What I Read: Anything Goes on a Friday Night

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Anything Goes on a Friday Night, written by Sara Daniell, is a book filled with drama on par with an episode of Keeping up with the Kardishians. I’ll be honest, this isn’t the kind of book that I usually read. I’m all for YA fiction, but high school drama isn’t usually the type of YA fiction I dig. Cancer teens, teenage vampires and werewolves, teens killing each other or rebelling the Capitol, or teenage wizards, those are my kind of YA novels. Just a human gal with more problems that Bella Swan and Katniss Everdeen ever had? Not so much. And while this wasn’t my favorite read, this book did have some really great moments. There were great instances of humor and sass from the female lead which is my bread and butter. There was just enough romantic build up and climax that was perfect for any romance novel (Harlequin style I might add, good for you Sara Daniell). There were also characters that were written really well. This just wasn’t my kind of book, but I would recommend it to my teenaged cousin and all her friends.They love things heavy with drama and Snapchat.

So much happens to Elena (Ellie to her friends) in the first nine chapters of this book that I honestly questioned if she would survive the book. I get that teenagers are met with strife, but this just felt like more drama and tumult for one individual to handle. This felt like Real Housewives "Small Texas Town". I understand that there was a level of suspense, drama, and mystery that was necessary to get Ellie to (Spoiler Alert) Finn, but I was waiting for a town devastating tornado. That is like the only plot twist that didn’t happen to poor Ellie.

In case you need a quick rundown of issues that faced dear Ellie and her friends here are a few:

Drug use

Alcohol use

Cheating boyfriends

Ecstasy

Suicide

Divorce

Domestic Violence

The casual use of the “F” word among other curse words

Sex and foreplay (mostly dealing with virginity)

For me, none of these things bothered me at all, but they might bother you. They may also make you think twice before letting your teen read this book. I understand that the target audience for this particular story is 17-34, but some mamas out there may not want their 17 year old reading this knowing what kind of “adult” issues are discussed. 

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!

In the end the best part of this story is the one between Ellie and Finn. The build up, the heartache, the attempt to find their places as individuals and then in a relationship were familiar and relatable . They faced many trials as a couple but those felt organic. Their developing relationship was well written. This was my favorite part of the book.

For all the trials that Ellie faced, I did like her as a character. She didn't always express her anger and disappointment as I may had at that age, but she was a strong character. Good student, tried to remain responsible, and even when she was contemplating making a decision based on her guy, she was still level headed about it. I was disappointed that there was never an adult character in her life that panned out or developed into an ally. I get that sometimes that happens in a teens life, and that may be the reason the book ends like it does (don’t worry, no one dies). Still, I would have liked to have seen one adult (her boss perhaps) step up and mentor her in a way I feel she desperately needed.

This was a quick and easy read and honestly most teens will love it because of the drama. I’m sure 16 or 17 year old me would have loved this book.

For more info or to buy a copy for yourself, click here.

Magic Hair {Monat Review}

*****This review is a sponsored post. My opinion is given in exchange for product. 

These opinions are all mine as well as the results.*****

It's a safe bet that if you follow me on Instagram, then you know I've been giving the Monat hair care system a try. My friend and fellow blogger Jenny Sanzo started using Monat about six months ago. Her results were amazing, and it made me curious. Jenny is also a rep for Monat, so when she approached me a few weeks ago, asking if I was interested in reviewing the product, I couldn't say no. I had watched Jenny over Facebook and Instagram show off this fabulous hair that she claimed was close to effortless. Could it be as easy as a shampoo and conditioner? I had to find out for myself.

First, when you use the Monat hair care system, your personal representative will ask you a lot of hair questions. Is your hair thick or thin, colored or not, wavy or straight? Do you have a lot of volume and body? Is your hair limp and damaged? All of these questions play into how your personal rep will decide on a system that is right for you. I was honest and told Jenny that for the most part my hair was limp and very thin since having kids. I've lost what seems like an entire head of hair, it's sad. Jenny told me that the best system would be the one for volume, and sent me shampoo, conditioner, and a root lifter.

