Central Texas News

Available To Own on Disney DVD on February 11
Premieres on Disney Channel and Disney Junior on February 14

Our pals need to get Minnie a surprise present, so they keep her busy with plenty of chores to do at the Clubhouse.  Tired from so much work, Minnie falls asleep and dreams that she is MINNIE-RELLA!  Inspired by the fairy tale of Cinderella, the story of Minnie-rella sparkles with music and fun as we recognize our favorite Clubhouse characters in familiar roles. 

Poor Minnie-rella needs a lot of help to get ready for Prince Mickey’s Grand Ball!  With a wave of her wand and some “Mouseke-doodle-lee-doo” magic, Minnie-rella’s Fairy Godmother, Clarabelle, transforms an ordinary tomato into a magnificent carriage and Minnie-rella’s raggedy dress into a beautiful gown that is perfect for a princess.  But Minnie-rella’s enchanted dance with Prince Mickey at the ball must end when the spell is broken at midnight.  With our help, Prince Mickey finds the princess who fits into her lost glass slipper – Princess Minnie-rella! 

The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie-rella DVD comes packaged with the full-length adventure, a FREE Castle Play Set, 3 additional Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes and 10 Minnie’s Bow-Toons Shorts!

DVD debuts on Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Airs on TV on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Channel and 5:30 p.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior

Guests of Mama Fu’s Asian House will have the chance to ring in the 2014 Lunar New Year as the  flex-casual Asian restaurant concept kicks-off the Year of the Horse with affordable and healthy dining options for the entire family.

Beginning Monday, January 27^{th 2014}, Mama Fu’s, which serves authentic and fresh made to order menu items inspired by the cuisines of five different Asian countries will offer half-priced entrees and Kids Selections with the purchase of a beverage to dine-in customers at all locations. The offer is not valid with other offers and ends Wednesday, January 29^{th 2014} and is available at all participating locations.

“An iconic celebration in the Asian culture, the Lunar New Year represents the beginning of a new lunar calendar and is known as a time for big family reunions,” said Randy Murphy, President and CEO of Mama Fu’s. “To us, our customers are family and this gives us an opportunity to give back and celebrate with them.”

Mama Fu’s Asian House offers guests convenience, value and unique flavors with its high quality, made-to-order Asian-inspired food, including the MenuMasters award-winning Banh mi sandwich. With a contemporary and user-friendly menu that allows guests to navigate their options more easily, guests can choose between a rice dish or noodle bowl, as well as their protein of choice, from a selection of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean menu options.

More health-conscious guests can order a Steam Bowl or salad, or have their protein steamed, a cooking method that reduces oils and starch. For a more exclusive look at menu options and perks, Mama Fu’s offers a popular rewards program to customers, known as the “Funatics Club,” which offers exclusive deals to club members and keeps guests coming back to enjoy the Mama Fu’s experience.

For more information visit www.mamafus.com. To learn more about franchising opportunities please call 512-949-3211 or email franchiseinfo@mamafus.com

As a first time mom you are always worried that the baby will need something and you don’t have it. Truth be told as a third time mom I am seeing that there are things that I HAVE TO have but things that really simplify my life.

Sure, the most important thing is that my family is healthy and happy. Can you really put a value on mom’s sanity? Really?

My husband thought I was crazy when I bought yet again something new to take up a lot of room in our house. It was a Jumparoo. OMG I can’t tell you how much I loved throwing that in his face. Baby loves bouncing in that thing. I don’t care how many times you trip over it. She loves it, I love it!

Sometimes it may seem like a want, when it is really a need. That is what I found out when I was given the opportunity to try out what some have called the Baby Keurig. Stick with me here.

When I attended the Tommee Tippee 360 Sealer Event in Austin Texas back in November last year I really had not tried out any of the Tommee Tippee product. But I did see them at the stores. I had nothing against the brand at all. I just did not venture too far from what had always worked for me and my children.

After the event I was honored that Tommee Tippee sent me several of their products to try out. I have to tell you, I was super excited! The one thing that caught my eye was the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep™ Machine and that is exactly what showed up at my doorstep!

