Products and Reviews

Troop Zero’s Message of Empowerment on Prime Video

We frequently hold family movie night around here. I love when a family movie can both move me to tears and make me proud to be a girl. Troop Zero does both of those things. The movie comes to Amazon Prime Video starting January 17th, and you won’t want to miss it!

Troop Zero celebrates the quirky, a personality trait that, if we’re honest, we all have demonstrated at one time or another. The characters are far from “average”. The heroine, Christmas Flint, hopes to win the Birdies Scouts jamboree and have her recorded voice projected into space as part of the prize. Viola Davis, who plays Christmas’s father’s secretary/right-hand-woman Rayleen, is challenged with wrangle the ragtag pals into a formal troop. Thankfully, each troop member’s quirkiness makes them specially equipped for earning their own unique patch.

The Troop Zero Crew

It was Christmas’s idea to form a troop in the first place, in order to send her welcome message to space for the aliens to hear. She needed at least 4 members, so she enlisted a few other kids from school who, like her, didn’t really fit in. Her BFF Charlie was the obvious first choice, although his addition was highly controversial for the formerly girls-only scouts organization. Next to join were the aggressive Hell-No, her sidekick Smash, and a one-eyed evangelist named Anne-Claire. Together they sell cookies, earn badges, and camp out in the wilderness. They didn’t start out as friends, but through their hardship they learn to cling to each other for strength.

Why Your Family Should See Troop Zero

If you want a good laugh, you will get a kick out of this movie. It’s filled with one-line zingers and funny situations that will absolutely warm your heart. But even more than that, Troop Zero is an empowering movie. The message of resilience is an inspiration for kids, or even adults, to persevere until their big dreams become reality. Christmas wants to send a message into outer space so her mom, who passed away and lives among the stars, can hear her. Charlie would rather choreograph dances than catch a football. Everyone is afraid of Hell-No (and her fists), but in Troop Zero she lets down her guard, shows her empathetic side, and finds real friendship. Troop Zero is a place where kids can be who they are, without fear of judgement. I think we could use a little more of that in the world.

Special note for families with young children: Troop Zero is set in 1970’s Georgia. The culture and dialogue of the movie is true to the time period. That being said, there is some mild language. If your family has conservative values, I am sure you already preview anything that your kids watch.

Click here to download the entire Troop Zero activity packet and discussion guide, including the activities below and the crossword answers.

Face your Credit Score with Confidence and Come Out a Winner

Thank you CreditRepair.com for sponsoring this post. CreditRepair.com’s team understands that a credit score is not just a number; it’s a lifestyle.

Let’s talk credit scores. Without getting into details, of course. Because isn’t your personal credit score such a private thing? People only share their credit score if they have something to brag about, which leaves the rest of us feeling a little bit uneasy about our credit. It’s probably everyone’s wish to have a better credit score, but I bet most people don’t have what it takes to make that happen. Just like dieting or any other life change, building better credit requires an accountability partner. A healthy relationship with your credit is the key to meeting your financial dreams.

A few years ago, one of our kids needed to go to the hospital at a time when I had just started a new job and our medical insurance hadn’t kicked in yet. Talk about bad timing! When you’re dealing with medical bills or other unexpected expenses, it feels like you can never get your good credit back again. Thankfully, CreditRepair.com gives you the accountability and support you need to get on track to a better future. When you get your free consultation from one of their credit professionals, you’re taking the first step to becoming educated and empowered to reaching the credit scores you deserve.

Better Credit can Help Us Meet our Financial Goals

How could better credit improve your future? Staying out of debt is a big goal of mine. I hate to think about how much money gets eaten up in interest payments. Better credit could save literally thousands of dollars in high interest rates. In fact, past CreditRepair.com clients have seen an average score increase of as much as 40 points in just four months (* Not all clients saw such a result as all legal cases are different. You should not expect to see the same result and it is not guaranteed.) With good credit and little to no debt, our family could enjoy many more opportunities. Like trips to amusement parks, weekend getaways, and maybe one day a home of our own!

