Growing up in a Grimm World

The teaser trailer for Beauty and the Beast just released, and of course, I was excited. Ecstatic even. I mean, to be completely honest, there was a mix of feelings. I love Disney and was raised watching it. Beauty and the Beast was always my favorite followed by The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. But, with all these live action movies coming out, I had convinced myself that I would be Belle. (Yes, that was unreasonable thinking. I knew it. I just didn't want to believe it.) Let's be real, Emma Watson is going to do a way better job than I could ever do.

Then it got me to thinking- Why are fairy tales so important to many of us? Is this leading to unrealistic expectations about life? In what way? (And so falling in the black hole began.)

Let's take a step back and ask what it would be like if children grew up on Grimm instead of Disney?

The Brothers (Jacob and Wilhelm) Grimm compiled and wrote down the tales that they heard, which became Grimm's Fairy Tales, which some have been adapted to become cleaner versions of our beloved fairy tales we grew up on.

So, what do we think and what can we learn from these fairy tales? I decided to go over just three of them. If I went through each Grimm tale that became a Disney movie, we would be here all day.

SNOW WHITE (Little Snow-White)-

My beautiful sister donning her old Snow White Halloween costume for me.

Snow White is a classic. Not one of my top favorites, but still good. *cough* My sister's favorite and she had the costume to match. *cough*

I feel like the Disney version and Grimm's version are very similar. Grimm's is less about the dwarves and more about the fact that Little Snow-White is way too trusting. To be honest, a pretty good lesson to know. To continue:

Disney-

• I wish I had animals who helped me clean.
• I wish I liked cleaning in general.
• Men will flock to you if you just sing. And vice versa.
• Dancing can always make you feel better.
• A kiss will bring you back from death.
• Always be hopeful.
• Sometimes one has to go to the end of the world to find their love.

Grimm-

• Why does a dwarf have a bed that's too long for Little Snow-White?
• Friends can come quickly and in many forms.
• I eat human hearts! -Queen
• It took you three times to kill her properly and you didn't even succeed then.
• How can you make only half an apple poisonous?
• You can still wake up after choking to death on a poisoned apple.
• She decides to be with a man who wanted to watch after her beautiful, dead body.
• Revenge is sweet in the form of iron hot slippers.

A Grimm version of Snow White.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (The Singing, Soaring Lark [The Lady & The Lion])-
As I mentioned before, my favorite!
I had never read the Grimm version before and I think I prefer it to Disney's adaptation. It was a true love story about never giving up on your true love and believing in them and I was like, "WOW."

Disney-

• Even after arguing, your father will let you take his place.
• But, maybe a huge castle will make you feel better.
• Hospitality is key.
• Belle's two elder sisters didn't matter to even be a part of this.
• "Control your temper." -Mrs. Potts and Lumiere
• Sometimes love takes time.
• Friends can give good advice that should be taken.
• Maybe when somebody tells you to stay out of the west wing, you stay out of it.
• Don't judge a book by its cover. (Sometimes a witch will change you to look like your monstrous insides, however).
• But, that doesn't mean that people can't change.
• Harming your enemies is pointless. 

Grimm-

• No matter how much your father loves you, he will throw you to the lions, literally.
• Maybe don't ask your dad to bring you back a bird that's hard to find. 
• Being lion by day and man by night didn't stop their love from blooming.
• He risked being turned into a dove to attend her sister's wedding-and then turned into a dove.
• Their love was so strong that she followed this dove for seven years.
• Never give up.
• Always look out for deception.
• Sometimes things aren't as they seem.

A Grimm version of Belle. (Photo taken by Snow White)

RAPUNZEL [TANGLED] (Rapunzel)-
This is one of the more recent Disney adaptations that have come out. I mean, it was 2010...but it feels like just yesterday. That makes me feel old.. Both versions of this show true love in a fairy tale at its finest.

Disney-

• That's some magical hair!
• People can be selfish and covet that which isn't their's.
• Adults can lie.
• A frying pan can make a good weapon, if needed.
• Everybody has dreams.
• Some parents will never stop trying to find their child.
• Sometimes priorities change for the better.
• Never stop fighting for the one you love.
• All for woman empowerment!
• True love can be seen in the form of sacrificing oneself (which shouldn't be taken lightly).

Grimm-

• Like in Beauty and the Beast, your dad will make a deal that you weren't a part of.
• Why exile your "daughter" to the desert?
• Watch out for thorns.
• Sometimes you have to go through a lot, before finding your happy ending.
• Even through all the setbacks, true love will always find each other.

So, all around I saw that violence is a lot more cruel and brutal in the Grimm version. Now, I would say it isn't that bad from what children watch nowadays. Then we can get into the whole controversy about desensitization and whatnot. Maybe another time. This is supposed to be fun!

What we all learned from Disney? That singing is the way to anybody's heart, obviously.

But, in all seriousness, a lot can be learned from both Disney and Grimm. Different lessons can be learned from each version. I was looking into whether it would be better for kids to be reading Grimm rather than watching Disney. But, in all honesty, I think incorporating both could be beneficial. It's fun, romantic, and there's so much to learn-even if some of it is silly!

Here's to Happily Ever Afters!

~Rachel

11 Date Ideas for the Common Homebody

Homebody. I feel like this has negative connotations to it, but I personally love just being at home, whether by myself or with others. Sure, I love going on adventures and going to new places. However, sometimes you just don't want to leave the house or you want to be cheap (cheap is good).

