This has been the best year ever and we get to end it on a high note with Disney Channel Africa with this blog drop 🙂
Phew, I have to vent! When we had our youngest daughter’s party we only invited 5 kids. Most of the parents arrived within 15 minutes of the start time – except one. She arrived an hour late…
Not only did she arrive an hour late, she neglected to RSVP for her 2-year-old and a nanny!
When something like that happens once, you kind of understand, because with kids anything can happen.
Then, not even a month later we happen to all be invited to another party. The party had a scheduled start and end time on the invite. This woman once again arrived late. She arrived 15 minutes before the end of the party, brought the nanny and 2-year-old again. She didn’t waste time to get her kids on the slip-n-slide while the rest of us were busy packing up.
Ok, so that is twice…
Then we all got invited to a third party (all in a span of 5 weeks) and she arrives the last half an hour at a venue where you have to be out of that party area based on your booking – and that’s not even the worst part. She sent the nanny off to take the kids to the activity area and she grabbed a takeaway box and packed it to the brim. When the nanny got back, she instructed the nanny to pack a second takeaway box. Then she sat down and directly ate from the platter while there were plates right next to it. She even dipped a finger snack she had already bitten into, in the sauce!
I was mortified!
I will never invite her daughter to another party because of her mother’s tardiness and bad manners. You better believe that I am judging her because she doesn’t have the excuse of she has to do everything herself, or that she had a work emergency, or that she can’t afford to buy takeaways based on the cars they drive and a full-time nanny that goes everywhere and her not working… her behavior is just not OK.
Kids Party Etiquette for Parents
- If your child has an older/younger sibling, ask the parents if it is OK to bring the child with when you RSVP as they have to cater for an extra child and pack a party pack. Never bring an additional guest unannounced
- Take a gift on the day. Most parents don’t expect you to spend hundreds on a gift, they just want to spoil their kid with a party where all their closest friends are
- When you walk into the venue, greet the hosting parents and thank them for inviting you
- Find the birthday boy/girl and wish them a happy birthday and let your child hand over the birthday gift
- Arrive within a few minutes of the starting time and be mindful of the end time as shown on the invite as the venue may only have been booked for a specific timeslot
- If there is an open “bar” for drinks, be mindful of not going wild and ordering just because it is free
- Never pack a takeaway unless the hosts explicitly offers you a takeaway
- Don’t eat directly from a communal platter, pack some snacks into the provided plates or a napkin draped in your hand
- Never dip a handheld snack into a communal dipping sauce – especially if there is a tea spoon to let you scoop some out onto your plate
- If there are toothpicks or forks or thongs to use with the food, please do use it!
- When you are ready to leave, thank the parents for a great party and compliment them on the choice of venue, the cake or something
- Offer to help clean up
When your kid gets invited to a party, you (as a parent) are one of the background characters. Your job is to get them to the party on time with a gift in hand, take them to the bathroom, chat to the other parents so the hosts have time to take photos with their kid and make sure you are ready to leave at the designated time.
‘ALICE’S WONDERLAND BAKERY,’ A DELICIOUSLY FANTASTICAL ANIMATED SERIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS, PREMIERES THIS JUNE
Disney Junior’s ‘Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,’ Inspired by the Beloved Classic, Premieres Saturday, 4 June 2022 on Disney Junior
Craig Ferguson, Eden Espinosa, Jon Secada, Bobby Moynihan, Ana Gasteyer, Donald Faison, Yvette Nicole Brown and Vanessa Bayer Among All-Star Guest Voice Cast
JOHANNESBURG, 2 JUNE 2022 – Disney Junior’s “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” a fantastical animated series for pre-schoolers and their families inspired by the world of “Alice in Wonderland,” premieres this Saturday, 4 June 2022 on Disney Junior, DStv channel 309 at 08:30.
A vibrant new take on the classic 1951 film, the series centres on Alice, the great-granddaughter of the original heroine and a budding young baker at the enchanted Wonderland Bakery, where her magical treats help bring a new generation of friends and families together.
Featuring reimagined versions of familiar iconic characters and introducing memorable new ones, the series stars newcomer Libby Rue as the voice of Alice as well as a slew of celebrity guest stars. See the trailer to the series here.