The Right Tools for Better Credit

When you have CreditRepair.com on your side, you don’t have to worry about what’s going on with your credit. CreditRepair.com is one of the top providers of credit report repair services in the United States. A dedicated member advisor can offer you peace of mind, and with the mobile apps you can tap in to your credit journey 24/7. CreditRepair.com members also receive a personal online dashboard with a credit score tracker, credit monitoring, and access to credit bureaus and creditors.

Do you really know what’s on your credit report? I printed mine out not long ago. It was over 10 pages long! Processing all that information is overwhelming if you’re not used to reading credit reports. The best way to feel confident in your credit score is to seek the help of a CreditRepair.com professional.

Your free 10-minute credit analysis can provide you with a game plan to put your goals into action. Imagine how good it will feel to be able to say, “I have good credit”. Now that’s winning.

It’s Possible to Enjoy a Budget-Friendly (and Healthier!) Family Trip to Chuck E. Cheese

This post is sponsored by Caulipower but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

It’s been a while since we’ve been to Chuck E. Cheese. Have you visited lately? My friends, it has changed SO much in the last few years! We took the crew there on a family outing, and found out that it’s possible to stick to a budget AND find healthy dining options at Chuck E. Cheese.

During a rainy spell last week, we were desperate to burn off some of the little guys’ energy. We spent one afternoon at an indoor trampoline park, which was great and definitely wore the little people out. However, this particular trampoline place had far more games requiring tokens than it had trampolines. The kids were just itching to play games, so we made a deal: If it was still raining the next day, we’d hang out for an hour or so at Chuck E. Cheese.

Sure enough, it rained the following day too. Cue the ecstatic little people.

How to Save on Good Food and Games

The key is to take advantage of the All You Can Play games. You can load your play card with a minute or a dollar amount, and the kids can enjoy games nonstop without having to bother Mom & Dad for quarters! This is also a great way to keep kiddos occupied while they wait for their pizza.

We’ve been pretty awful at making healthy eating choices this summer. I blame the seasonal need for snacks 24/7 during the summer that somehow wasn’t a thing during the school year. So I jump at any meal option that’s healthy, especially if I don’t have to cook it myself. Chuck E. Cheese now offers a Super Cauli Crust pizza powered by CAULIPOWER®. It’s a better-for-you pizza because it’s gluten free, made with vitamin-packed cauliflower. The Super Cauli Power pizza is nutritious, it tastes great, and best of all it gives kids (and parents) with dietary restrictions a way to share in the yummy experience at Chuck E. Cheese!

Use this exclusive promo code to save ½ off the Super Cauli Crust pizza powered by CAULIPOWER with $10 or more All You Can Play games purchase though 8/4/2019! The CAULIPOWER pizza from Chuck E. Cheese is the same trending gluten-free dish at the grocery store. Now that it’s available at Chuck E. Cheese, you can also order it for nationwide delivery through DoorDash, UberEats and GrubHub.

Of course, pizza is nice but the games are the kids’ favorite part of Chuck E. Cheese. And don’t judge me but I’m pretty sure to be found at the Skee Ball lanes trying to sink a ball in the corner pocket. By the end of our playing time we had enough tickets to get each of the kids 2 small toys. Not too bad for a family trip to Chuck E. Cheese!

Make sure you go before August 4, and grab this promo code to save ½ off on the Super Cauli Power pizza when you purchase at least $10 All You Can Play games!