Here is the key to the Monat system: when you wash your hair for the first time using it, you have to leave your shampoo on for approximately three minutes, and you have to leave your conditioner on for ten. I'll be honest, I just estimated it. I left the shampoo on while I exfoliated and the conditioner on while I shaved my legs. Even with my estimation my hair turned out amazing. I also didn't even use the root lifter the first time. Per Jenny's instructions, I used zero product at all. Did you hear that? ZERO PRODUCT! I also just used a hair dryer and a flat brush. I didn't flat iron my hair or anything. The results were startling to me, my hair looked and felt like I had walked out of a salon. It was soft, full, shiny, and had this amazing body. The true test, however, was going to be how long that body and shine was going to last in the one hundred plus temps in Fresno that day. What better way than to take selfies all day on Instagram.

Selfie number one was just after drying it, and please ignore the almost bald spot (ugh, right?). It was soft and shiny and really bouncy, if you can even get what that means. I didn't want to get too excited because I hadn't even moved yet, and you know how your hair looks awesome and then you put on a shirt and then it looks like you slept on it for three days? Oh, just me? Well, that was one of my fears.

Here we are about four hours after shampooing and drying my hair. I was pretty impressed to say the least. It still had body and it had this kind of flippy thing happening that I didn't mind at all. Usually the only way I get my hair this straight and shiny is with a flat iron, but the flat iron usually makes it really flat. Hence the name apparently. Anyway, I felt like my hair was soft and smooth, but still bouncy. I liked that.

Eight hours later and the temperature read one-oh-four. Oh, would you look at that, my hair still looks amazing. As if I just stepped out of a salon. At this point in the day I was impressed. I was on my way to take my daughter to dance and even the heat and sweat couldn't break the Monat magic spell on my hair.

Twelve hours later and I was ready for bed, but my hair was ready to party. After all the driving, sweating, and running around, my hair was still looking good. This pretty much sealed the deal for me, since my hair never looks this good on a regular day. I didn't even wear make up, but who could tell with my hair looking so fabulous?

So sure, I used it one day, but what happens when I go ahead an use it for a week? This is what happens...

This kind of body and shine is what happens after a week of Monat. This time I used the root spray, and by that I mean I did like three to four pumps and boom. It looks like I spent a lot of time curling my hair and drying it with one of those round brush things my hair gal uses. Full disclosure: I did not. I washed it, conditioned it, used some root spray and dried it. Then I brushed it out. When I say Monat is magic hair, I truly mean it's magic hair. I would not use a system that required lots of time and effort. Who has time for that?

Here I am with my Monat magic hair at the first Fresno State tailgate and game. I'm smiling because I feel really good about my hair. Something I haven't felt for months since chopping it all off in May. My hair outlasted me that day and night. I promise you guys, Monat is some serious magic. This wash and dry game is my jam, and beautiful shiny hair is effortless with this system. For more info, leave your email address in the comments or contact Jenny Sanzo on Instagram.

It's time you had some magic hair too!

Cutting Teeth {Summer Book Review}

***Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book to review. 

All the opinions are my own. I was also given a copy to give away. ***

photo cred

There have been many books written about motherhood. Fictional accounts of the trials and tribulations that meet us along our journey into the world of motherhood. Many tell the stories of mothers similar to us, trying to survive the daily struggles of play dates and GMO free food. Some of the stories shed light on how mothers "hold it all together" in appearance only. Other books give honest accounts at how mothers, no matter their backgrounds lie, cheat, and quite possibly steal to give the appearance of "fine". Why is it that we just love to read about the lies we tell ourselves?

Cutting Teeth, by Julia Fierro is a wonderfully written book about modern motherhood. It tackles friendship, marriage, motherhood and how those relationships affect us and those around us. Cutting Teeth focuses on four families of a New York City playgroup. Despite wealth and education, these millennials struggle in the same ways you and I struggle when it comes to issues that face modern parenting. Financials, addictions, obsessions, and and even lust, Cutting Teeth paints a picture of what goes one behind those beautiful facades.

