enter the giveaway, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter form below (you may need Javascript enabled to see the form and it may take a moment to load)! Once you complete the first entry, the other options will open up so that you can complete them as well. All of the "extra entries" are optional - you can do just one, or as many as you want! Winners will be contacted by email. Good   luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I received sample books to review. All opinions expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Giveaway Policy and my Disclosure Policy.

Drama Teacher Resource: Free Printable Tongue Twisters

It's not often that the subject comes up here on the blog, but I own a private drama studio that operates out of my house. It's awesome and fun. And a little crazy! I thought it would be fun to share one of my favorite resources - free printable tongue twisters!

My students are huge fans of playing improvisation (or improv) games during each class, but I like for them to work on diction and character. I've tricked them into learning a lot about how to pronounce words by always starting rehearsal with a tongue twister (or four)!

We utilize three reasons for practicing with tongue twisters, and they're alliterated just for fun!

1. Pronunciation. Try making it a game to find the "hidden" letters that often get skipped over when using sloppy enunciation. Example: Diction is done with the tip of the tongue and the teeth. The letters to watch for here are the "p" in tip and the "d" in and.

2. Projection. Theatre games can be used to make kids feel more comfortable with themselves and with each other. Games also (in my classes, anyway) tend to rile kids up and make them louder and louder. This is great when you are trying to train them to use their vocal register to project to the back of an auditorium!

3. Partnership. Being part of a play is a team effort. When you're performing, there is no one there except your fellow cast mates to save the day in a case of forgotten lines or a misplaced prop. The more comfortable the team acts as a group, the more likely they can pull themselves out of an onstage disaster. I ask the kids to practice tongue twisters together - the goal is to say all of those hidden letters at the same time, not just spit them out as quickly as possible.

Tongue twisters are helpful for speech and language development in any kids - not just the dramatic one. How do you use them in your classroom?

You can download my list of favorite tongue twisters in a free printable here. Make sure you also snag my Character Analysis worksheet!

A Letter to My Toddler Drama Queen

Disclosure: I received an outfit for Addie to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh, little girl. You and I...we need to have a chat.

See, I'm your mama. And I know a lot about drama.

And you...you're just starting to figure it out.

Last week, it was acceptable to eat the smoothie that I made for your breakfast. Today, your reaction is "it's YUCKY!"

Two months ago, you said "I can nurse now, okay?" Now, it's "I neeeeeeed to nurseeeeee! I need to nurse! I need to nurse! I need to nurse!"

And wearing tiny (adorable) pigtails in your hair has become something worthy of epic meltdowns of legendary proportions.

You're two years old and starting to realize that being a little drama queen is something that you enjoy.

I'm not upset that there's drama. I laugh when you aren't looking (usually when you've thrown yourself on the floor). As a mama with a fair amount of drama in my arsenal, I know that there is much good behind all of the emotion and hysteria that comes along with being a high maintenance toddler.

There are stories about me that (so far, anyway) put all of your antics to shame. I'll have one up on you until you've turned over a chair in a fancy restaurant or blatantly told the pastor's wife that your family never reads Bible verses or been pulled kicking and screaming from a friend's house or the church lobby.... Oh, wait. I guess you possibly might have been an active participant in that last one a time or two in recent weeks.

Having a strong will is not a bad thing, baby girl. Being strong is something that should never make you feel ashamed. Knowing who you are and being willing to fight for it are skills that could actually make or break you when you're grown. Believe me...I know.

The thing is, you and I have some work to do over the next few years. We have to go from tangling with toddler emotions to navigating preschool questions and elementary curiosity and then (oh boy) cycle back to emotions when we meet you as a teenager. For now, we may just have a throw down if I don't let you wear your favorite outfits (like this pink "princess dress" from FabKids) every day - but in ten years, what will the battle be?

I want you to know that you're beautiful - but not throw that knowledge in anyone's face or use it to your advantage.

I hope that you learn that thinking of others is far more important than taking care of yourself.

I pray that you'll take a stand for the things that are true and right and good - even if it's not the most popular option.

I love you, my beautiful, spunky girl. I'm in this drama queen thing with you for the long haul. Don't be afraid to ask me for some advice...because I do have a little bit of experience in this department.

You can find FabKids monthly outfit subscriptions with a VIP membership starting at $29.95/month, or purchase individual pieces with a regular membership.

Thanks to FabKids for providing the outfit featured in today's post. All opinions expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.