If you grew up with The Smurfs, you’ll be happy to find out that those little blue creatures are headed to the big screen with a brand new 3D motion picture that opens nationwide in theaters, Friday, July 29th.
Recently, we got a sneak preview of the film which brings back all our favorite childhood Smurfs like Clumsy, Grouchy, Jokey, Smurfette and of course Papa! When Evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) chases the Smurfs out of their village through a portal landing, they wind up in the middle of New York’s Central Park. Surprisingly, New Yorkers don’t seem too thrown by blue midgets running around their city.
While being chased by Gargamel, they end up falling into a box and turning the life of two soon to be parents (played by Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays), completely upside down. Like most first time parents, the couple are faced with tons of questions about their potential parenting skiils… Will I be a good dad? How do I balance work and home? Am I ready? Helping the Smurfs work their way back to their world, gives them a good taste of what parenthood holds in store for them. As Smurfs run rampant around FAO Schwartz, while constantly singing their annoying theme song “La La La La La La…” that’s sure to help prepare anyone for their own child.
My kids were transfixed by the Smurf movie and I have to admit, I really enjoyed it too. It also helped answer a few important burning Smurf questions…. Like why was there only one female Smurfette (superbly voiced by Katy Perry)? But it still left me wondering… We know there is a Papa Smurf, but who gave BIRTH to all these Smurfs?
Hopefully that answer will be revealed in the sequel. For now, check out the trailer and visit The Smurfs movie website for showtimes in your area.
Ask Single Mom Walking
Check out this latest confession from our favorite single mom, Jessica Bern. Get ready to start your day with a laugh!
For more great commentary from Jessica, visit her at BernThis.com.
Take Back the Kitchen with Alma Schneider
Don’t be overwhelmed by weird looking artichokes. They are delicious and simple to prepare. I will walk you through it!
Steamed artichokes with Garlic Aioli:
Bring about 1/2 inch-1 inch water to a boil in a pan deep enough to hold the artichoke(s) standing up-like a Dutch Oven.
Trim the edge of each leaf with a scissor.
Place artichokes in the boiling water, cover the pot, reduce flame to a simmer, and cook 20-25 minutes to start.
Pull a leaf from close to the center of the leaves. If the leaf comes out easily, the artichokes are done. If they don’t pull out easily, keep checking every few minutes. Keep cooking until they come out easily.
Aioli garlic dip:
Mix a few TBS mayo with a tsp fresh or bottled crushed garlic and a dash of salt and combine.
For more great recipes from Alma Schneider, visit her at Take Back the Kitchen.
It’s Smurf Week in New York City!
Role Mommy West Coast Contributor Kristin Flannery Hits the East Coast Just in Time for Smurfs Week!
All hail the Smurfs! If you live in NYC or happen to be visiting this summer, then you are in luck! New York’s Mayor Bloomberg has officially declared July 25-29 Smurfs Week, which includes five fun filled days offering educational events throughout the city. Since my family is spending our summer on the east coast, we visited the Big Apple this week and had an amazing time. First, we stopped by a 40-foot-tall inflatable Smurf. There were free activities, including face painting and a photo station where we took pictures with images of Smurfs characters. While we were there, the mayor’s office held a special press event awarding a proclamation to the granddaughter of Smurf’s creator Belgian cartoonist Peyo while cast members Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays looked on.
Later that day, The Empire State Building lit up to shine blue to celebrate Smurfs Week NYC and encouraged Smurfs fan to donate to the US Fund for UNICEF by visiting unicefusa.org or texting “ZERO” to UNICEF to make a $10 donation.
Activities throughout the week include an unveiling ceremony at FAO Schwartz, a character meet and greet at Build-A-Bear Workshop and special themed windows and activities at Dylan’s Candy Bar. Additional events will take place at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, the New York Botanical Garden, the Regal E-walk, The Skyscraper Museum and much more. Also, On Location Tours offers tours focusing on a Smurfs-themed edition of its weekly Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour during which you can visit the locations used in The Smurfs and other iconic films.
The Smurfs (in 3D) opens in theaters this Friday, July 29th and for more information on Smurfs Week go to http://www.nycgo.com/smurfsweeknyc.