The four core members of the playgroup are all so different, and yet it's not hard to imagine why they all find some comfort in each other.

Tiffany is the youngest of the group and reckless with love and opinions. After traveling a very long and abusive road to the upper-middle class, she appears so confident to hide the fact that she is still so insecure and broken inside.

Nicole suffers from extreme OCD, but is desperate to keep up the facade of perfect. She buys organic, follows the World Health Organization daily for communicable disease updates, and wakes up feeling that there is impending doom to be met every day.

Susanna is a pregnant newlywed when we meet her, mother to twins, wife to Allie. Susanna loves being a mother, and is confused as to why her new wife Allie hasn't come to the same conclusion.

Leigh is a mother of two and the most "upper crust" of the group. She is the treasurer of her son's fancy Prep Preschool. She is struggling with the behavioral issues that have manifested in her son, and she has always been the group pushover, until very recently. With the help of her Tibetan nanny, Leigh is barely holding it together.

Rip is the token Dad of the group, but quite possibly the most comfortable in his skin. He is a "new world" Dad, staying home with his son until he can get work again as an actor. He enjoys all the comforts of a Pinterest Mom making candles and organic baby food. At times the voice of reason, but also the one with the most to lose. He wants another baby desperately. Now all he has to do is convince his wife.

These four different friends decide to vacation together over Labor Day weekend at a beach house belonging to Nicole's parents. This is the perfect place for the four playgroup parents to honestly interact with their spouses, their children, and each other. Secrets, alcohol, and children under five all make for one hell of a weekend. Between Nicole's paranoia, Tiffany's barely there bikinis, Rips pent us testosterone, and Leigh's discontent and discomfort, it's hard not to keep turning pages to see how this will all play out. On top of all of that you have a very pregnant Susanna bumping heads with Allie more than celebrating their very new marriage. Cutting Teeth gives a very accurate portrait of modern parents wrestling with the standards they have set for themselves.

What makes this book even more interesting is how it plays the character of the Tibetan Nanny, Tenzin. Tenzin is there to help Leigh with her children, but in the end she touches all there lives in little ways. What I loved about Tenzin's character is that she was a muted voice of reason. Tenzin is a refugee waiting to be granted amnesty. She has left her husband and her children in Tibet, while she awaits amnesty so she can bring them to New York. It leaves you to wonder, what Tenzin must think of all these "millennial" mommies and daddies? How odd they must appear with their gluten and sugar free diets. In reflection I feel like the author put her in the background to remind us that even our worst struggles would be some one's best. 

The twist and turns are natural playing into the characters self doubts and insecurities. The parenting situations are realistic no matter your socioeconomic background. Children often bring out our worst and best selves. This makes it difficult to keep up appearances when you are all under one roof. Called a great summer read by more that one news outlet, Cutting Teeth will satisfy your beach read hunger, but be warned. It doesn't put the story to bed in the way you might think.

And I think that is what I like most about it.

Want a copy of your own??? Hope on over to INSTAGRAM and enter my giveaway!!

You have to F**ing Eat {Book Review}

**An advanced copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for a review on this blog. It was the only form of compensation. The opinions are my own. Aren't they always?**

Who remembers the book that changed the lives of parents everywhere, Go the F**k to Sleep? I'm pretty sure it was a hilarious parody of this children's bedtime story, and it received rave reviews from editors and parents. You can even download an audio version that is read by Samuel L. Jackson. I mean, what is not to like?

Imagine my surprise when I was approached with an advanced copy of You Have to F**king Eat?

image via Amazon

Not only is this book funny and snarky, it uses my favorite "F" word. But more than that, it will make you laugh as it hilariously illustrates the battle that is mealtime. True to life situations  that parents of toddlers and young children face. Kids that refuse to eat. Kids that eat so little, you wonder how the hell they are still standing and jumping off the couches. Kids that refuse Cherios and Cheetos and even on the odd days chocolate, but have no problem eating last nights chicken nuggets they find under the table. This book gives you the real deal on getting your kids to eat, or not eat, or giving in to crackers or pancakes at the 11th hour just so you can go to bed.

image via the Publisher

This book provides you with the nitty, gritty, what the f**k is wrong with this child confirmation that you may need the next time you sit down for dinner. It's a quick read, and the prose will make you feel like a classy member of society again. It would make the perfect gift for new parents, expecting parents, and parents of toddlers. It's a perfect stocking stuffer for that person in your life that needs a good laugh about the kinds of epic food battles they have daily with kids who refuse to eat.

