Momma Told Me: Monsters University on Blu-Ray Scares Up Family Fun And Colorful Eats! #Shop

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Monsters University on Blu-Ray Scares Up Family Fun And Colorful Eats! #Shop

#ScareEdu Snacks
Momma Told Me: Sometimes you just have to scare up a little fun.

As a child of the mid 80s, my childhood was marked with some monstrous (pun intended) achievements in family entertainment. Not only did I watch the Atari blossom into the NES, and later real 3D gaming; but this new digital technology soon spilled over into the 1995 Pixar release of Toy Story. Children's films would never be the same again. Flat 2D animation, with a limited palette of colors became almost touchable, shaded, characters bursting from a limitless rainbow of hues. When Monsters Inc. hit theaters in 2001, I was more of a teen, than a child, but still fell in love with the blue 'kitty' and one-eyed grouch, Mike Wazowski. Movie-goers of all ages found a sense of nostalgia in the heartwarming story, brought to life among a riot of color and carefully composed soundboard. Monsters Inc. was an instant classic in any Disney movie library, young or old.
When rumors of a Monsters Inc. sequel began to surface in 2005, fans eagerly awaited an official announcement, they would not see until 2010, then later announced in 2001 as the now known prequel, Monsters University. I'll admit, I was skeptical about Pixar transforming our beloved characters into awkward college students, but remained positive through 2 years of "When's the new Monster's Inc movie coming out?" As concept art and teaser trailers began to leak hardcore Pixar fans, such as our family, gave in to the hype. We'd speculate on the plot, create our own new monsters to star in the film, and soon had an official countdown on the calendar for it's theatrical release. Needless to say, we attended a screening with our arms full of Monster's U merchandise, and our faces painted like Sulley. Our entire family walked out of the theater head over heels with the franchise again; and we soon found ourselves awaiting a new date- the Blu-Ray/DVD release!
Mike Wazowski Wedge Salads
While most families are eagerly awaiting the first big holiday of the fall, Halloween, Pixar brilliantly took us all back to #ScarEdu with the smart timing of it's blockbuster Monster's University on an exclusive Blu-Ray + DVD bundle pack, October 29, 2013, sold exclusively at Walmart. When Sabrina (11) had announced she was tired of trick or treating, and did not want to participate this year; she suggested we buy Monster's University and have a mini-party with her neighborhood friends. Since I estimated the costs would be equal to outfitting her in a costume, we headed to Walmart early afternoon, on October 29, and made a beeline for the media/entertainment department. Monsters U was everywhere in the form of DVDs and merchandise, but there was one hole in the display that caught my eye. As Sabrina excitedly clutched her Blu-Ray copy I spotted an exclusive Monster's University 2 Disc Blu-Ray + DVD + InfINity Combo pack, the last on the shelf. With a special introductory price less than $30, taking this amazing bundle home was a no-brainer.
Squishy Squibbles Wraps
#ScareEdu Recipes
Finding inspiration for our Monster's U shindig came natural; I used all of the beautiful colors and unique monsters we'd seen in the theater to inspire me to set up a fun and affordable spread. While the girls played with the bonus disc Story School and Scare Games interactive features, I whipped up some adorably scary snacks. I balanced sweet with healthy, setting out some small bowls of dried kiwi, mango, and pineapple alongside family favorites like color sorted M and Ms and blueberry yogurt pretzels. For actual 'food' I served the girls 'Squishy' Squibbles Eye Wraps made from a ranch cream cheese base, rolled in tortillas with olives, thin sliced ham, and pimentos. I also whipped up some eerily adorable Mike Wazowski wedge salads with a slice of mozzarella and olive for the classic 'eye'. But our spread wasn't complete- there were the mom friendly Sulley Mini Blackberry Scare Pies, and even an Eta Hiss Hiss Sorority inspired smoothie!
#ScareEdu
I don't always make taking a movie home a big event, but Monster's U quickly turned into one- Once I'd laid the table full of colorful, and deliciously scary snacks, the girls began to find their own inspiration. Sabrina already has a closet full of branded merchandise waiting for Christmas; but we couldn't help but bring home a Giant Sulley Plush from our Walmart trip. I thought he'd be the star of the viewing, but kids live in a world of their own, and they quickly begged for sharpies to turn our balloons into characters from the movie. As they sat 3 feet from the TV screen (I know, I know), they traced their favorite characters' features like it was their job. Of course, Monsters U had hundreds of unique characters on the #ScareEdu campus, so finding a 'favorite' character was often short-lived, as the next scene presented more options.
Monsters U Toys
When our Monster's University Blu-Ray 'screening' ended there was a call for an encore showing of Monster's Inc, which we, of course, had on hand. While we swapped out DVD's we had a conversation about how important true friendships were, and that Mike and Sulley had become unlikely friends, despite their differences. It was great to see young girls taking about the importance of social acceptance and building friendships, but I was especially grateful to see that Monster's University had provided an entire day of imagination and fun on top of it. If your little monsters are as enamored with this franchise as ours, you simply have to add the Walmart 2 Disc Blu-Ray + DVD + InfINity Combo pack to your library. Not only does the Blu-Ray Bonus Disc offer hours of entertainment, but the Disney InfINity character opens up an entirely new world of exploration for your XBOX and Wii InfINity games. And be sure to stop by the toy department while you're there, Walmart has dozens of exclusive toys and merchandise you won't find anywhere else!

