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Raising Three Savvy Ladies

NYC Lifestyle Blog

November 1, 2016 //

Mother Daughter Love with Auli’i Cravalho at our #Moana Interview

I cannot begin to tell you the love that was felt by all in the room when fellow bloggers and I had the opportunity to interview the star of Moana – Auli’i Cravalho and her mother, Puanani Cravalho while out in LA for the Pete’s Dragon Event.  Right away, we all felt the connection between mother and daughter as well as laughter and love  from all of us.

Moana Star inteview

On Keeping a Secret

It was bittersweet to hear Auli’i share the story of how she found out she was going to be Moana.  Once she shared with her mother, she was sworn to secrecy for 3 months.  What a tremendous secret to keep!

Her mom, Puanani Cravalho, shared “So she’d come home at night and- and we’d be, you know, hugging and she’s like mommy, I’m Moana.  I’m like yeah you sure are sweetie, you know, just be kind, there’s no one else to tell, she says oh I’m going to cry.”

What a special bond between mother and daughter to share and keep secret.

 

moana-movie-poster-2

On Meeting The Rock – Dwayne Johnson

In Moana, the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) guides Moana in her quest to become a master wayfinder.

Auli’i shared her experience with him:

“.. I assumed that we would be in the same booth. “He is very focused, which is interesting because he has so many different jobs just throughout the day that while we were on the content shoot, he was of course like talking to other people, and like trying to work out flights and all that stuff.  So what kind of just brought to- brought to mind I suppose was just how dedicated he can be to one thing and then convert his attention to another.  And he loves the character Maui so much.  He’s Polynesian just like I am.  So to see that he’s so committed to the character just made it almost overwhelming just the amount of like emotion that I know I put into- I know that he puts the same amount.”

moana-and-maui

On Being a Disney Princess

Moana is a Disney princess from the Polynesian culture.  Much research was done to preserve the past and include historical fact into the story.

Auli’i and her mother are very proud of their heritage and share how this Disney princess represents their culture.

“Moana is definitely a Disney character which is something that I totally love, because she’s totally a bad butt she’s really awesome.  So she, she really I think embodies it because I, as someone who has grown up, been born and raised on the island of Hawaii so the Big Island, I love my culture.  I go to an all Hawaiian school where you have to be Hawaiian to be admitted.  And I speak  the language as well.”

“…way finding isn’t just something they made up for animation purposes.  It was truly almost lost in the Polynesian culture, which is something that not a lot of people know.  So the fact that it’s being shined in such a positive light and the fact that there is now a resurgence of navigation and way finding in real day-to-day life, it’s, it’s so important.”

“As a Polynesian, we believe that, that everything is connected.  So from Malta to Makai, from the ocean to the sea, we respect that.  Because, uh, that’s- we use everything.  Everything.  So if we take care of the land or we take care of the ocean, then it’ll take care of us.  And the script really- really held that in there and  I remember all I could think of is whoever gets this is going to do it such great justice.  They have no choice because it’s an awesome script.”

On Being Auli’i’s Mom

Moana Auli'i & her mom

Auli’i Cravalho (and her mom Puanani Cravalho) photos (Photo credit: Jana Seitzer / MerlotMommy.com)

At this point in the interview, Auli’i’s mom shared how she keeps life normal for her.

“Keeping it real, you know, like I think it’s about raising a, a well balanced person.”  I think this is exactly what every mom wants.  We all want our children to be happy and there are times where we, ourselves, are unsure of what to do.

“This opportunity was just so amazing and it truly is.  But I, I just I don’t- I, now I, I, we are outside of, of what my knowledge and understanding is.  Uh, so I’m, I’m thrilled and I’m honored and I think what, and- and- and I’m happy for her and what, what makes me happy is that I, I’m watching her and like I know my child, I know every movement, the hair, the twist, the brow and everything and- and- and what it says to me is that she truly is enjoying this.  And that makes it okay. To be in the hands of, of Disney, it’s just- we’re in good hands.  And so I’m doing my mommy part and I’m staying close with her, because I need to be on this journey with her But and she’s happy and she’s thriving, and we’re in good hands.  So this canoe is sailing and we’re sailing well.”

 moana-group-photo-aulii-hug-590x393

Auli’i’s Favorite Disney Movie

As one who is also playing a strong character, it was interesting to see that Mulan was her favorite Disney movie.

“Mulan is my favorite. ….. she’s awesome and I think what really resonated was like she always wants to honor her family and she totally broke the gender norm of like going to war and doing what, what she felt was necessary.  So that totally resonated with me.”

At the end of our interview, we all took pictures together.  Auli’i was so welcoming and it was a pleasure to mee both she and her mom.  Our final words were just so bittersweet.  I think many of us did not her a dry eye.

One of the bloggers said,  “You’re amazing.”

Auli’i responded,   “I have an amazing mom. Right?”

I’m sure we would all agree that they were both amazing!  

Follow along with the latest Moana information:

Like MOANA on Facebook

Follow MOANA on Twitter

Visit the official MOANA website here

moana-aulii-blogger

MOANA arrives in theatres everywhere on November 23rd!

Will you be going to see it?

I was invited by Disney on an all expense paid trip to LA to be a part of the #PetesDragonEvent.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: Movies

Comments

  1. Ashley @irishred02 says

    November 1, 2016 at 7:06 pm

    We are screening Moana soon and can’t wait! This movie looks like it is going to be amazing!

