Chocolate Easter Bunny Surprise | 12 Days of Easter

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While in LA last week for the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales we also celebrated the 75th anniversary of Disney’s Bambi! As part of this celebration we were able to sit down and interview the voices behind young Bambi ( Donald “Donnie” Dunagan ) & young Thumper ( Peter Behn ) moderated by Disney Archivist Becky Cline!!
While Disney’s Bambi was based on the book Bambi, A Life in the Woods by author Felix Salten, it was altered slightly from the book version. The original novel, written for an adult audience, was considered too “grim” and “somber” for the young audience Disney was targeting, and with the work required to adapt the novel, Disney put production on hold while it worked on several other works. Bambi was originally supposed to come out after Snow White (and be the second animated film released) but came out 5 yrs later due to this process. Disney was also forced to slash 12 minutes from the film before final animation, to save costs on production.
The filming studio moved, WW2 happened, and there was even a strike during the process of filming!
Nowadays when a movie releases there are many interviews in both tv & print, but the film scene was quite different 75 years ago when Donnie Dunagan and Peter Behn recorded the voices of Bambi & Thumper. In fact, Donnie & Peter didn’t even meet untill about 10 years ago! Even Donnie’s wife didn’t know he was the voice of Bambi until she discovered a box of his mementos buried in the attic!
Peter’s father was a screenwriter, starting in the 20’s silent film era, & children’s book author. He met Walt sometime in the 30’s which helped Peter launch his career. Peter originally auditioned for the part of Bambi in Disney’s classic film but was told had the wrong voice for the part.
“My voice was right for the rabbit”
Peter never auditioned for Thumper, after his audition for Bambi they knew he had the right voice for Thumper.
When Peter grew up he built houses & worked in real estate.
Q: Did you see the Bambi after you filmed?
A: “No not for some time.”
Q: What was it like to work with Disney himself?
A: “I did meet him but not on a regular basis. But I remember the Disney zoo where they had little deer so animators could watch the anatomy and movement of the deer to draw.”
Q: What was it like to work on a big Disney film as a child?
A: “I remember going into the sound booth with a voice director to read my lines. I would mimic him. The thing I remember most is the recording equipment was in the booth with us and was fascinated. It was so mechanical.”
Q: What do you hope for Bambi’s Legacy?
A: “One of my strongest feelings about the movie is that Disney was so ahead of his time. I think the movie was so far ahead of it’s time to protect the environment. We have to do everything we can to keep the environment from getting worse. I think as time goes on that aspect of the movie will resonate and become more important.”
”We were dirt poor. And I mean, certified dirt poor in the South. And my mother would take me down to the corner about two blocks away where a wonderful man danced on the corner on Saturday. I’m standing there at 3 ½, four years old, people were there laughing about this wonderful man dancing on the corner for nickels and pennies. And I started imitating him. Then they decided to put me in a talent contest and I won the darn thing which was a miracle. I danced to ‘A Tisket a Tasket’ with a paper bag and a stick for a cane.” In the audience was a wonderful man who was a bona fide genuine talent scout in those days. About two weeks later we’re in Los Angeles.”
Donnie started filming Bambi when he was just 5 years old but his acting career began at the age of 3.
He was in 7 movies before the age of 5 1/2 yrs old.
When Donnie grew up he joined the Marine Corps.
Q: What was it like acting so much as a child?
A: “I was a little boy – sometimes I just wanted to be home riding my bike and playing with my puppy.”
Q: Did you see Bambi after you filmed?
A: “I saw it with Peter in theaters at the premiere.”
Q: What was it like seeing Walt Disney?
A: “When I first saw Mr. Disney I thought he’d get a broom and help clean up….he participated in things. Disney was successful bc he had such great leadership and participated in what was going on.”
Q: What did you do after Bambi?
A: ” I went into the US Marine Corps. when I got older. In 1977 I was a battalion commander. I saw that Disney was going to re-release Bambi and I was horrified that my base would find out. I could imagine all of my soldiers saying that their battalion commander was Bambi!”
Q: What do you hope for Bambi’s Legacy?
A: “If I live to be 1000 years old I couldn’t say it better than Peter did. The environmental profile is spoken to children in school now, and they pick up on that right away. I get one of these by children a month from all over the world.”
Photo by: Louise Manning Bishop from MOM START
During this day of celebration we were also able to chat with Paul Felix, a Disney animator who worked on Bambi and was inspired by the original Disney Animator Tyrus Wong.
Q: How has animation changed over the years?
A: “Animation starts with hand drawing, that hasn’t changed much. Things need to be much richer now. The drawings from Bambi to Moana are all the same principles.”
Q: How did you become interested in art?
A: “I drew a lot as a child & always thought my older brother was the artist in the family.”
Q: What are some of the projects you’ve worked on here at Disney?