Are you planning on picking up the new Monster's University DVD? Do you have a new favorite character? Psssst, mine's Archie the Scare Pig!

What Daughter Says: Grab the exclusive Monster's University Blu-Ray + DVD + InfINity bundle before they're all gone, for exclusive cheers and scares.

MONSTER RECIPES:
mini blackberry moon pies
Follow along below for the complete Sulley Blackberry Scare Pies Recipe.
***Click here for printable Sulley Mini Blackberry Scare Pies recipe.
***Click here for the Eta Hiss Hiss Berry Smoothie Recipe
***Click here for the 'Squishy' Squibbles Eye Wraps Recipe

***Click here to be taken to our post on the Monsters Party Popcorn Mix.

Ingredients:

* 1 Box White Cake Mix
* 2 Eggs
* 1/2 C Vegetable Oil
* 3-4 Drops Blue Food Coloring (Neon preferred)

* 4 oz Egg Whites
* 8 oz Sugar
* 2 Sticks Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature
* 3 oz Blackberry Puree

Directions:
Preheat Oven To 350 F

1.) To Make Cookies: Combine first three ingredients by hand until well mixed. Roll 3/4" thick balls of dough and place on cookie sheet 1" apart. Bake at 350F for 7-10 minutes, or until bottoms begin to brown. Allow to cool entirely.

2.) To Prepare Blackberry Meringue Filling: Combine egg whites and sugar in double broiler, or heat safe bowl over boiling water, and whisk until 140F temperature is achieved. Remove from heat and mix, with mixer, until stiff. Slow mixing speed and continue to whip until mixture is cool to the touch. Gradually add softened butter (paddle mixer preferred) and mix to emulsify. Once desired consistency is reached, as puree and mix well. Chill, covered, for 2-3 hours before assembling.

3.) To Assemble: Match cookies in pairs of two by those closest to size. Using a butter knife, or narrow spatula spread 1/2 TBS of filling on one flat cookie side. Place second, same size, cookie atop and lightly smush to spread filling. Store in fridge until ready to serve.

62 comments:

  1. I've gotta say, my fav character is Squishy... I don't know why but I really love him.

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  2. That was certainly one colorful party! I saw the first movie but haven't seen the second one yet. They are wonderful characters!

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  3. Love love love your party - seems like loads of fun. I know my kids can't wait to see the movie again

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  4. Seriously? You are so darned creative. I can't stand it! Send some my way. Those food creations are amazing.

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  5. This looks like so much fun! It's so colorful and the food looks delicious!

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  6. You are SOOO Creative! I want to go to the party you came up with! I've been waiting for this movie to be out on DVD, guess I know what I'll be up to this weekend. - Katy

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  7. ok you put me to shame as a mom lol everything you do is so creative and totally awesome!

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  8. What an awesome party!! Really creative! Those lettuce wraps are awesome! We love Monster U!

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  9. can you come plan my next kids party!? That is awesome! I love all the monster food! Dang that is awesome! We got Monsters University! Oh man, it is a huge favorite in our family. So funny.

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  10. I am ashamed to admit I have not watched any of the Monsters movies which is weird because I am a big fan of Pixar. I am going to have to remedy that pronto. Oh, and I am stealing all your party decor and props for my son's next birthday party!

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  11. I love your wedge salads! Super creative and awesome!

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  12. Your parties always make me laugh and smile. I just wish I was there! Your salad wedges are my favorite along with your general decorating style! (The Balloons) You definitely captured the Monsters theme

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  13. Oh, my! I may just need to grab some of those Monster's Minis for myself. I would love to put some around my office.