Best Early Access Deals for Amazon Prime Day 2019

My favorite shopping season isn’t Black Friday, it’s Amazon Prime Day. What is Prime Day, you ask? It’s a massive annual event on Amazon with savings and deals just for Amazon Prime members. Every year I tell myself I’m going to rock those Amazon Prime Day deals, but I usually end up aimlessly clicking around and missing out on all the good stuff. Not anymore, my friends. I’ve done a good amount of research on Amazon Prime Day 2019, which is actually 2 days this year – July 15 & 16. I’m ready to rock this party, and you can too. Savvy shoppers, read on for info on the best early access deals for Amazon Prime Day 2019.

amazon prime day 2019 — Image via Amazon

While we don’t know yet what specific items will be on sale for Prime Day, we can kind of get an idea of what deals to expect based last year’s deals. There are always great sales on books, electronics, Amazon devices, and toys. Keep an eye out for great Christmas gift ideas!

Amazon Prime Day Deals on Home and Electronics

There are guaranteed to be amazing deals on electronics, especially Amazon products and devices. If you’ve been considering adding an Echo Dot or Alexa Show to your home, this is the time to do it. Last year, the Fire TV Stick was the #1 best seller worldwide. We have one of these and we just love it! If your family has Prime, I highly recommend watching this item for Prime Day 2019. We also expect to see some competitively low prices on 4K TVs. And don’t forget to watch home appliances. Pressure cookers were the most popular Prime Day deal last year in the U.S.

So what deals can we expect this year? The masterminds behind Amazon Prime Day 2019 haven’t told us everything, but they have given us some details.

New Product Launches for Amazon Prime Day 2019

We are looking forward to some fresh new product releases this Rime Day!

How about these organic, apple cider vinegar gummies that support weight loss? Um, yes, please!

I plan to snag this car mount that has Alexa built in. You don’t even know how many times my kids have been in the car calling out for Alexa to play their favorite KidzBop song. Now Alexa will actually answer! It works with both my iPhone and John’s Android phone.

I’m also drooling over this gorgeous 4-piece cookware set, an adjustable Coleman canopy tent, and this adorable tropical baby playmat! And these are just a few of the literal millions of deals that Amazon guarantees on this 2-day discount celebration.

Ok, for those who are still holding out on getting your own Prime membership – there’s still a way for you to score some great deals. Take advantage of the 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime! Use it to shop your favorite products on Prime Day 2019! You could cancel it before the free trial is up and still get free shipping on all your Prime Day shopping. College students get an amazing bonus opportunity with this free 6-MONTH free trial of Amazon Prime Student.

Amazon Prime Day 2019’s Sneak Peek Starts July 8

Amazon is giving us sneak peek only in the app, starting July 8! From the app sneak peek page you can get notified when new deals go live. This is a great place to watch for your perfect deal.

Extra Savings Starts Now

There are a couple deals already available that can offer a head start on Prime Day shopping:

Get a $10 Amazon credit when you sign in to the Amazon App for the first time, and get an additional $10 credit after your first in-app purchase.

Get $10 to spend on Amazon when you spend $10 at Whole Foods.

These sitewide shopping deals are all available NOW!

One final tip for the budget-conscious:

To avoid over-spending, make a list of things you want to buy during the Amazon Prime Day celebration. Stick to those items as you browse the Prime Day deals!

Taking your Outdoor Entertainment to the Next Level

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Who else loves backyard gatherings? Every time I go to a friend’s barbecue I start getting the itch to host my own get-together. Of course, when you have people over you have to make sure that your outdoor entertainment space is up to par. I’ve been getting some ideas about setting up an amazing patio. Here are a few things that will make you rock your next outdoor party at home:

A Variety of Seating Options

It’s important to have a place for everyone to sit. A comfy outdoor couch for people to flake out on is ideal. You could also place some beach chairs and lounge chairs out for people who like to bask in the sun. A patio table with an umbrella is the best of both worlds because people who like the sun can sit alongside their friends who want that umbrella shade tilted in their direction.

I love the way this patio is set up so that everyone can see what is on the TV. The host has a SunBrite TV Veranda Series mounted to the wall, which gives all the guests a good view of the screen. Even on a sunny afternoon, everyone at the party can watch the big game and enjoy a cool outdoor breeze because the SunBrite Veranda TVs are up to 50% brighter than indoor TVs. This brightness drastically improves the viewing in brighter outdoor environments.