Now available on Amazon, get a copy today. And grab one for your friend who's kid will only eat foods that are white. They will thank you.

Book Club {Every Ugly Word}

***This is a book review for a book that I was approached to review. I was given an e-copy of the book, and no additional compensation for this review.

Have you ever read a book that is so incredibly gripping that you have to keep reading just to see how it will all end? This was the case with Every Ugly Word, by Aimee L. Salter. Every Ugly Word is a YA novel about the horrible world of bullying. Salter tells us the story of Ashley who is, in graphic detail, bullied in high school. Ashley's only relief is her own reflection in the mirror, but there is a twist to her reflection, it's her older self. This may sound hokey, but it makes for a very interesting story.

What I liked best about this book is that I believe it's a very accurate account of what bullying has morphed into since I was in high school. I remember the rumors about the "school slut", the notes passed in class, hating the girl that talked to your boyfriend, and all of that. In this book, we see the effects social media and and the struggle to be part of the "in crowd" have on teens today. I think that this book would be an excellent read for anyone who has been accused of bullying. This would really open their eyes to how something as simple as starting a rumor or name calling can snowball into something else. But really, lots of tweens and teen could benefit by reading this book. It would give them a better understanding on what bullying looks like. I feel like sometimes when you are in the middle of it, whether bullying or being bullied, you can't really see what is happening.

I also enjoyed the suspense of the book. It's told in two parts, real time and flash backs, or so you think. I'm not entirely sure which was which. But in telling Ashley's story, Salter really kept the pace going. I finished this book in less than three days. I just had to know what was going to happen to Ashley. I was totally invested in her story, but I'm still on the fence about her as a character.

Sadly, Ashley wasn't the most likable character. We find that she started one of the rumors about herself to bolster her popularity. The Author chalks this up to naive stupidity as a tween, but the consequences never leave Ashley as we now find her as a senior. I had a hard time with this, since I felt like she put herself in this situation. I was able to have sympathy for her but not pity,she has a horrible mother, no father figure, and a best friend who seems dense at best. I know with all of those things stacked against her, it may be hard for her to reach out to anyone for help. Even her best friend seems to have blinders on when it comes to her bullies.

The book lost me all together when it seems that no one with any kind of authority at the school sees this kind of bullying. It's also hard to read that her mother was so cold and calculating that she does nothing to help, and only adds to Ashley's grief when she bullies Ashley at home. The poor main character in this book is beaten mentally for so long she thinks this is just how life is going to be.

Would I suggest this book to you all in bloggyland? Yes. Yes if you like quick YA reads, yes, if you can agree and believe in some almost paranormal activity, yes if you remember what it was like to be bullied yourself. This book alludes to a happy ending. It makes you believe that Ashley is going to be alright. And that's all fine and dandy, but I still wanted more consequences for her aggressors. I wanted to know what happened to her mother. Was her mother remorseful? Did she finally realize how horrible she was to her daughter? And what ever happened to all the teachers and administrators who didn't ever see a thing? I feel like Salter could have wrote another hundred pages on just consequences and I would have happily read them. But that's just me. I wanted to see all those a-holes getting what they deserved after they just about killed Ashley, figuratively and literally.

I really did like Salter's style, and I look forward to reading more of her work. Please check out her author page, and check out her book if you are looking for a departure from your regular YA books about futuristic societies or vampires and werewolves. I'm not saying it's free of fantasy, but I am saying no one sparkles or has to fight against the capital. Not that there is anything wrong with that either.