Each episode of “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” comprised of two 11-minute stories, centres on Alice’s magical recipe adventures with her best pals, who join her in the bakery to whip up whimsical cakes and treats for friends and neighbours with enchanted kitchen tools and ingredients to help them.
“With so many already familiar with the magic and whimsy of the classic story of Alice in Wonderland – we are sure that this wonderful new series will delight and captivate a new generation of fans,” says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Disney Junior is delighted to introduce this series that celebrates the culture and creativity of food, highlights self-expression, and imparts age-appropriate social and emotional lessons about friendship, collaboration, and the importance of community,” she adds.
Geared to kids ages 2-5 and their families, “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” features Alice’s recipe adventures with her best pals—Fergie, a white rabbit; Hattie, her madcap friend; and Rosa, the Princess of Hearts, as well as her great grandmother’s magical cookbook, Cookie. Alice is inquisitive, persistent and resourceful as she experiments with her baking and invents out-of-the-box solutions for problems that arise. Food is an important part of Alice’s identity, connecting her family from generation to generation and allowing her to discover the distinct family heritages of her friends, each with a wide array of tastes and traditions.
In addition to Rue, the lead voice cast includes Abigail Estrella (“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”) as Princess Rosa, the Princess of Hearts and Alice’s most artistic friend; CJ Uy (“The Ball Method”) as Hattie, a “mad-hatter” boy and Alice’s silliest friend; Jack Stanton (“Outmatched”) as Fergie the White Rabbit, Alice’s best friend and biggest fan; Secunda Wood (“Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous”) as Cookie, the magical cookbook that once belonged to Alice’s great grandmother; and Audrey Wasilewski (“Mad Men”) as Dinah, Alice’s pet cat who is always at her side. Max Mittelman (“Spider-Man”) recurs as Cheshire Cat, Alice’s mysterious and playful friend and one of the most iconic Wonderland characters.
“Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” is produced by Disney Television Animation. Emmy® Award-nominated Chelsea Beyl (Peabody Award-winning “Doc McStuffins”) is executive producer, and Frank Montagna (“Elena of Avalor”) is co-executive producer and art director. Ciara Anderson (“Harley Quinn”) is producer, Lisa Kettle (“Mira, Royal Detective”) is story editor, and Emmy-nominated Nathan Chew (“Elena of Avalor”) is supervising director. The writing team consists of Melinda LaRose (“Vampirina”), Michael Rodriguez (“Sharkdog”), Marisa Evans-Sanden (“Fancy Nancy”), Stuart Friedel (“Clifford the Big Red Dog”) and Sara Karimipour (“Ryan’s Mystery Playdate”), and episodic directors are Steven Umbleby (“Monsters at Work”) and Arielle Yett (“The Chicken Squad”). Emmy winner John Kavanaugh (“Sofia the First,” “Elena of Avalor”) serves as the series’ songwriter/music director and Matthew Margeson (“Rocketman”) is composer.
With Barbie, you can be anything – including a cake shop owner that orders her mother to go get her some customers…
It’s fun to bake!
Once we set up the bakery, which was super easy, it was time to bake a few cakes with the pink and blue Barbie Dough. We filled up the oven “baking trays” and then Lexa made the cakes rise with the white lever. She added a rainbow on top of her cake and flowers on top of cupcakes.
She brought over our Barbie dining room set and a Chelsea and Ken as her very first customers. Her sister joined in the fun by paying her in 5c coins to join in on feeding the customers.
Included in the Barbie Bakery Playset
We received a Barbie with pink hair and a little apron dress included in the set. It also comes with a cash register terminal, 2 Barbie dough tubs to use as batter, an assortment of cake decorations, measuring spoons, cake cutter and cupcake tray.
The Barbie Bakery Event
We suited up in our Barbie chefs hats and aprons and was duly put to work in The Cookery’s kitchen to make our very own brunch.
The kids mixed, whipped and scooped before the friendly staff put everything in the oven.
Lexa was so proud of the “cupcakes” she helped to make and we were lucky enough to take home one for dad.
*We were gifted this set as part of an event.
Oh wow! Barbie shimmers when you push the button!
This Barbie™ Dreamtopia Twinkle Lights Mermaid™ Doll has twinkled and shimmered, trampolined, taken a bath and nap, had her hair brushed and tended to her herd of ponies. She is loved.
The imagination and endless possibilities when a toddler and Barbie comes together is one of the most beautiful things.