A: “Mulan, Bolt, Big Hero 6, Inner Workings”
Q: What was your favorite film to work on?
A: Lilo & Stitch. It is more about heart and storytelling than the effects although Big Hero 6 was the first time we could technologically add things to the film & use light.
“Designing Bambi is deceptively tricky! I’m known for designing environments instead of characters. I looked at some of Mark Davis’ drawing of deer for research. My first drawings Bambi looked more like a fox. But everyone has their own unique take.”
Q: Why do you think Bambi is such a popular film?
A: “Bambi is a cycle of life. It shares the beauty, mystery, & reality of the world. It’s zen. What’s more primal than the connection with a mother? Films are an extension of us.”
Make a Portfolio. (life drawing is a good talent)
Don’t limit yourself to just drawing. Try colors.
Learn a sense of art history (eras, mediums, etc)
Bambi, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, joins the Collection on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on May 23, and on Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on June 6. The Collection release includes a variety of new bonus material, including recordings of Walt Disney discussing the challenges and triumphs during the production of Bambi; deleted scenes and characters; stories and effects that Bambi had on the studio, other films and artists; and much much more! Additionally, the Digital HD release includes an exclusive, heartfelt feature on the incredible artist, Tyus Wong, who inspired the film’s soft watercolor backgrounds and beautiful palette.
Brand New:
The Bambi Effect – “Bambi” was full of innovations for its time. Let’s take a look at how those past innovations affected future Disney animated titles all the way up to today
Studio Stories: “Bambi” – Recordings of Walt Disney. Listen in on intimate moments where he discussed the challenges, pitfalls and triumphs during the production of “Bambi.”
Deleted Scene: Bambi’s Ice And Snow – Bambi coaxes Thumper and his brothers and sister to come play on the ice during the first snow.
Bambi Fawn Facts – Think you know everything there is to know about Bambi and his forest companions? Well, it’s time to discover some fun real-life facts about the creatures that live in the forest he calls home.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: “Africa Before Dark” – Oswald Short
Celebrating Tyrus Wong (Digital Exclusive) – A Heartfelt look at the man who played a key role in the success of “Bambi.” Much like Mary Blair and Eyvind Earle, Tyrus Wong had a unique signature style all to his own. The Soft Water-colored backgrounds and beautiful palettes in “Bambi” were inspired by Tyrus’ concept art paintings.
Classic:
Deleted Scenes – Two Leaves, Bambi Stuck on a Reed, Winter Grass, Twitterpated
The Making of Bambi: A Prince is Born
Trick of the Trade (Excerpt)
Inside The Disney Archives
The Old Mill: Animated Short
Original Theatrical Trailer
The Golden Age
*Digital Bonus Offerings May Very by Retailer
Bambi will be released on Digital HD 5/23 and Blu-ray & DVD 6/6.
Follow Facebook | Disney Animation #Bambi
DISNEY MOVIE REWARDS BONUS: If you have Disney Movie Rewards and purchase Bambi you have the option to buy this special tank top featuring the Paul Felix art inspired by BAMBI here! Ends July 31!

With Easter just a hop away, PEEPS & COMPANY® would love to help you fill your baskets with more than just eggs! Whether you’re searching for the perfect bunch of jelly beans, or chocolate covered chicks, PEEPS & COMPANY® has you covered.
Even though it’s not easter yet…the boys and I had a blast working together to create these Peeps® Easter Cups. These Peeps® cups I found at Walgreens were perfect! We filled them with Mike and Ike Jelly Beans & Hot Tamales Jelly Beans the skewered various peeps and Mike & Ikes to create a fun and colorful “bouquet”. These are just as fun to give & eat as they are to make!
Want to create your own Peeps® fun?! USE Discount Code EASTERTREATS to get 20% off your next purchase at http://www.peepsandcompany.com.
ENTER TO WIN your favorite PEEPS & COMPANY® Easter offerings, including:
PEEPS® Orange Delight Flavored Marshmallow Dipped in Orange Fudge: These three Chicks are orange delight flavored and dipped in orange fudge to enhance the flavor. Share them with your friends or keep them for yourself!
PEEPS® Marshmallow Chicks: The five and 15 count packages of the iconic PEEPS® Chicks are available in classic Easter colors including yellow, pink, blue, lavender, green, and orange Chicks! The 10 count package of Chicks is available in all of the classic Easter colors as well as white.
PEEPS® Marshmallow Bunnies: The four count bunnies come in classic yellow, pink and blue colors. The 12 count bunnies come in classic colors as well as lavender, white, green and orange. The 16 count are packaged in classic colors plus lavender and green.
PEEPS® Sugar Free Marshmallow Chicks: Back by popular demand, PEEPS® offers a sugar-free Chick! The Chick is perfect as an Easter basket essential and baked good enhancement.