What I Eat Wednesday {Introducing 3 Phase Paleo}

**This post is sponsored by Paleo Parents, however the thoughts and opinions are all mine.  Paleo Parents are not medical professionals, and neither am I.  This is a post about a lifestyle that I follow, and a book written about that lifestyle.  Before starting any new health regimen, please consult your regular care physician.  Thanks.

I know this isn't your typical Wednesday post, but I get a lot of questions about what I eat.  For three years I have been eating food that is free of grains, sugar, dairy, and caffeine.  Crazy right?  So the question that pops up the most is, "what on earth do you eat?", and my simple answer is chicken and avocados.  But there is a lot more to my diet than that.  Today I'm going to share with you the Paleo Lifestyle.  I say life style because it's so much more than a diet, and with the help of a new ebook, 3 Phase Paleo, understanding and committing to the Paleo Lifestyle has never been easier.

Last fall I discovered Paleo Parents on Instagram, after following Danielle Walker.  The Paleo Parents are amazing and have written two cookbooks, Eat Like a Dinosaur for your celiac/paleo kid, and Beyond Bacon, which is literally filled with Bacon/Pork madness.  I bought it for my mom for Christmas and there is something in there called "Bacon Jam" that you can dip apples in... Hello!  Following them on Instagram is a lot of fun and very informational because their entire family eats paleo, even their young boys!  What started out as a mission for better health for Stacy, has turned into a lifestyle for the entire family. 

3 Phase Paleo

3 Phase Paleo is completely different from any other Paleo book I have purchased.  This book introduces you to the Paleo Lifestyle in a way that looks at whole health.  Do you or someone you know suffer from an autoimmune illness?  Do you suffer from seasonal allergies or food allergies?  Are you looking for a way to cut out unwanted chemicals and preservatives out of your family's life?  This book will give you information that can answer any and all of those questions.

3 Phase Paleo

But in addition to answering questions on the whys of the Paleo Lifestyle, 3 Phase Paleo takes it a step further by helping you transition into Paleo in three phases.  In Phase One you start by cutting out all gluten, refined sugars, and chemical laden and processed foods.  The book includes (printable) shopping lists, and a chart to show you just how to move from over processed foods to "paleo" foods.  For example you go from pancake syrup, to pure maple syrup, to grade B maple syrup.  You can move from regular cold cuts, to organic cold cuts, then finally to proteins made at home, cutting cold cuts out completely.  This information in Phase One is extremely valuable, especially if you'd like to move your entire family, kids included, over to a Paleo Lifestyle.

Phase Two includes cutting out grains all together, dairy, processed oils (corn, vegetable, soy, canola), and legumes.  They give you substitutions for each, and let you know where to find the recipes later in the book.  Cutting out all grains and processed oils is difficult, I know that for sure, but what this book does is give you clear guidelines, products they favor (and not because of endorsements), and ideas on how to eat a Paleo Lifestyle at home and on the go.  This includes a list and photo on how to stock a Paleo Pantry, and a guide on how to eat at some choice restaurants on the go.

Finally in Phase Three, you will get an introduction to healing foods, bone broth and fermented foods included.  As someone who suffers with a few autoimmune illnesses, this information is informative and invaluable.  I'm a firm believer that food can heal you from the inside out.  In Phase Three you will find out how to use healing foods to do just that and more.  This is a major part of the Paleo Lifestyle because many of us who follow it, rely on it to keep us healthy.

Now for my favorite part... The Recipes!

3 Phase Paleo

I'll be honest with you, going from a Gluten Free diet to a Grain Free, Sugar Free, Dairy Free diet was scary.  Three years ago I cried that I had to give up rice and my Starbucks Ventis.  Today, I grateful for the discovery that the majority of foods I was eating, while they were gluten free, were causing me major health problems.  In discovering that I was allergic to most grains, whether they were gluten free or not, I felt like I would never eat anything but chicken and avocados.  I couldn't have been more wrong, but it has take me three years to feel like I'm eating good food again, and not just rabbit food.  Recipes like these in 3 Phase Paleo make it easy and delicious to maintain my Paleo Lifestyle.  From the very basic, but delicious, Easy Peasy Pancakes, to the amazing Spaghetti Squash Alla Carbonara, you will not go hungry without free reign on fast food.  I promise.