SunBrite TV Veranda Series for outdoor entertainment and patio decor.

Plenty of Food and Drinks

For an outdoor event, it’s nice to grill the food while guests are visiting. People like to gather around the cooking food and chat with the chef. Not only that, but the smell of food cooking on the grill adds to the party atmosphere. If you do provide alcoholic drinks, make sure there are also some non-alcoholic beverages.

Give Your Guests Something to Do

It’s very easy to entertain without having to put in much effort. If you scatter a few backyard games around the yard or set out some props for a photo booth, your guests will have opportunities to laugh with each other and make new friends. Or take the movie night outdoors where guests can roast s’mores while watching a movie! The SunBrite Veranda Series TV is fully weatherproof to withstand rain, snow, dust, salt air, humidity, and even insects!

The SunBrite Veranda Series TV is 4K UHD with HDR. It is built for full-shade outdoor living areas and is available in 43”, 55”, 65” and 75” sizes.

Get creative with your outdoor space this season, and your guests are sure to enjoy your next party. Now the best seat in the house is outside!

21 Ways to Get the Most Out of Summer Days

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias #MyCafeSteamers

As summer looms on the horizon, it feels like the days ahead are plentiful. But then as September starts to creep up, I always get this feeling of panic like there’s still so much I haven’t done yet! I brainstormed some ways to get the most of summer so I have ready-to-go ideas for days when we have nothing planned. So far I have 21 things we’re planning to tick off our list this summer.

After a day of summer fun, it’s nice to enjoy a hot meal at home. But when I’m on the go from sunrise to sunset, I’m in no mood to cook dinner for the family. Of course if you know me, you know that I always have a plan. Everyone at our house is happy when it’s a Healthy Choice® Cafe Steamers night! The Beef Merlot has bright, crunchy vegetables to go with the tender beef. Click the image below to shop our favorite dinner solution for busy summer nights!

I keep my freezer stocked with Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers. There are a variety of delicious recipes to fit everyone’s taste preferences. My favorite is the Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers are so convenient because they cook up in minutes. But, don’t tell the kids, they’re also packed with veggies! I love how easy they are to prepare when I’m short on time, and my family loves the variety of tasty sauces. This Chicken Marinara has a wonderful rich flavor!

When I don’t have time to run to Walmart, I add a handful of Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers to my online grocery cart. That way I don’t lose any summer play time on errands! If you haven’t tried the Walmart Online Grocery Service, I suggest you check to see if it’s available in your area. You buy online and they bring it right out to your car!

With dinner at home taken care of, make the most of your summer days by trying some of these fun summer activities!

Go on a family bike ride. Check online for local bike trails, or take a destination ride to the beach or park.

Go stargazing and look for shooting stars. Take a drive away from the city for an even brighter lights show!

Catch an outdoor concert. There are plenty of free concerts in the park to choose from on warm summer afternoons.

Go for a swim. Take a dip in a swimming hole or hit up the beach or pool. We pull out our Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers to help us refuel after a day at the beach. The Beef Teriyaki is my favorite!

Stroll through a farmer’s market. Bring reusable bags and fill up on fresh local produce!

See an outdoor movie. Pull in to a drive-in or catch a movie in the park. Some public pools also have “Float n’ Flick” events where you watch a movie while swimming! Volunteer. Lend a helping hand with park cleanups or offer to help at a soup kitchen or pet shelter.

Take a spin in a kayak. Hot tip: This is a great way to work out your abs and the life vests cover up your tummy.

Go on a geocaching adventure. This is also a great way to find off-the-beaten-path local spots.

Play at a splash pad. Everyone loves to cool off in these creative sprinklers.

Visit the museum. Play tourist in your hometown!

Put a pause on TV-time. Go on a fast from watching TV and instead play board games or read books.

Visit the fair. Make some time while you’re there to look at the cool exhibits and animals, in addition to the rides and attractions.