You a probably thinking, “Yeah sure, that is a need.” I can hear it now. But it really is. Some babies have a hard time going from room temp formula or body temperature breast milk to cold formula. The Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep™ Machine warms the water and puts the exactly correct measurements into your bottle.

Not only that, the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep™ Machine comes with a replaceable water filter so now you can trust that the water that is in your babies bottle is removed of any yucky contaminates!

I will admit that my baby was not in love with the Tommee Tippee bottle nipples so if you have a picky nipple baby you can use any bottle. You don’t have to use only Tommee Tippee’s bottles for the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep™ Machine.

Key Features

• Makes a fresh bottle at correct temperature in less than 2 minutes.
• Filter system removes impurities present in water.
• Initial ‘hot shot’ of water kills bacteria that may be present in formula.
• Dispenses correct amount of water for a more accurate and consistent dilution.

I love my Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep™ Machine. And baby loves it as well. Especially during the transition from breast to formula.Who doesn’t prefer warm milk?

You can check out the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep™ Machine at Babies R Us where they are sold exclusively. Currently they are selling for $149.99

National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is teaming up with Open Road Films, RedroverCo., Ltd. and ToonBox Entertainment for the release of The Nut Job, opening in theaters nationwide on January 17. As the education partner for the new animated film, NWF is providing resources to help kids, parents, teachers and animal enthusiasts of all ages celebrate some of our most clever, acrobatic backyard inhabitants on January 21 for National Squirrel Appreciation Day.

In animated 3D, The Nut Job is an action-packed comedy that follows Surly (voiced by Will Arnett), a mischievous squirrel, who must plan a heist to get into his town’s biggest nut shop so that his park pals can gather enough food to survive winter. With his sidekick, Buddy, he assembles a ragtag crew to help him get inside and takes them on a fun-filled adventure.

“National Wildlife Federation is the perfect education partner for this film,” says Will Arnett. “I am glad to be part of a project that shows how wonderful these sometimes unappreciated animals can be.”

“Having just made a film in which I play a squirrel, I’m very partial to them, and am delighted to hear that the National Wildlife Federation is celebrating National Squirrel Appreciation Day, encouraging us to celebrate backyard wildlife every day,” says Katherine Heigl.

“We hope the lessons of working together and sharing that Surly learns will encourage kids, families and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages to help us plant trees<http://www.shopnwf.org/Trees-for-Wildlife/index.cat> to provide homes and food for squirrels and other wildlife through NWF’s Trees for Wildlife program,” says Carey Stanton, NWF’s senior director for education.

At www.nwf.org TheNutJob, there are other ways to celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day and show your love for squirrels:

• Show your love for squirrels and also encourage people to take action on behalf of wildlife by entering the NWF sweepstakes<http://www.nwf.org/TheNutJob> for a private hometown screening for up to 100 friends to see The Nut Job. The sweepstakes deadline is 11:59 p.m. EST on January 22, 2014.

• Download the official The Nut Job poster.
• Tweet your pics of squirrels using the hashtag: #squirrelday.
• See the NWF App, Squirrel vs. Bird Feeder.
• Play Squirrel Seek in Activity Finder, NWF’s database of activities to help connect families with nature.

About the film:
The Nut Job is based on the 2005 award-winning comedy short film Surly Squirrel by animation veteran Lepeniotis, The Nut Job marks the Canadian-based ToonBox’s first feature film with Korean partner Redrover, in association with Gulfstream Pictures, which is handling U.S. sales. Fully financed by Redrover and its partners. An all-star cast of Katherine Heigl, Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Stephen Lang, Sarah Gadon and comedian Jeff Dunham, have all lent their voices for the animated comedy feature. For Facebook: http://www.fb.com/TheNutJobMovie and Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheNutJobMovie.

About National Wildlife Federation:
National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.

About Open Road Films:
Founded in 2011 by AMC Entertainment Inc. (AMC) and Regal Entertainment Group (Regal), the two largest theatrical exhibition and entertainment companies in the United States, Open Road Films is a dynamic, acquisition-based domestic theatrical distribution company.