Make a splash with Barbie™ Dreamtopia Twinkle Lights Mermaid™ Doll featuring a fantastical look and magical light-up feature!
Dip Barbie® mermaid doll in water and watch her pearlescent tail light up in one of four colorful light shows.
Bring the fun ashore, press the button on her bodice and experience the light show without water.
Barbie® doll’s fantasy look is complete with rainbow fins, a ‘pear;’ detailed bodice, pink-streaked hair and a princess tiara.
It sometimes takes an interesting (or new) toy to get my two to play together.
Little sister and the animals all had a turn being pushed around on this little people train. Sometimes the little sisters escorted the animals off for a picnic on the lawn or to catch imaginary fish for the bear from the pool.
The Fisher Price Little People Big ABC Animal Train has sounds, music, lights and 5 little animals that the conductor can take on rides.
#tradeexchange
MIRACULOUS: TALES OF LADYBUG AND CAT NOIR
Premiere Episodes
Monday – Friday from 14th March at 15:15
Catch brand-new episodes from Season 4 of Miraculous: Ladybug and Cat Noir from 14th March
Not only is Marinette Ladybug, the superheroine that protects Paris from the attack of villains, but she’s also now the guardian of the Miraculous. This means that not only does she need to keep her identity hidden, but also the existence of these turbulent, magical creatures, the Kwamis? Marinette now has to redouble efforts to protect her secrets and Ladybug will have to become stronger to face an indomitable adversary: Shadow Moth, who can now fuse the butterfly and peacock miraculous. New Episodes from Monday, 14th March at 15:15 on Disney Channel.
SYDNEY TO THE MAX
New episodes
Monday – Thursday from 14th March at 18:15
Set in the present day with flashbacks to the 1990s, the endearing daughter/father comedy revolves around outgoing middle schooler Sydney Reynolds who lives with her single dad Max in the house he grew up in, along with her free-spirited grandmother Judy. As Sydney navigates becoming a teenager alongside her bestie Olive, Max’s flashbacks of his childhood with his best friend Leo parallel her adventures, illustrating how life’s “growing pains” evolve but don’t really change.
New episodes from 14th March at 18:15 on Disney Channel.
MIRA
Season Premiere Saturdays from 19th March at 18:30
Everyone’s favourite detective returns with Season 2 of Mira, Royal Detective from Saturday, 19th March at 18:30
Inspired by the cultures and customs of India, the series follows the brave and resourceful Mira, a young girl who travels throughout the fictional land of Jalpur solving mysteries for her friends, family and extended community. Season two will include an episode highlighting the Islamic Eid al-Fitr holiday and episodes celebrating the festivals of Teej and Dasara, as well as four extended-length music- and dance-filled specials.
Tune in for new episodes from Season 2 episodes of Mira, Royal Detective from 19th March at 18:30 on Disney Junior
PJ MASKS
New episodes
Monday – Friday 21st March at 16:30
The PJ Masks are back for more heroics from Season 5, weekdays from 21st March at 16:30
The new season brought us new villains as well as familiar foes – Luna, Romeo, Night Ninja, Octobella and Pharaoh Boy. As they continue to combat crime, they discover more about their animal powers.
In one of the premiere episodes, The Camping Trip, Greg is scared on a camping trip and thinks his night-time powers will help him, but Orticia has something else in store.Catch brand-new episodes of PJ Masks from 21st March at 16:30 on Disney Junior
MARVEL SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS
New Episodes
Monday – Friday 21st March at 17:00
“Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” is the first full-length Marvel series for pre-schoolers.
The series follows Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy and Miles Morales and their adventures as the young heroes team up with Hulk, Ms. Marvel and Black Panther to defeat foes like Rhino, Doc Ock and Green Goblin and learn that teamwork is the best way to save the day.