PEEPS® Decorated Eggs: Nine white eggs iced with pastel colors in 3 unique designs, these eggs are great for recipes, crafts and immediate consumption.
PEEPS® Party Cake Flavored Marshmallow Chicks: Ten delicious vanilla cake flavored marshmallow chicks sprinkled with fun rainbow confetti.
PEEPS® Sour Watermelon Flavored Marshmallow Chicks: Sweet and sour flavors collide to create a burst of watermelon in these ten green chicks with a blush pink center.
PEEPS® Chocolate Dipped Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Chicks: Three delectable chocolate mousse-flavored Chicks dipped in either creamy milk or dark chocolate.
PEEPS® PEEPSTERS®: Bite-size combination of delectable chocolate and delicious marshmallow flavored crème. Available in creamy milk chocolate or rich dark chocolate varieties.
PEEPS® Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Chicks: Individually wrapped marshmallow chicks covered in either milk or dark chocolate.
PEEPS® Rainbow Pop: Four chicks in colors yellow, green, pink and blue marshmallow on a stick- it’s like a colorful PEEPS® lollipop.
MIKE AND IKE® Easter Treats: Bring chewy, fruity goodness this Easter season with a 10 oz. gift bag of MIKE AND IKE® Easter Treats flavors. Filled with grape, pineapple-banana, strawberry, lemon-lime, and cherry-flavored MIKE AND IKE® candies – and all made with real fruit juice – this gift will put a spring in anybody’s step as the bright new season gets underway.
MIKE AND IKE® Jellybeans: The Assorted Fruits MIKE AND IKE® JELLY BEANS are a fan favorite.
HOT TAMALES® Jellybeans: Celebrate Easter with our cinnamon-flavored jelly beans (14 oz. package)
Want to win this prize pack?! One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life Reader is going to win the PEEPS & COMPANY® prize pack listed above! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 12:00 PM EST March 30, 2016.
THE FINE PRINT: ENTERING THIS GIVEAWAY MEANS THAT YOU ACCEPT BOTH MY RULES & DISCLOSURE. I WILL NOTIFY WINNER VIA E-MAIL AND THEY WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO REPLY BEFORE I AM FORCED TO REDRAW WINNERS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. EACH HOUSEHOLD IS ONLY ELIGIBLE TO WIN THIS PRIZE VIA BLOG REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS ONCE. ONLY ONE ENTRANT PER MAILING ADDRESS PER GIVEAWAY. IF YOU HAVE WON THE SAME PRIZE ON ANOTHER BLOG, YOU WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN IT AGAIN. WINNER IS SUBJECT TO ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION. MANY WILL ENTER, FEW WILL WIN! PLEASE ALLOW 8-12 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY OF PRIZING. MY SPARKLING LIFE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST OR MISDIRECTED PACKAGES. PRIZING PROVIDED AND SHIPPED BY PEEPS & COMPANY®. IN THE RARE OCCASION THAT A PRIZE DOES NOT ARRIVE (WHICH HAS HAPPENED), PLEASE NOTIFY ME.
OKAY GUYS…..SORRY!! THE WIDGET SOMEHOW DIDN’T MAKE IT ON HERE…AM EXTENDING THE GIVEAWAY!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Okay, so last year my boys started watching this show which I thought was completely weird, but the more they watched it the more I found myself getting into it…Video Game High School is set in a futuristic world where gaming is the top sport, a teenager attends a school which specializes in a curriculum of video games in each genre.
I’m not a huge gamer, but I do love to play games like the Lego games on the Wii and the sims..I know, don’t laugh…I even used to play Farmville on fb until I realized I was waisting hours of my life growing imaginary crops and milking imaginary cows. Okay back to the point, even though I’m not a huge gamer I found myself loving this crazy show about teens, video games and the virtual world they all escape to.
I couldn’t believe I was saddened when I found out that this past season, season 3, would be the end…okay high school is supposed to be 4 years right..and why do I care so much about a show that I didn’t want to watch when it first came on anyways. I guess we all have our crazy indulgences, I’m just a little sad this one has ended.
If you haven’t seen the show…I really think you might like it, especially if you find yourself watching the Disney Channel shows even after your kids have left the room…yes I do this too.
I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team, however I actually watch this show with my boys and all opinions and comments in this post are 100% my own.

It’s that time of the year where I feel super generous, so I have teamed up with a few of my D23Expo Blogging friends to bring you yet another amazing Giveaway. This giveaway is for a Playmation Starter Pack and boy are you going to love this new interactive gaming system. The Playmation gaming system is so interactive, fun and enjoyable I had to write a blogpost all about it. Check out my Playmation review HERE.
We’ve had the privilege of playing this for weeks now and I can’t say enough on how much we enjoy Playmation. It’s a new experience being able to “be” an Avenger and take control in your own adventures.