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  14. These whoopie pies are precious! My favorite character is sully!

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  15. You know it's a great post when you can't decide which pic to pin. LOVE the spread you put out, you are SO creative! My kids love Monsters Inc, you've inspired me to at least make one of those rollups or something to make our movie night a bit more special.

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  16. These are absolutely adorable, no surprise there as I've yet to see something you've cooked/baked that I wouldn't be willing to scarf down!

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  17. So cute. Gotta try this!

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  18. I love those little figures from the movie. I could see us playing with them for hours. I love the scare pies too. YUMMY!

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  19. Those look great! Monsters U is so fun and I just picked up a Monsters U shirt..haha

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  20. This has to be the cutest themed party I've ever seen! I'm in love with it all! :) My kids saw the movie over the summer but we just rented it last night to watch as a family tonight. Now you have me trying to figure out if I can pull off any of these cute ideas with a couple hours to prepare :) #client

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  21. You came up with such creative ideas! I'm going to pin some of them for later. :D

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  22. What awesome ideas. My kids would love this. Maybe I will have to have Monster's U movie night with the kids and borrow some of your ideas.

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  23. Oh my goodness! What a blast! I have plans for our very own Monster's University party. I've already made snack plans and bought they kids little things. Can't wait!

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  24. I love to make a movie an event! What fun for your girls. While I have yet to see one of the Monsters Inc movies I love John Goodman and Billy Crystal and I believe Nathan Fillion is in this one somewhere. Will have to watch one of these days ;)

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  25. Wow! It looks like you scared up a ton of fun! Love your party ideas!

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  26. I have heard that Monster's University DVD is terrific. I love the colors and your creativity. I do want one myself!
    twinkle at optonline dot net

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  27. I think you have to be one of the coolest moms! Love all the colorful snacks and they look like they are having the greatest time. #client

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  28. What an amazing party - this whole theme would make an AWESOME B-day party for my Grandson - none of us have seen the new movie yet, so that could be a part of the party!!! The recipes sound fun, too! Thanks for the great review. :-)

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  29. Wow what a party!! The decorations and food look amazing! My grandson would love to have the monster mini figurines.

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  30. Not very familiar with monsters u.

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  31. Love the party and the idea of celebrating a great family movie! I can't wait to see it wth my kids!

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  32. Those Sulley Blackberry Scare Pies look pretty darn good, I love the color. Thanks for the idea.

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  33. Ok I seriously wish we were neighbors! Love your party!!!

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  34. What a great set up you have. I love the purple covered pretzels what a great idea.

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  35. Wow, I am impressed! You put a lot of work into that! I wish I were that creative, what a blast it must have been! scain54 (at) aol (dot) com

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  36. These crack me up! What fun! My grandkids would love something like this. Love the recipes.

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  37. Love all the food ideas! MU is one of my fav movies

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  38. OMG, the snacks you made look amazing! Seriously, the color combination and creativity in those is stunning.

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  39. So cute!! I can't wait to try something similar with my kids! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  40. The colors, toys and food in the photos are wonderful! I know a lot of children that are enjoying Monsters University. I should see it.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

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  41. So cute! Wow. The decorations and the theme just fit together so nicely. Loved the pics and everything looked great. I just saw the movie and i loved it :)

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  42. Wow, I love how you went all out! We saw this in the Drive in, loved it! Great recipie ideas, thanks for the review!

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  43. i must say you have totally outdone yourself awesome!!!!

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  44. This party had to bump you up to one of the coolest moms ever! You went all out, I just love it. So many cool treats. I wish I were that creative!

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  45. Wow what a neat party you put together on such short notice, I love the look of the rollups and they are neat. Your children are lucky that you have such a vivid imagination and I think that this looked like a lot of fun.

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  46. The recipes and the balloons are really creative. Looks like a great time!

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  47. Oh my the minis are too cute....

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  48. Wow that spread is unbelievable! You are so creative!

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  49. This is the third review I've seen on Monster U and have to see it. The Sulley Mini Blackberry Scare Pies are so pretty and must try to make them.

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  50. I have not seen the movie yet but you did an excellent job decorating for the party. I love the wedge salads!

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  51. What a cool party! I love the balloons and all the fun snacks!We really loved the movie.It's on my sons wishlist from Santa this year!

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  52. What a fun party I love all your creative ways to serve the food. I love the color palate. I am going to try the whoopie pie recipe. I bet your daughter loved the party.

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  53. Wow ~ how much fun! Guess my invite got lost in the mail! I cannot wait to see these movies!

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