Central Texas’ most well-known children’s theatre company, Pollyanna Theatre along with Ballet Austin co-present Holly Hepp-Galvan’s Sprites at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside, Austin, TX  78704. The show runs from January 24-26^th with multiple show times and two ‘pay what you like’ parties with the cast following the performances.

This delightful new play, a dance drama, was commissioned by Pollyanna Theatre Company to playwright Holly Hepp-Galvan, and choreographed by Ballet Austin’s Nicholas Kepley. Pollyanna is also joined in this co-production by Ballet Austin’s Trainees, an amazingly talented group of young professional dancers. Sprites is best suited for family audiences ages 8 and up. 

The story follows a young girl named Wren, who is trying to navigate her way through a new set of peers when she realizes that her words are Sprites, imaginative beings that can take on a life of their own.  At first this discovery is very fun as the Sprites help her write beautiful poems and fun stories.  But Wren is shocked when her angry words suddenly take on a very sinister life.  Convinced to use her words as weapons against a friend, Wren launches her angry language into cyberspace and the effect is far greater than she could ever imagine.

Exploring themes of acceptance, peer pressure and cyber-bullying in the digital age, the play delves into the desire to fit in, doing what is ‘right’ and finding one’s ‘true voice’.

Judy Matetzschk-Campbell PhD, founder and artistic director of Pollyanna Theatre Company says, “As a child I was always confused when adults told me that ‘words cannot hurt you’.  It sure felt like they could!  Today more than ever, a word when it is spoken can never be erased.  As soon as it is launched into cyberspace via email or posted online, it has a life all of its own.  With bullying online being almost an epidemic among school aged children, it only seems appropriate that Pollyanna would examine this powerful topic through a current and original production.  We are thrilled that Ballet Austin is joining us in our efforts to who young people the true power of their words.”

Associate Artistic Director Michelle Martin agrees. “Ballet Austin has a long standing history with Pollyanna Theatre Company and is proud to once again partner with them. Our participation in Sprites allows us to broaden our reach and establish new connections with students and educators throughout Austin. As part of this unique collaboration, our dancers are given the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of theatrical storytelling, as they experience a collaborative creation process in which they are able to build their own characters from the ground up.”

The cast includes professional actors including Chelsea Hockaday, Julie Linnard, Bethany  Harbaugh and Maya Pruitt.

In addition to public performances, Sprites is also available for schools throughout Central Texas. Call (512) 743-7966 for more information. As with all Pollyanna productions, accompanying multi-disciplinary curricula and professional development tools are also available free of charge for teachers and parents.

The Alamo Drafthouse and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery are pleased to announce an open call for short film entries for the seventh annual OFF-CENTERED FILM FEST. The short film competition is at the heart of each year’s OCFF, an epic multi-day celebration of craft beer, delicious food and cinema that takes place at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX. This year’s fest will take place Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26, 2014.

Each year’s filmmaking competition is centered around a theme. This year, it’s “Off-Centered, Stuntin’,'” a celebration of classic awe-inspiring feats in the spirit of iconic daredevils like Evel Knievel.

To enter, filmmakers must submit an original 5-minute or less short film incorporating this theme. Submissions open January 31^st and close March 1^st. Online voting to select the finalists starts as soon as a film is uploaded and will end March 5^th.

The top 12 shorts, as voted by the public and a panel of judges, will be chosen and announced on March 6. The grand prize OCFF winner will be chosen at the festival, and 12 of the top-rated shorts will screen at the Alamo during the fest.

The grand prize includes $2,500 cash, “The Delaware Dogfish Experience” (a one-of-a-kind trip to Dogfish’s HQ that includes 2 nights at the Dogfish Inn, a brewery tour, a kayak outing and more), and a Fantastic Fest Fan Badge for the 2014 fest in Austin, Texas.  

First, second and third place finalists will also be chosen, with prizes that include airfare to Austin, accommodations for the fest, admission to all the OCFF events, and a bag full of Alamo and Dogfish Head goodies.