What I liked about the recipe section were the easy to follow directions (since I'm not the best in the kitchen) and the beautiful pictures of food that made my mouth water.  Most of the recipes require ingredients that are easy to obtain, nothing crazy that you may or may not have to order on Amazon.  And many of them are kid friendly, or can be made that way, since this is a book for the entire family.

This book grabbed my attention immediately because it is a fool proof way to make a major lifestyle change.  Eating this way is not easy, it takes prep, it takes commitment, but with this book, you could be on your way to a chemical free, preservative free lifestyle in just three easy phases.  If you have been thinking of eating the Paleo way, or if you suffer from an autoimmune illness, take a moment and check out 3 Phase Paleo.  It's a great way to start out the year, to jump start your health, or make that change that you have been thinking about.

I'll admit that there are some days that I really wish I could just drive thru and order my dinner.  There are days when I wish I could just grab a bagel and a coffee and go.  But I can't, not without seriously getting sick.  I get that choosing a Paleo Lifestyle seems like a simple choice for me, and on most days it is.  But I'm grateful for finding a way to stay healthy, not just for me, but for my family.  I can't be mom if I'm sick and in pain, so I've committed myself to this lifestyle.  After reading this book, I'm even thinking about phasing my family into a more Paleo way of life.  If you have ever wondered what I eat, or why everyone is gaga for Paleo, this book will give you all the details.  Recipes included.

     

 

To purchase your copy of 3 PHASE PALEO click here.

**This post was sponsored by Paleo Parents

***Absolute Mommy is now a proud affiliate of Paleo Parents

 

Frozen {Thank you Disney}

Warning:   If you haven't seen Frozen, do not continue,  do not pass go, and do not expect $200.   This is a review of the movie and there will be spoilers.