In one of the brand-new episodes “Going Green” – Team Spidey must stop Green Goblin from spewing his green gas all over the park in order to make it safe for the trees again.Swing into action with Spidey and His Amazing Friends on 21st March at 17:00 on Disney Junior
FOUR EGGS, THREE CUPS OF FLOUR, TWO STICKS OF BUTTER AND ONE DISNEY DELIGHT! DISNEY CHANNEL AND TASTEMADE TEAM UP FOR AN IMAGINATIVE NEW KIDS BAKING COMPETITION SHOW, ‘DISNEY’S MAGIC BAKE-OFF’
— Radio Presenter Melanie Bala and singer Zwai Bala’s Daughter Peyton Sings Theme Song
— Multitalented Stars Dara Reneé and Issac Ryan Brown Set to Co-Host –
1 FEBRUARY 2022, JOHANNESBURG: “Disney’s Magic Bake-Off,” a competitive series for kids 6-14 that combines the wonder of baking with the ingenuity of young pastry chefs comes to Disney Channel this February. Whisking its way onto our screen from Monday, 7 February on Disney Channel, DStv channel 303, the show features young Peyton Bala – the 11-year-old daughter of Melanie and Zwai Bala, performing the theme song.
The 13-episode series is hosted by multitalented stars Dara Reneé (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) and Issac Ryan Brown (“Raven’s Home”), who, along with Disneyland resort pastry chef Graciela Gomez, will guide kid contestants through a series of challenges and surprises as they create the most extraordinary cakes inspired by the magic of Disney.
The Bala family were approached by local production company Audio Militia, who were looking for a young female vocalist to record the theme song and someone had mentioned to them that Peyton sings.
“Her dad Zwai and I discussed with her, whether she wanted to do it, as we believe that she should only do the (musical/performance) things she wants to do, with no pressure from us,” says Melanie. They were sent the guide vocals and track for Peyton to practise, before she went in to record under the watchful eye of her dad Zwai.
“We recorded the different versions of the vocals in about 90 minutes, with the producers and Peyton’s dad there to help where needed, as she can still be shy about singing in front of people. The final product was then sent off to the US for approval, which we received about a week later,” adds Melanie.
Peyton, a wonderfully talented young girl says she’s very happy and grateful to have received the opportunity to sing the song. “I was pretty nervous but the people I worked with, were very kind and they helped me a lot. I think the show is very cool and is lots of fun,” she says.
Imagination rules and teamwork triumphs in “Disney’s Magic Bake-Off,” as three teams of two race against the clock to design a Disney-inspired cake utilizing Tastemade’s – a modern media company – signature recipe videos and an enchanted pantry filled with a wonderful world of ingredients and surprises. Hosts Reneé and Brown, along with pastry chef Gomez, guide the kid bakers through a series of challenges, fun games, and unexpected twists, all designed to elevate the contestants’ baking abilities, techniques and creativity to new culinary heights. Each episode will declare a winning team to be named Disney Baking Champion. The winning recipe will become a featured Tastemade video.
Co-hosts Reneé and Brown are Disney fan-favorites of audiences of all ages worldwide. Reneé is captivating viewers in her starring role as Kourtney in the Disney+ hit series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” set to debut season two this Spring. The versatile performer is also known for her breakout role in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Freaky Friday” as well as her recurring guest star role on ABC’s hit series, “black-ish.” Brown is best known for his starring role as Booker in Disney Channel’s hit series “Raven’s Home,” now airing its fourth season. He first dazzled audiences singing on “America’s Got Talented” at the age of six. He went on to land recurring guest star roles in numerous hit series, including “black-ish” and “Devious Maids.” A talented voice actor, Brown can also be heard in several hit animated series, including “Puppy Dog Pals,” “Miles from Tomorrowland” and “The Owl House,” to name a few. As hosts of “Disney’s Magic Bake Off,” the powerhouse stars will keep viewers entertained and empower the kid contestants to have fun as they set out to become Disney Baking Champions.
Created by Tastemade, the series is executive produced by Emily Mraz (“Broken Bread”), Joey Lucas (“Beyond the Block”) and Julie Reading (“Alien News Desk”).
Ek het altyd gedink dis net slegte mense wat hul ouers weggooi. Ek het nooit eers daaraan gedink dat daar soveel meer aan sulke stories kan wees nie. Sulke mense was net sleg…
Toe eendag gooi ek my pa weg.
Die dag dat ek die vrou van Delmas ontmoet het terwyl sy aan my pa vasklou en my vyandig aangluur, was die dag wat ek besef het my pa het ons vervang. Dit het my soos ‘n vuishou op my hart getref, ek (en my ma, en my kinders) het niks vir die man wat my pa was, beteken nie.
