Celebrating Family With Disney’s FROZEN!

This #FROZENFun sponsored post has been brought to you by a #CollectiveBias social shopper amplification campaign and its advertiser. So while we’re still waiting to bring back summer, I hope you enjoy warm hugs {and Olaf} as much as I do!

I have a new favorite Disney movie. And while I’ll always love those classic Disney animations I grew up with, last Thanksgiving 2013 Disney gave me something to treasure even more. His name is Olaf, and he likes warm hugs.

Turns out I like warm blankets and its been a match made in heaven ever since. Seriously though, while Elsa and Anna may get all of Kristoff’s attention, its Olaf that stole the show for me before it was even released. Do you remember the original trailer released by Disney Animation Studios back in June of 2013? There has yet to be a movie that I was as excited and giddy to take my daughter to see, then Disney FROZEN.

Ever a fan of attending musicals and Broadway events, I am thrilled to see an animated film begin to incorporate just such an experience for all ages. The songs are amazing, the storytelling is captivating, and with this present and seemingly unending winter? Well it seems like we can all place ourselves in Arendelle.

And it also seems like everyone could also place themselves at my local Walmart this week when the Disney released FROZEN March 18th. Because let me tell you, there was a rush to the shelves to find that $14.96 discounted price. Always the first to grab the latest Disney dvd, I’ve never seen the shelves so empty that first day! Unlike other dvd releases, buying FROZEN simply made me want to celebrate watching it with the kids. Plus I have to admit, I am pining for an Olaf talking plush, so I was shopping for more then just the movie.

Sure enough, I found some great FROZEN toys like the Elsa and Anna Toddler, Sparkle, and Fashion dolls. But Olaf plushies were as scarce as a snowman in summer. So in the end, I brought home a great flourish patterned no-sew microfleece throw kit that mimicked the FROZEN stencils seen in the castle and {most notably} on Elsa’s bedroom door. We have our blanket to keep warm, so I bought FROZEN books for reading as well as hot cocoa and lots of marshmallows. Cause hey, don’t you wanna build a snowman?

We started our FROZEN fun with unwrapping our throw kit. I love no-sew microfleece blankets. Its so easy to head to your local Walmart fabric section and cut two fleece fabrics to the size of 49×63 inches. Of course you can go bigger or smaller but this dimension crafts a nice blanket. Of course you could also walk to the shelf with the pre-cut coordinating microfleece fabrics and buy the ready-made fleece blanket kits too. At least that comes with these handy-dandy instructions…fancy that huh?

1. Lay the  two fleece blankets even, with the right sides facing inward on each other.
2. Have an adult cut a 5-inch square {you may want to use a cardboard or paper template} from each corner of the  two blankets.
3. Continue cutting a 5-inch strip, 1-inch apart, all the way around both blankets.
4. Tie each fleece strip duo with either a square knot or overhand knot {your preference}. Just don’t knot them overly tight.

And its just that easy folks. I prepped and cut the blanket and my 5-year-old helped knot it around. Just remember its not about being perfect, its about being warm and snuggly for the movie. During this time I slowly heated milk on the stove to mix into our hot cocoa. Then proceeded to cover the top with a mountain of whipped cream before handing it over to eager hands. Then we curled up for a wonder of FROZEN movie delights and sing-a-longs.

Afterward, we let the credits roll to enjoy the soundtrack {and a certain final movie clip at the end} as I deluged our coffee table with marshmallows of all sizes. In the mix were chocolate sno-caps for buttons, orange starburst candies to roll into carrot noses, pretzel sticks for arms, and marshmallow fluff for well…mortar. Only beware mixing said marshmallow mortar with previously used fleece blanket. That said, the sky is your snowman marshy limit, then again, it doesn’t have to be a snowman.

In the end, we are days into watching and replaying our new Disney movie. And with each new start, I am even more enamored with Olaf and his sunny, giggly disposition. I’m drawn to the innocence he represents between Anna and her sister, Elsa. I’m elated in how Disney preserved such wide-eyed and childlike joy in his character.

But what I really relate to in Olaf, is motherhood. Its identifying that lop-sided, imperfect yet pure-hearted loveliness that you know you’ll look back on and miss. And I am reminded that fostering great childhood memories now can continue to bring my children together for years to come.

So remember its all about the little things with your little ones. The small tasks to be present and attentive. The deluge of marshmallows on a coffee table or a blanket full of knots that somehow remains immensely comfortable. Or simply snuggling up to watch a movie with a funny snowman with marshmallows, candy, and pretzel sticks. Who cares if we all don’t stay awake right?

And that was our Disney FROZEN fun day. Life is beautiful and memories are more priceless. The days  have started to get longer and the sun will finally melt all this snow around us. Our cabin fever will be replaced with sunscreen and shorts. But hopefully we still find time to stack marshmallows and watch our favorite snowman dream about loving summer too.

Are you ready now to pick up your own copy of the FROZEN Dvd? This new Disney favorite is in Walmart stores now and with special discount pricing of only $14.96! Want to save even more? Then venture into the frozen section of Walmart and grab specially marked packages of Eggo Waffles {24 count} for a $5 coupon off the Dvd as well. Brrrr! Now all we need is Oaken’s Sauna!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias®  and its advertiser. As always, I strive for authentic posts that relate to my readers as much as they do my household. Enjoy…and thanks for another cup of coffee. #FROZENFun #shop #cbias