For more about this year’s Off-Centered Film Fest and for submission guidelines, visit http://offcenteredfilmfest.com.  To see the 2014 OCFF STUNTIN’ Video Competition sizzle, visit https://vimeo.com/84258780. 

The Long Center is thrilled to announce the return of Architects of Air to our West Lawn, January 24-February 2. Architects of Air features a series of interactive, inflatable ‘sculptures,’ that visitors actually enter! This H.E.B. sponsored event features a brand new luminarium: Miracoco!

Last year, Architects of Air visited Austin for the second time, bringing the luminarium Exxopolis. Nearly 10,000 people visited the structure in one week!  Each time the company visits the Long Center, the skyline of downtown Austin is literally transformed buy a different luminarium. This engagement will be the first time visitors in Austin will have the chance to explore Miracoco.

Once the luminarium is installed and inflated, it is visible from across the city, including downtown Austin and all along Lady Bird Lake and the trails. Visitors who enter the structure experience a spectacular and surreal world, spending up to 30 minutes touring the visually stunning interiors of the luminarium. Light and color combine for an intense experience that lends itself to meditation, relaxation and fun.

The Miracoco Luminarium represents a new step in the evolution of luminarium design.  Taking the best from what has been learned from past structures, designers have achieved greater control over the inflated form. 

Functionally this means improvements in safety and in modularity but, most importantly, this new luminarium is one of the most visually exciting ever built.

In fact, Miracoco’s Centre Dome is the biggest ever. It is a monumental structure, redolent of the Lotus Temple of India that features spiral lattices to create a display of scintillating points of light on a field of iridescent hues. 

Visitors will enter a dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes where Islamic architecture, Archimedean solids and Gothic cathedrals meld into an inspiring monument to the beauty of light and color. Each luminarium is made up of panels of uniquely produced plastic, zipped together on-site to occupy nearly 11,000 square feet. The structure is anchored down and, in just 20 minutes, inflated to its monumental size.

The international success of Architects of Air has grown out of a theatre project for people with learning disabilities. Accessibility to the widest audience has always been a central goal of their work, and these installations are appreciated by all ages, all cultures and all abilities. The luminaria and can be accessed by the elderly and wheelchair users.

This stunning installation will be open to the public January 24-February 2, weekdays from 11AM to 5PM, weekends from 10AM to 5PM (final admission at 5PM). Tickets available at the Long Center, same day as entrance. $10 per person, children 2 and under are free (Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult – 1 adult for every 4 children.

* Advance tickets for this exciting exhibit will not be on sale to the public. Priority access to the best days and time slots are available by becoming a Long Center Annual Member or Subscriber. More info here: http://thelongcenter.org/event/architects-air/

Note: The luminarium is accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties. Shoes and possessions are left in the reception area at the owner’s risk.

Swing by the 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by Shiner, for good times, good eats and good music at the well-loved Jo’s Coffee Shop. Proceeds will benefit the Sustainable Food Center, a local Austin charity dedicated to improving access to nutritious, affordable food.

Chili tasting starts at noon, with live music provided by Jeff Hughes & Chapparal, the Jo’s House Band and DJ Ben Nuhn. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. for 1st and 2nd Place Chili, People’s Choice Award and Best Showmanship. Prizes are as follows:

• First place – 1 night at the Hotel San Jose, Shiner Yeti cooler, case of Shiner, trophy

• Second place – 1 night at the Hotel San Jose, case of Shiner, trophy

• People’s Choice – Jo’s Coffee gift card, bar tab at the Hotel San Jose, case of Shiner, trophy

• Best in Show – bar tab at the Hotel San Jose, case of Shiner

Another Shiner Yeti cooler will be raffled off as a door prize.

The 14 Cook-Off participants will include Ranch 616, La Condesa, Foreign & Domestic, Bubblin’ Red, Grateful Red and Buckeye on the Bayou (among others).

The cost to attend is $20 and includes tastings of all 14 entries. Cold beer and other beverages will be available for sale.