The list below is meant for couples, but they can be adjusted for single people to do by themselves or even with friends. So, let us begin!


Starting with the obvious ones:

1. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or any others of the sort-

    Sometimes you just want to cuddle up on the couch with your beau and watch that television show you've been marathoning for the past week, or you want to try to tick one more movie off your never-ending queue. It's just nice to sit, relax, and enjoy each other's company without trying too hard. And doesn't that sound lovely? Especially if you add a glass-or two-of white or red wine.

2. The Movie Theater Experience-

    I mean, this could potentially be clumped in with number one, but let's just go with it. 

Can we talk about how expensive it is to go to the movies? I mean, ticket prices can get pretty pricey, especially on the weekends. But, if you want to add popcorn, drinks, and candy-that can rack up the price a little high for comfort. 

    So, why not just pick up a Redbox on the way home, stop at your local video store, or even watch that movie you got for Christmas five months ago and still haven't taken off the plastic wrapping? It's cheaper and you get to sit in the comfort of your own home. You can even pop over to the store and get popcorn, drinks, and movie theater candy for way, way cheaper.

Plus, who doesn't like the ability to pause for a bathroom break instead of regretting drinking that whole 32 oz. of pop when the movie isn't close to being over?

3. Romantic Dinner-

    With this, I mean, a good Chinese takeout, pizza delivery, or both(#nojudgment here). Don't like either? What's wrong with you? Just kidding! There's always a fast food pick-up on the way home or some healthier option! It's up to you! This gives you time to enjoy each other's company without the hassle of making dinner and worrying about dishes afterwards! And yes, this can be romantic, you don't need candles for this, but they can be incorporated if you so desire. Oh, and another chance for some wine if you want it! (I do!)

A beautiful pepperoni pizza from Little Caesar's that I bought as an excuse for
 a photo!

4. Napping-

    This may be more of a daytime date, but if you want to take a nap before bed, go for it! There are many statistics on napping, and many people are saying that naps may be beneficial. The National Sleep Foundation says, napping can "improve mood, alertness and performance." On the other hand,  Mayo Clinic website says napping can go either way depending on how it's approached. Sometimes you just need a good nap and why not make a date of it? Cuddle up together and napping might making you feel closer to one another (not just literally).

5. Board Games-

    This may be a little tricky for some people-me and all the other competitive types out there. However, if you aren't a sore loser like me, the board game world is available to you. For us others, we have to pick and choose what's safe to move forward with. It may also depend on your date or how strong your relationship is to be able to handle these tremendous tribulations. I wish you luck!

    Games that people may want to be careful around: Monopoly and Sorry!

Before:

Potential after:

                                I'm just joking...maybe.

    Games that may be a bit more safe: Clue (which is a bit difficult for two people), Scrabble, Battleship, Guess Who? (Do people still play that? I loved it as a kid!), Chess, Checkers and maybe Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders (games specified for kids can get intense).

6. Video Games-

    This can also be tricky, like board games. It's less likely that things will get thrown around, but I'm sure it happens, which can be a bit more damaging than throwing a board. People can also get angry, so depending on the people- it may be best to play a more tame game. However, there are a variety of games to play and it's a good way to connect and do something together. 

7. Cooking Together-

    Option 1: This can be a cute activity to do together where you pick out a recipe, go out and buy ingredients, and then work together towards an end product. A go to recipe for me is always pasta, you can't go wrong!

    OR

    Option 2: Make a competition out of it! It feels like at this point, I'm asking for people to fight, but I swear, it can be enjoyable! Who doesn't love cooking shows? Play a variation of the show Chopped and give each other ingredients (different or the same) they have to use to see who can make the better dish. It may end in a horribly tasting mess, but you'll still have fun doing it.

8. Puzzles!

    Puzzles are a good activity for couples. It gives people a chance to work together towards a final goal. You don't need to be completely focused on it, so it gives a chance for conversation and just a chill atmosphere.

9. Read a book-

    Just reading a book together can be relaxing and enjoyable. You could even take on character voices and make a play out of it (well, you could even read a play together). If you had both been meaning to read a specific book, why not do it together? Or if you don't want to read it together, you could always read it separately and then discuss it over coffee like a book club. Whatever works for you.

10. Poetry Slam-

    With this, you can do performances for one another inside the comfort of your own home. This can be done seriously with thought out poetry. Couples could also joke around with it and do improv. They could be given a subject or have to take a topic/word out of a hat and make up something on the spot for kicks and giggles. This can also be adapted for other performances and not just poetry. Just have fun with it!

Now, if we're getting a little risky-

11. Late Night Walk-

    So, maybe you didn't want to leave the house for a date because you wanted to be lazy or didn't want to have to deal with other people (besides your date). But, I love walking at night. Depending on where you live, you may see a few people out or even no one.

Red SuperMoon from last September!

    a) It can be your exercise for the day or to just get some fresh air for a few minutes. b) It can also be a way to tell your parents or friends-'See, I do leave the house.' or c) Walking in the dark alone together can feel very intimate. Sometimes it's nice for a change of scenery, especially with a full moon and a sky full of stars (will also depend on the season and location, as well).

CAUTION; Please be careful when doing something such as this. If you decide to walk on a gravel road or somewhere where there are cars and other motor vehicles, please make sure that they can see you. Safety first!


I hope you enjoyed these ideas and get some use out of them! What kind of dates do you like to have at home?

~Rachel