Google Search / via

Wednesday, among the mess and chaos that is the day before Thanksgiving, John and I took Caitlin to see the new Disney film Frozen.  Walking in I knew three things about the movie: there were two sisters, a guy (isn't there always), and a really cute snowman named Olaf.  That's it.  So like with many kiddo flicks I went in with no expectation.  Don't get me wrong, I love me some Disney animation.  This is the girl who wanted to see the Little Mermaid and begged her mom to take her for weeks.  I'm the girl who will watch Ratatouille always, and loves the score for Princess and the Frog.  But it is my experience that Disney movies are about falling in love and or being saved by a prince.  Ask me how I feel about Rapunzel becoming a brunette after her magic hair was cut off.  Flynn rider or not, that was just lame-o.
So we settled in with our five dollar waters and our seventeen dollar Mike and Ike's, and prepared ourselves for another Princess giving up something for love or country or self awareness.  
For the most part, Frozen starts out like most Disney movies, with a tragedy.   Two sisters who are best friends, Elsa with the magical powers of ice, Anna who is a regular Joe, and like to play in the snow that Elsa makes indoors.  It's all fun and games until oops, Anna, who is clearly not listening to Elsa, doesn't slow down and is hit in the head with some of Elsa's ice magic.  Cue the magic trolls who remove all Anna's memories of her sisters powers, and enter the vow for the royal parents to keep Elsa in the castle hidden from the world as to hide her magical and uncontrollable powers.  Of course that's not the worst of it, as the girls become teenagers the Royal Parents die on their ship in a storm, leaving the castle closed until Elsa comes of age to take the throne.  All the while, Anna confused as to why Elsa stays locked in her room, ignoring her, and Anna herself locked in the castle.
Fast forward to Coronation Weekend where Anna is let loose of the castle gates like a college freshman in Daytona on Spring Break.  She's singing and twirling and oops almost falls into the water at the dock via a canoe of some kind.  Anna this is getting serious, please watch what you are doing.  I know you are excited, but you are second in line.  Don't go all Prince Harry on us.  Of course Anna is saved just in time by Prince Hans, a cool and handsome Prince with a great smile and equally great hair.  He gets her back on course, and it's getting pretty steamy for a meet cute, when Anna realizes that she is about to be late for her sister, the Queen's coronation.  
After a brief coronation ceremony, where Elsa almost ices over her Queen royalty things (what are those things called anyway) it's time to party.  And who should show up at the ready?  Prince Hans of course.  He's all about dancing with Anna, then like in every other movie they break into song about finishing each others sandwiches.  I wish I were kidding. Again it's all fun and games, until Prince Hans proposes to Anna, and she says yes, and then as they ask for the Queen's blessing, Elsa says no.  Because Elsa knows getting engaged on a first date is bat shit crazy.  Even in a Disney movie about a Queen who can shoot ice and snow out of her palms like Spiderman.
Upset Anna confronts Elsa in front of everyone shouting about their childhood and Elsa's icy demeanor (because she doesn't remember a thing), and soon Elsa can't control her anger or her ice.  Elsa shoots ice and icicles out of her palms much to the dismay and fear of her guests.  She runs out the door in embarrassment and fear telling Anna to leave her alone. Arandelle we have a problem, the Queen has left the building.  Oh, and she has also has cursed you with an eternal winter.  Your welcome.
As Anna is now the reining Queen she leaves Arandelle to Prince Hans.  Of course she does, because she's gonna marry the guy, and he seems so trust worthy right?  
This is the premise of Frozen.  I won't recap the entire movie, because after this it's not that important.  Sure Anna meets Kristoff and his sturdy reindeer Sven, together they meet Olaf, her sisters creation, and there are battles, and more arguments between sisters. Pretty normal and expected fare from a Disney movie.  There is a point where Elsa again injures poor Anna with her icy magic palms, and Kristoff takes her to the trolls again, and for some reason none of the trolls remember Anna from her childhood.  The head troll tells Kristoff that the only cure is an act of true love.  Which is immediately translated into a true loves kiss.  Of course.  So back on the trail they go to Arandelle to find Prince Hans to kiss poor Anna, since he's her true love and only a true loves kiss will do.  
Well guess what Disney lovers?  Prince Hans is an asshole.  He's a lying, cheating bastard in the worst sense of the word.  It's all an act.  He's like 13th in line for the throne back in his neck of the woods, and the best way to be a King is to let Anna die.  You know gullible, naive, locked in a castle for all of adolescence Anna.  Poor Anna.  Now she is going to die, the eternal winter will never thaw, and her magical snow palmed sissy is trying to break out of Prince Hans prison.  Awesome.   No really, hear me out, this is awesome.  Why not start lifting the "Disney wool" over my daughters eyes now?  Someday she's going to meet a Prince Hans, and he will break her heart.  This is an excellent lesson in love.  One, don't get engaged on the first date, and two, just because he's handsome on the outside doesn't mean he has a nice heart on the inside.  Score one for Disney for finally exposing the truth about bad boys.  
Then something remarkable happens.  Just as you are cheering for a True Love's kiss, even I want it to happen so Anna can live, SPOILER ALERT, that is not what saves the day.  Anna, sacrifices her life, and her chance at a kiss from Kristoff, to save her sister Elsa's life.  Even though her and Elsa were separated, and their relationship tarnished by the secret of Elsa's powers.  Anna loves her sister, and by sacrificing herself that is the ultimate act in true love.  Yes, Disney.  So much yes.  Even I teared up.  First of all I have daughters.  And they fight to the death, they scream and argue, and yet at the end of the day, they love each other.  This is a great movie for sisters.  Second of all, Disney just proved to any little princess watching that they do not need a prince to have true love.  They don't need a prince to save the day.  They don't need a prince, but they can have one if they want one. And if they want a prince they no longer have to eat poisonous apples, touch random spinning wheels, or give up their voice for the shot a true love.  True love can be found by being brave and strong and having the confidence to say, I will save the day myself.  Way to go Anna.  

Google Search/ via

Frozen is now in my top 5 Disney movies.  Because it's all about girl power.  It's about sister love and family, and OK, it's got a really cute snowman named Olaf.  But the real reason it's one of my new favorites...
It's the ultimate example of sisters before misters.