Go fishing. No poles? No problem! Bring a bucket to the creek and try to catch a crawdad!

Take a summer reading challenge. Libraries usually have a full schedule of summer activities, so we always make sure to take advantage of them.

Compile a Summer Photo Album. Don’t forget to snap a photo of each adventure. At the end of the summer put your pictures together for a homemade yearbook of summer family fun.

Have a late-afternoon picnic and watch the sunset. Rejuvenate your mind and soul with some fresh air and peaceful scenery.

Rearrange your living space. Give your living room or bedroom a fresh new look by switching around the furniture. Every time I do this it makes me feel like I moved into a new place!

Write a letter to a relative or friend. Break out the old-fashioned pencil and paper and let a loved one know you’re thinking of her.

Roast S’mores. In the backyard or at a campground, these tasty treats are easy to make anywhere you go!

Go for a nature walk. Bring binoculars and step silently. You’d be amazed at the wildlife you might find!

While it is a good idea to make the most of your summer days, I do not recommend taking on too much in one day! Give yourself a break. After a long day of summer fun, you can bet you won’t be in the mood to cook. I suggest having a quick and easy frozen meal on hand to fill hungry bellies after a busy day of summer adventures.

Since 1989, Healthy Choice has been offering healthy options with delicious gourmet flavors. They are easy to prepare, and cooked with steam for freshness you can taste. Find them at a Walmart near you!

Family Beach Day | Tips for a Fantastic Beach Trip

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FreeToBe #CollectiveBias

Beach tips and tricks for kids to have a fantastic day at the beach. Before you start packing (especially if you have a baby or toddler), check out these ideas for a family beach trip. If you are planning on going to the beach this summer, I know you will find something useful in these easy tips for a fantastic beach trip!

In my younger years I spent as much time as I could at the beach. It was so easy back then – I’d just grab my sarong and sunscreen and be out the door in minutes. Now that I’m a mom of 4, getting everyone to the beach and back home is a lot more work than it used to be! We’ve gotten pretty good at having a routine in place for packing our supplies for the trip and taking care of our summer things so they will last longer.

Whether your family makes frequent beach trips or just one or two a year, you will find useful takeaways in these tips for a fantastic beach trip.

Tips for a Fantastic Beach Trip

Stay sun safe
Young children need plenty of sun protection. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that is waterproof and protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Babies and toddlers should wear a swim shirt and hat for added protection.

Let there be shade
Bring a UV-blocking shade or umbrella to give your hot little kiddos a break from the sun. We have this great little tent (I mentioned it in this post about keeping babies sun safe) that we bring along when we’re going to be at the beach all day. It’s lighter and easier to carry than an umbrella, and all 3 little guys can fit inside.

Take care of your little one’s feet
Water shoes are great for babies and toddlers because the hot sand can burn their little feet. Children who are too small for flip flops can still play in the sand with these shoes on. But when sand gets in these shoes it can cause blisters. We put these on the little one when he wants to run around. Our 3 year olds would wear flip flops to walk across the hot sand. When they got to the cool, wet sand by the water they were fine in their bare feet.

Stay cool and hydrated
Bring water for everyone, and make sure they drink it! You can freeze one water bottle the night before to use as an ice pack, then as it thaws it’s a nice refreshing drink. We freeze Capri Sun drinks for the kids too. They usually defrost pretty quickly on a hot day. Everything gets packed in a big mesh beach bag. We’ve used that bag for our grab and go summer beach bag for over 2 years! Well worth the $17.

Protect your valuables
Keep your cell phone free of sand and water damage by storing it in a zip-top bag while you’re at the beach. Other small things like keys and jewelry can be zipped up as well to make sure they don’t get lost in the sand.

Keep your energy up
Pack high-protein snacks to keep kids (and parents) energized for a long day of sand and sun. Try celery sticks with peanut butter, cheese sticks, or trail mix. We also like to bring whole wheat graham crackers and fresh fruit to satisfy our cravings for sweets.