  2. Rebecca Bryant says

    November 1, 2016 at 7:06 pm

    What a great interview. i love seeing and hearing all about the Disney happenings in the world.

  3. Anitra | The Mom on the Move says

    November 1, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    I’m so excited that see Disney continuing the expansion of the princess series into exploring other cultures. I can’t wait to see this with my girls.

  4. Rosey says

    November 1, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    I love that she gets to bring her culture to the table like that… And if you’re going to have a secret to keep, that one is sure a good one.

  5. Julie Wood says

    November 2, 2016 at 7:29 am

    This looks like a really good movie coming out this month. I like how pretty this movie looks in the trailer and my daughter wants to see it with me.

  6. Nikki says

    November 2, 2016 at 7:29 pm

    This looks like such a cute movie. I’ll be seeing this for sure.

  7. Jasmine says

    November 2, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    Looks like a beautiful movie! I know we’ll be heading out to see this one as soon as its out!

  8. Milena says

    November 3, 2016 at 10:05 am

    What a great trip! We can’t wait to see Moana. I love reading the interviews before we see the movie!

  9. Keikilani says

    November 3, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    I am from Hawaii and I am so excited for this movie! I think it will be a classic Disney masterpiece. Next year’s Halloween costume of choice will be a hula skirt for all the little girls.

  10. Laura Funk says

    November 3, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    What a great interview. What a challenge it would be to keep a secret like that. I also love that Mulan is her favorite princess and that she values her mothers relationship so much.

  11. G K says

    November 3, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    She’s seems like a sweet girl and has a great mom.

Kerri has been blogging for over 9 years. Since Raising 3 Savvy Ladies has grown, her sister, Lauren joins her in sharing the latest trends. Raising 3 Savvy Ladies is a NYC lifestyle blog where we share our travel adventures, what life is like over 40 and our favorite movies and theater experiences.

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So happy to kick off the holiday season with @macy So happy to kick off the holiday season with @macys and Santa! Last night, we took the train into the city to preview #Macys #Santaland I have to say it was quite magical. Although my youngest was 12, Santa was able to connect to her and put us all in the holiday spirit. 

I believe. I believe….

My mom also came with us. We started talking and I think it was almost 40 years ago that she took us to visit Santa at Macys. I was so happy to visit Santa with her and my youngest for a three generation experience.

Don’t forget to check out the beautiful window displays as you enjoy all of #NYC during the holidays! 

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#ad Mental health isn’t talked about enough, but #ad Mental health isn’t talked about enough, but 1 in 5 adults suffer from mental illness and disorders today. 

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Conversations are super important. It’s never too early (or too late) to have these conversations with your students or your own children.

Operation Conversation is a check-in on kids’ mental health. When we start simple habits of conversations, we can learn about concerns or problems our students are dealing with, help them problem solve, and build their confidence for life’s difficult moments. 

Teachers can help to destigmatize mental health starting in their own classrooms by talking to their students about mental health using a free deck of conversation starter cards. Parents can also use these cards to support good conversations while at home. I know as a mom, I can use all the help I can get. 

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Took a little trip upstate 💚 Visiting my oldest Took a little trip upstate 💚 Visiting my oldest and touring her sister on first college visit. Maybe it’s a sign that they should be together. Totally bittersweet and we went to visit Binghamton in October 2019 and only made it to two more before March 2020. I’m only thinking of bright skies ahead for the both of them filled with amazing memories and wonderful opportunities 💚
Thank you @baketivity for sending us the Duff Mons Thank you @baketivity for sending us the Duff Monster Cupcakes box. My teen loves to bake and the was perfect for her to get creative and try out new decorating idea with her cupcake monsters. We loved that the kit had everything she needed and detailed step-by-step directions too! @duffgoldman #baking #cupcakes #cupcakemonster #cupcakedecorating #teenswhobake #halloween #bakingforkids #bakingkits
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New York state has so many wonderful places to be New York state has so many wonderful places to be a part of . From the bright lights of NYC, to quiet places of respite in its parks and wooded areas. Time to walk, hike and reflect. Being active and busy is something that I hope my teens learn from and something we can do together to enjoy all the beauty and nature it has to offer while keeping NY tobacco free. Did you know that our oldest generation of smokers are now dying? After them, you have me and a very large group of people who do not smoke at all. So, who’s next? Instead of taking cigarettes off the shelves, the tobacco industry views today’s teens as tomorrow’s customers, using menthol-flavored products to attract and addict kids – and it’s working. More than half (54%) of youth who smoke (ages 12-17 years) use menthol cigarettes. making it easier for kids to start and harder for them to quit. Menthol is not JUST a flavor, it attracts and addicts kids As a teen mom, I am sharing this so we can all take action! Learn more about the impact of Big Tobacco’s manipulative tactics on our communities and how you can take action to help end this injustice. Let’s keep our kids enjoying the wonderful things our state has to offer. Link in bio #NotJustMenthol #TobaccoFreeNYS #ad @tobaccofreenys
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Four Weeks this Fall! Located in Midtown, my girls and I created fun memories and tons of laughs while bouncing through this super fun pop-up! I even went down the slide! 😂 we bounced. We laughed. We even got to get our groove on and dance!  Definitely an awesome way to relieve stress. Go with family or friends! Here are all the details:  Now through Thursday, November 17th the custom-built installation will occupy the plaza adjacent to Greeley Square Park on Broadway between 32nd and 33rd Streets. Pop In The City is a 120ft long walk-through experience consisting of a 
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