WHEN:

12-3 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2014

WHERE:

Jo’s Coffee
1300 South Congress
Austin, TX 78704

 Experience Henry warm up your heart in HENRY HUGGLEMONSTER: MEET THE HUGGLEMONSTERS out on DVD January 14th. 

Welcome to the newest, happiest, most monster-rific spot on the map – the wondrous land of Roarsville – where five-year old Henry Hugglemonster lives, plays and learns something “roarsome” every day!

Together with his loving parents and grandparents, big brother Cobby, sister Summer, baby bro Ivor, and a town full of cuddly monsters, Henry embraces all the joys and challenges of growing up. Whether he’s helping his sister put on a show, setting up a hugglejuice stand or entering his monsterdog Beckett in a pet pageant, he’s always discovering new ways to be the best brother, friend and monster he can be! Packed with over two hours of song-filled fun, teamwork and adventure, Henry Hugglemonster: Meet The Hugglemonsters! will make your preschooler roar for more every time!

I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Carter’s. I received a gift card to facilitate my shopping trip and to thank me for participating.

I can’t tell you how much I love Carter’s clothing. When my all three of my daughters were born, we had to search high and low for preemie clothes. The only place we could find them was at Carter’s. They had so many and it was wonderful! We were able to purchase enough clothing to last us several months during that time. And she looked absolutely adorable in them as well as comfortable.

Carter’s a trusted name in children’s clothing, and they make it easy to find cute and thoughtful gifts for little ones this holiday season. Available in sizes newborn – 7, Carter’s proves an easy, one-stop shop for adorable outfits this holiday season.

While I love shopping just as much as any other mama, I have to say that things are tight money wise in my home. And I am sure I am not the only one watching the budget. Especially around the holidays. My 6 month old was behind in growth and then overnight she went from wearing 6 month clothes to 9-12 month clothes. What am I to do?

We visited Charter’s and purchased  clothes for my baby as well as gifts for Christmas as well.

This outfit looks like the one my middle daughter wears around the house 24/7! Too cute. At some point they are going to be old to wear matching outfits. I will just enjoy this moment for as long as they allow me to.

Here is the outfit my baby will be wearing for Christmas. She is going to be the bell of the ball. Wearing this adorable Santa bib none the less!

Visit the Carter’s website to check out this season new clothing items.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary gift card from Mom Central Consulting to facilitate this post. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Austinite Pat Hazell returns to the Long Center this holiday season in his hit one-man show The Wonder Bread Years, Dec 19-22.

Hazell is a local entertainment industry veteran with 25 years in the business – including work as a writer, performer and producer on myriad projects, like the hit NBC television show “Seinfeld.” Most notably, he worked as lead writer for famous episodes “The Pilot” and “The Heart Attack,” and served as special consultant on episodes like “Male Unbonding,” “The Robbery,” and “The Stakeout.” Hazell is also a “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” veteran, a critically acclaimed playwright and a contributing commentator to National Public Radio.

The Wonder Bread Years is a nostalgic, theatrical nod to the baby boomer in all of us. The show is a fast-paced, hilarious production that gracefully walks the line between stand-up and theater. 

Jerry Seinfeld himself called The Wonder Bread Years “Milk-snorting funny,” Showtime declared Pat Hazell one of the five funniest people in America.

The Wonder Bread Years is a great family show, appropriate for all ages, and hilarious to all who see it!

• Thu, Dec. 19
  8:00 pm
• Fri, Dec. 20
  8:00 pm
• Sat, Dec. 21
  8:00 pm
• Sun, Dec. 22
  3:00 pm

All Ages

Tickets are available at TheLongCenter.org or by calling (512) 474.LONG (5664). Also available at the Long Center’s 3M Box Office located at 701 West Riverside Drive at South First Street.  For groups of 10 and more, call 512-457-5161 or groupsales@thelongcenter.org. 

The Austin Trail of Lights have been open for a week now and they still have a lot going on. I think it is well worth it head on out and see what all the fuss is about!

• Performances by: Tameca Jones, the Eggmen, the Wyldz, Quiet Company, Suzanna Choffel, Vallejo and Ray Benson
• Special appearances by Elizabeth Avellan, Turk Pipkin