Leave only footprints
8 million tons of plastic enters the ocean each year. Bring a small bag to collect your wrappers and other trash, or pack trash back away with your belongings to throw out when you are near a trash can.

Entertain little ones too small for the waves
This is quite possibly one of my favorite tips for a fantastic beach trip of all time. My number one recommendation for parents is to bring a small shovel (we use a medium-sized garden spade shovel like this one from Home Depot) and use it to dig a wide, shallow hole. If you dig near the ocean, occasional waves will fill it with water. Youngsters who are too small to venture out into the waves can play in this little “kiddie pool” without having to worry about waves knocking them down. Every time we dig a hole at the beach, other kids end up joining us in the “pool”! Our little ones are now 4 and 6, and we still dig a hole every time we go to the beach. They love it!

Ban sand from the house
Once sand gets in the house, it can get tracked everywhere. Carry sandy toys to and from the beach in a open-weave basket or mesh bag. Shake excess sand from towels before getting in the car. Remove sand from your skin by shaking a little baby powder or cornstarch onto sandy hands and feet and the sand will brush right off. Rinse sand off of boogie boards, feet, and hair with the hose at home.

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Filling up on vitamin sea ? How are you holding up? It seems like there’s chaos everywhere we look these days. While there is a lot of work to be done to enact change, please make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well. Sometimes that means tucking your phone away in a closet, diving into a good book, putting on headphones and tuning everyone out, or giving your body a good yoga stretch. We can’t stand up for others if we’re falling apart ourselves. For me, the place I find rest is the beach. I love you. I see you. I’m here for you. ?????????? . . . . . . #momplusjoy #selfcareformoms #beachlife #wecandobetter #girlmom #sandiegomom #getoutdoors #raisingkindkids #surfsup #mindfulmotherhood
A post shared by Nikki | Simply Sweet Days (@simply_sweet_days) on Jun 1, 2020 at 2:49pm PDT

Wash people and laundry ASAP
Salt water and sand can really damage your laundry. Everyone will surely want to bathe right away, but don’t forget to clean all those beach towels and swimsuit cover-ups. We use all® free clear detergent and all® free clear fabric softener because I get allergies at unpredictable times of the year. Plus the all® free clear fabric softener makes our towels feel super soft! We buy ours at the Albertsons just down the street from us.

Take care of your swimsuit
You can prolong the fresh bright color of your swimsuits by washing them thoroughly once you get home. Here is how I make sure to get the most sand out of my suits after a beach trip.

Rinse and dry your swimsuit completely.

The next day shake the excess sand out of your swimsuit and scrub it in the sink with all® free clear detergent.

Rinse your suit again.
Add your suit to a regular load of laundry and wash as usual with all® free clear detergent and all® free clear fabric softener (be sure to follow the directions for use on the packaging exactly).

Swimsuits are not cheap. Thankfully, all® free clear helps preserve the look and life of swimsuits because it fights stains and brightens colors. all® free clear detergent and all® free clear fabric softener also get rid of 99% of allergens*, including cat and dog dander, dust mite matter, ragweed, grass, and tree pollen. Visit the all® free clear community and learn more about the brand’s allergy removal benefits! Plenty of other moms have great stuff to say about living free from sensitive skin worries. Stop by the hub for more #FreeToBe summer tips and tutorials.

While a trip to the beach is still a lot of work, we manage to make it stress-free by preparing well before we go. It helps to also have a system in place for cleaning up afterwards. Going to the beach is our favorite summer activity, but we find ourselves at the shore even during the off-season. It’s a great place to people-watch and enjoy nature.

How do you have fun all year long?

*all® free clear is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.

Fun Spring Snacks for Kids

This post is sponsored by Goldfish® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Our family is leaping into spring and all things warmer weather. If you can’t get outside to enjoy a warm spring day, you can always bring the season inside with some fun spring snacks for kids!