After reading my review can you understand why I am eager to give one away? I can’t wait for someone to have just as much fun with their Playmation Starter Pack as my family is having with ours.
Playmation is the next step in the evolution of play, where digital gets physical and imagination gets real. Inter-connected products with embedded content let players step into the world of Marvel’s Avengers! Control the adventures with wearable gear that lets users feel the battle and puts them at the center of the action.
With the Playmation Marvel Avengers Starter Pack, players have the core products they need to carry out their first missions and fight alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the battle to defend the world from Ultron! The Starter Pack comes with four locations and 25 missions out of the box so that players can jump right into the action!
So what comes in the Playmation Starter Pack? It:
Includes Repulsor Gear, 2 Power Activators, 2 Smart Figures (Captain America and Iron Skull), instructions, and 25 embedded missions
Track progress and access new missions with AvengersNet app
Additional missions available for download for Gear registered with the AvengersNet app.
Plus you can collect additional Playmation Marvel Avengers Smart Figures, each sold separately
How can you enter for your chance to win your own Playmation Starter Pack? It’s super easy! Just enter the giveaway widget below and for extra entries encourage your friends to enter too. Fingers crossed and GOOD LUCK!!
Playmation Starter Kit Giveaway
Giveaway Disclosure: This giveaway will run from 12:01 AM CST on 10/19/15 and end at 11.59 PM CST on 10/26/15. There will only be ONE winner for this giveaway and the Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Giveaway open to US Residents 18+. Prizes will be shipped upon verification of the winner, and MUST be shipped to a valid US address. NO P O Boxes will be accepted. Winner will be notified within 24 hours of the giveaway ending and will have 48 hours to respond via email. If response is not received by the deadline, prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
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Pick your favorite spot, cuddle up and get ready for a fun-filled adventure with Pongo, Perdita and their super-adorable puppies in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Diamond Edition Blu-ray. You’re in for thrills, hilarious spills and an epic action-packed adventure when you watch them face off with Cruella De Vil, Disney’s most fashionably outrageous villainess. When Cruella dognaps all of the Dalmatian puppies in London, brave animal heroes launch a daring plan to save all puppies from Cruella’s clutches! Unleash all the excitement and suspense of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, a beloved classic you’ll want to share with your family again and again!
The Diamond Edition Blu-ray includes these special features:
All New Short – The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt
Walt Disney Presents “The Best Doggoned Dog in the World” (1961 Version)
Lucky Dogs
DisneyView
Dalmatians 101: Hosted by Cameron Boyce (Disney Channel’s “The Descendants”)
Plus a Selection of Classic Bonus Features
Two lucky Mom of 4 Boys Reader are going to win a copy of 101 Dalmatians Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST Feb 25, 2015. Entering this giveaway means that you accept both my rules & disclosure. I will notify winner via e-mail and they will have 48 hours to reply before I am forced to redraw winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Each household is only eligible to win 101 Dalmatians Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook, twitter, or Pinterest in any way.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Every year we make enough food on thanksgiving to feed an army…it doesn’t matter how many people are over, it still seems we have the same amount of leftovers every year..so what do you do will all those leftovers? Why not make Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Tacos or “Black Friday” Breakfast Tacos…
The best thing about these tacos is they are also freezer friendly..so you can make 20 tacos and heat them up as needed! You will need…
Goldrich Eggs
Leftover Potatoes
Leftover Ham or Turkey (your choice)
Shredded Cheese (you can use leftover cheese blocks and shred them)
Tortillas, corn or flour
We make homemade mashed potatoes, so we usually have unused leftover potatoes..these you can either grate and make hash potatoes for your tacos, or dice into cubes and bake or cook in a skillet with a little olive oil to soften.
Scramble up your eggs, number of eggs depends on the number of tacos you would like to make…I figure 1/2 egg per taco, because were adding so many other goodies too. We found these Great Day Farms Eggs who now have Goldrich Eggs available in Walmart stores..and we love the bright rich yolks.
We eat Ham & Turkey at Thanksgiving so we usually have a lot of both left over…dice up you ham into cubes and/or shred you turkey.
When you are ready to start cooking your eggs I suggest tossing in the ham & potatoes while it cooks so it is all blended..then just spoon your ingredients in a corn or flour tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and wrap it up.
If freezing wrap in foil and place in freezer bags. When ready to reheat stick in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds & enjoy!
We used 12 eggs, 3 med potatoes, three slices of ham and about 1 1/2 cups of cheese….that make 20 tacos.
What do you do with your leftovers?
This Recipe was prepared using Goldrich Eggs, a new sister company of Great Day Farms, now carried in Walmart stores. Also look for them on the IBotta App (available till Nov 20)
Follow Goldrich
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Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”