Die vrou van Delmas en haar dogter het goed oog gehou terwyl ek my ma se goed gepak het. Toe ek die laaste boks wat in die kar kon pas in het, het die dam van emosies gebreek. Ek het op hom geskreeu. Ek wou he hy moes my hoor.
Ek kon voel hoe my woorde op die grond val sonder dat hy my seer hoor en iets het net in my gebreek.
Al die strooi wat ek van weet wat hy aangevang het, die gagga-vroue wat hy “verlief op raak”… Die vrou wat amper my ma se kar uit hom geswendel het – tot ek haar gedreig het. Die los ding was hy na my ma se huis gesleep het – terwyl ek langs my ma se doodsbed gesit het vir 5 weke… Die leemte wat ek as kind rondgedra het van ‘n pa wat eerder tyd saam enige ander kind wou spandeer en die handjievol kere in 20 jaar wat hy sy voete in my huis kom sit het…
In daardie oomblik, het ek verstaan dat ons net plekhouers was in sy lewe.
Ek kan myself troos met my ma se handgebreide truie (dis soos drukkies wat sy vir ons gemaak het) en in die spieel kyk om haar te sien maar net met my een skewe tand.
Ek dink nie meer alle mense wat hul ouers weggooi is slegte mense nie, want ek is ook nou een.
Disney has today released a magical new festive advert to mark the start of the Holiday season. “The Stepdad” is a three-minute animated tale about family togetherness and the power of storytelling.
A sequel to last year’s ‘Lola’, which celebrated festive traditions passed down through generations, the short film premieres on Wednesday 3rd November 2021, across TV and Digital plus Disney’s own channels in 45 countries across Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Asia. It forms part of Disney’s festive retail campaign, ‘From Our Family To Yours’ that hits retailers nationwide this month.
Following Disney’s 2020 debut consumer products Christmas advert, which secured more than 106 million views, this year’s instalment features a grown-up Nicole, the granddaughter from ‘Lola’, and her two children Max and Ella, as new stepdad Mike moves into their family home.
At the heart of the story is a very special storybook – a precious item belonging to son Max from his birth father. The book celebrates how the power of storytelling can deepen family bonds, and the magic that reading together creates as stories from Disney and Pixar lift off from the pages igniting the family’s shared imagination and wonder.
Viewers will see the family navigate an emotive journey as they enjoy combining existing festive traditions with new ones in the run up to Christmas.
Exclusively for the South African version, local singer/songwriting sensation Lloyiso performs an emotive rendition of original track ‘Love Runs Deeper’ – penned for the advert, which provides a musical narrative to the film through the eyes of Mike in lieu of any dialogue.
Tasia Filippatos, SVP Disney EMEA said: “Reading together can be a truly magical experience and our advert celebrates this age-old tradition and the wonder and imagination it inspires. We hope the story will resonate with anyone who has seen the magic ‘lift off the pages’ of a book through the eyes of a child.”
Lloyiso, who performs ‘Love Runs Deeper’ for the South African version of the advert said:“I was thrilled to get involved with Disney’s Christmas campaign. I was immediately taken by the lyrics of ‘Love Runs Deeper’ and it’s powerful, emotive message within a story that celebrates family, traditions and love. I can’t wait to share this wonderful story with South African families this festive season.”
‘From Our Family To Yours’ is Disney’s largest festive retail campaign to date and will offer the perfect opportunity to stock up on those gifts for every member of the family – from stocking fillers, toys, apparel, books and so much more – featuring the very latest and greatest from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. In addition, ten malls across the country will be getting into the spirit of the season, showcasing Disney-inspired Christmas Trees in support of The Smile Foundation.
Luke Roberts, General Manager of Consumer Products Commercialisation, Disney Africa said: “We are excited to be bringing ‘From Our Family to Yours’ back to South African consumers for a second year this Festive Season. A perfect way to kick off the campaign, this ad encapsulates the magic of this time, combining the themes of strengthening family bonds and creating new family traditions, with the magic of Disney storytelling.”
To celebrate the theme of festive family traditions, Disney is encouraging fans to head to social media to share their own past and present festive memories using #DisneyChristmasAd and #FromOurFamilyToYours
The advert was developed and produced by Disney EMEA’s in-house creative team, led by Angela Affinita, Director of Brand Marketing and Creative, in partnership with Flux Animation Studios in New Zealand.