Step up your game with these easy and fun spring snacks for kids! @GoldfishSmiles #EpicCrunch #ad

Today’s snacking features our new favorite crackers: Goldfish Epic Crunch. These crackers have bold flavors and a pack a big, tortilla crunch! But don’t worry, these Nacho flavored Goldfish Epic Crunch crackers aren’t spicy. You’ve got to try this new, exciting snack. You and your kids will love the cheesy, zesty Nacho flavor of these Goldfish Epic Crunch!

My spring snack designs were inspired by the beautiful flowers that are sprouting up everywhere. Make your own Goldfish-decorated flowers by cutting out yellow circles from foam craft sheets or construction paper. I used a green craft foam sheet for the background. To make the cute sunflower shapes, arrange Goldfish Epic Crunch crackers along the outside of the circle. Add a thin slice of celery for a stem. Then watch as your children’s eyes light up at the tasty springtime scene!

As a mom, I prefer Goldfish Epic Crunch crackers because they’re baked with whole grain and made without using artificial flavors or preservatives. Look for theGoldfish Epic CrunchNacho flavored crackers at your local grocery store. Be sure and also check out some of the other Goldfish Epic Crunchflavors, like Honey BBQ and Ranch.

To make additional spring snacks for kids, it helps if you have some cookie cutters in cute Easter or spring shapes. You can make cutouts from almost any food you have in your kitchen. I used some fried eggs to make a little chick and a piece of lightly toasted bread to make a bunny.

A thinly-sliced strawberry makes a cute tulip once you add a celery stem to it! I even made a cup of “carrot juice” by adding a few drops of food coloring to a glass of apple juice.

My cute little spring snacks were quickly gobbled up. The Goldfish Epic Crunch Nacho flavor crackers were by far the biggest hit. Purchase the Goldfish Epic Crunch Nacho flavor at your local retailer, which you can find here.

Sanity-Savers for Spring Cleaning with Kids

This post is sponsored by The Libman Company but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a good time to spruce up your interior! When you have little ones in the home, this is sometimes easier said than done. This weekend we broke out the suds and scrub brushes. I’d love to share with you some of my sanity-savers for spring cleaning with kids.

Make a List of What you want to Clean

Before you get started, it’s best to have a plan. List the areas of the house you want to clean, and be specific. Instead of listing “refrigerator”, write what you will do to clean the refrigerator, such as “wash refrigerator drawers, scrub door handles, and defrost the freezer.” Be realistic in what you plan to accomplish. If you have small children, this may not be the time to detail the garage and pressure wash your house on your own.

Get the Kids Involved

There are plenty of things kids can do to help clean the house. Give them a bucket of sudsy water and have them scrub the walls. While the quality of cleaning done by kids may not meet White House standards, it keeps them out of your way when they help out. As a bonus, they’re learning responsibility and life skills! They even get a little excited if you let them use “official” cleaning gloves! 🙂

Stick with Simple Equipment

You don’t need a lot of gear to spring clean your house. Some basics are:

A bucket or dish pan for sudsy water
Sponges or strong scrubbing brushes
Some cloths or old rags
A spray bottle
Your favorite cleaning solutions
A good mop

This weekend we tried out the Libman Wonder® Mop and I really love it! I’ve been hesitant to sue mops in the past because all that water is such a pain. It’s no fun trying to keep kids out of the kitchen for hours while the floor is drying. Thankfully, the Wonder® Mop has a power wringer that gets out more water so the floors dry faster. It works on all surfaces, so anyone can use it!

To use the Wonder® Mop, you’ll first want to make sure you sweep up all the big stuff on the floor.

Then simply soak the microfiber mop head thoroughly. Pressing the power wringer towards the mop head, squeeze out the excess water.

Snap the power wringer back into place and you’re ready to go! The Wonder® Mop’s microfiber GRIPSTRIPS™ lift 20% more dirt, leaving your floors even cleaner. It’s so easy to use, you’ll be done with the floors in no time and can get back to tending to your little ones!

Another thing I dislike about using a mop is figuring out what to do with it when I’m done mopping. I mean, I could lean it up against a wall or something but the residue of all that icky stuff from my floor is probably lurking in the fibers. But with the Wonder® Mop, you can remove the mop head and toss it in the washing machine up to 50 times!

Right now, you can save $3 when you sign up for the Libman newsletter. Check the website for tutorials, tips, and where to buy the Libman Wonder® Mop!

Dumbo Review + Free Printables | Mom Goes to the Movies

Well hello, movie-goers! This week I had the pleasure of attending the new Dumbo movie screening. I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to dance around any spoilers so you can enjoy the movie when you see it in theaters this weekend. 😉

Set of free printables and activities to go along with our Dumbo Movie Review

The Dumbo 2019 Movie is Unique… Yet Still the Same

I know, I know. What a vague thing to say, right? But it’s true. Many of the things that we remember about the original movie are still there. The story revolves around a baby elephant who is separated from his mommy. Thanks to his big ears and a magic feather, he has an almost magical ability to fly. The story takes place in a circus. You’ll see many other nods to the 1942 film if you’re paying attention. But this time Disney takes the story in a different direction.

Some 2019 Dumbo Easter Eggs: See if you can find Mr. stork, a not-so-boozy bubble bath, The “Casey Junior” song, the ear-wagging punk who mocks Dumbo, and pink elephants!

A Different Point of View

In the original film, the story unfolds through the interactions of a talking mouse and silent baby elephant. But you can’t really have a talking mouse in a live action movie, can you? Enter a science-enthusiast preteen girl and her spunky little brother. The children, Milly and Joe Farrier, befriend Dumbo and guide him in perfecting his flying abilities. Meanwhile their father, back from the war, is the adult who shamelessly stands up for the baby elephant’s best interests. We are so glad to see a strong father figure in a family movie! As Holt Farrier, Colin Farrell is devoted to both his children and animals. Could he be any more irresistible?

Grand Circus Entertainment

Everything that comes to mind when we think about the circus is wonderfully portrayed in the Dumbo 2019 movie. Big striped tent? Check. Lots of animals? Check. Bright, flashy costumes? Check. But unlike in the animated version, this time there is an extra special performer in the center ring. Eva Green graces the stage as the beautiful Collette, a spectacular aerial artist. At first I wasn’t sure if she was going to be a good guy or a bad guy. But by the end of the movie she had my heart.

Chasing Big Dreams

True to the style of many Disney movies, the characters in the 2019 Dumbo movie are spurred on by their biggest dreams. Baby Dumbo dreams of finding his mother. Young Milly Farrier dreams of becoming a scientist. Holt Farrier dreams of riding stallions like he did in the pre-war days. Will they all reach their goals? You’ll have to see the movie to find out.

What if I haven’t seen the original movie?

While it is a classic, you don’t have to have seen the original Dumbo movie to enjoy everything about this one. The story is complete as it is! There isn’t a bit of this movie that requires an understanding of the first one. However, if you have seen the animated movie from the 1940’s, you will definitely notice some of the familiar characters and scenes.

When I first heard the Disney 2019 movie lineup I couldn’t believe that Dumbo was coming back. I’ll be honest, when I first heard about the live-action remake of the classic movie, I was a bit hesitant about seeing it. However, Director Tim Burton gave us another movie full of excitement and deep emotions. The new Dumbo movie is so heartwarming, and sends many positive messages about what it is to be a true family, about animal rights, and about equality. I can’t wait to see it again.

Dumbo (2019)

Release Date: Friday, March 29, 2019

Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes

Mom Goes to the Movies Recommends this movie for kids 7 and up due to exciting action and strong emotional scenes.

Check out these Free Dumbo Movie Printables and Activities

Click on an image to be taken to the printable pdf file!

Have you seen the new Dumbo movie yet? What was your favorite part?