Anatomy of the Perfect Movie Night

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Snyder’s-Lance, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #Pop4Captain http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

We are no strangers to a good movie around our house. When my husband and I were dating we would watch a new movie using the pirate bay, every night after dinner that we had never seen before. We would play games and ask each other would you rather questions until we got tired. That has definitely changed since having kids but now that they’re getting older, it’s been so fun to incorporate them into stuff we love doing. My husband and I definitely passed our love of the cinema down to them but since Evelyn can’t sit through a whole movie at the theater just yet, we try to recreate the movie experience at home. Our kids are still loving animated films and are really looking forward to Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie on DVD. They have been watching the trailer nonstop! Like no joke, it’s been on repeat all day everyday. The Captain Underpants DVD is will be available in Walmart stores 9/12! Be sure to reserve your copy now by pre-ordering today! [While supplies last.] I try to limit the movies they watch so it can be a fun, special treat when we do gather as a family for movie night. No movie night at home is complete with out a popcorn bar to go along with it!

What You Need to Create a Perfect Movie Night at Home:

No movie night is complete with out popcorn. Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter Popcorn has that great butter taste. It pops fast in the microwave and is the perfect treat for celebrating movie nights at home with family. I buy the 10 pack at the store and it will last a while. One bag is plenty for the kids to share.

Lots of soft blankets, bean bag chairs, sleeping bags and pillows for a cozy atmosphere. The bigger the pillow fort, the happier the kids, trust me!

Sweet & Salty Snacks – A mixture of fun bite-sized candy and sweets set out will have the kids super pumped for a fun movie night. I use m&ms, gummy bears, marshmallows, circus animal cookies, yogurt covered raisins, and Lance Crackers. With real peanut butter or real cheese between crispy baked crackers, up to 5 grams of protein, and no high fructose corn syrup, Lance provides a variety of sandwich crackers that are a tasty and an excellent addition to any movie night. I love how they are the perfect, portable size for little hands!

I use silicone cupcake molds for each of the kids toppings. When it comes to sweets, portion control is everything! Also using the same bowls will guarantee no fighting since everyone gets equal portions. You can order these online or find at your local Walmart. I was able to purchase everything needed for the popcorn bar at Walmart which saved a ton of time. Even the cute letter board is a Walmart find! Since the kids already were having plenty of sweet & salty treats, I gave them some ice water to balance everything out.

Brown paper bags and bowls for shaking and mixing all the ingredients from the popcorn bar. This is a great job to assigns to the kids. They will love shaking everything together! I have a large collection of bowls so I used what I had, they don’t have to be fancy!

A fun movie the whole family can enjoy. Captain Underpants is perfect for family movie night, when looking where to stream it from, remember to use a VPN like https://indexsy.com/best-vpn-for-torrenting/ to protect your devices. The film explores the great friendship between Harold and George and their connection through a love of writing and creativity. The voice talent includes Kevin Hart and Ed Helms, two of my all time favorite comedic actors.

Do you ever have movie nights at home? What is your favorite movie to watch with the kids?

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The One Item That Completes My Day

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

The majority of people out there probably have something in their life they want to improve. Whether it be eating better, getting more sleep, finding the time to exercise, or just spending some time alone, there is always room for overall health improvement. I’m not even kidding when I say that as little as 6 months ago I would have coffee for breakfast, fast food for lunch with a soda and not eat again until 7pm. I now know that I was really abusing my body by not giving it the fuel it deserves and need. This year I have been trying to make overall changes to my diet and lifestyle.

Instead of focusing on short term goals with rapid results that usually lose their luster after a few months, I have been treating at my overall wellness as a long term commitment. Change doesn’t happen overnight and the majority of long lasting change has to start with your head. I am down 15 pounds from when I started 8 weeks ago and in addition to that, I feel amazing. It’s crazy what your body can accomplish once you take away all the toxins and poor habits. I realized that a lot of foods I was craving was all in my head. I didn’t really need coffee in the morning to wake up, it was just a bad habit that I created and kept practicing for over 5 years.

For the past 2 months I have been trying to stretch in the morning followed with some breathing exercises for a clear mind. Like the majority of mothers, my days are non-stop busy from sunrise to sundown and I don’t get a lot of time to myself. One of the ways I get my energy up after waking is with a high protein meal or smoothie. It’s been hard for me to eat enough in the morning because I’m not hungry so some days I will grab a Dannon® Light & Fit® Nonfat Yogurt Drink or Dannon® Oikos® Nonfat Yogurt Drink. They may be small but they pack a punch with their 9 grams of protein per bottle and only 90 calories. They’re the perfect size for a gym bag and purse and don’t take forever to finish.

The new Oikos® Nonfat Yogurt Drinks and Dannon® Light & Fit® Nonfat Yogurt Drinks are available in a 4 pack at Walmart. This allows me to stock up for all of my on the go occasions throughout the week. Whether it be a post-workout snack or an afternoon pick-me-up, you will be set! Want to save $1.00 when buying the yogurt drinks? Head to this Ibotta offer here.

What is one thing you swear by that helps make your weekdays go a little smoother? Share them with me in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

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The Best Toy for Encouraging Creativity

Henry is definitely the builder of the family. From an early age he has loved stacking blocks, lining up cars, and playing with train tracks. That’s right, not so much playing with trains, but building elaborate train tracks. Now that he’s 5, his favorite thing to do is to build lego sets. While I love watching him create and seeing what his imagination can come up with, the amount of legos floating around our house is ridiculous. If I had a dollar for every lego I stepped on or threw away I could go on a month long vacation or hire a cleaning service for a year. A few months ago we visited the McWane Science Center in Birmingham and they had an area full of these amazing magnetic shapes that Henry couldn’t get enough of. He was fascinated by them and spent nearly an hour building and creating. We snagged a small set at the gift shop and they turned out to be Magformers, a toy I had never heard of. Magformers are different than other construction toys because they use cylindrical magnets. Because of this unique shape, no matter how they’re connected they always attract. Combine this with their strength and it means shapes can be laid flat on a table and pulled up to form different builds. They are also BPA free so you can feel good about what your kids are playing with!

If you want to engage your kids outdoors, then interesting toys or sets such as a wooden playhouse for sale online would definitely entice them.

What’s so great about Magformers is that children as young as 18 months can play with them too. There are no small pieces that can be swallowed and you don’t have to worry about tiny fingers being smushed. Evelyn can easily hold them and build due to their cut out shape and she loves naming all the colors. Magformers are also very lightweight and portable. I keep them in a zippered pouch and we take them with us when we go out to dinner so Henry can build with them instead of the sugar packets on the table. He builds everything from space ships to houses to police stations (his favorite for catching bad guys). When he is stuck or frustrated, I download one of the Magformers Idea Booklets on the iPad so he can get inspired. They’re also perfect for traveling and will keep your children occupied in hotel rooms or on an airplane. One of the features I am so glad Magformers does not have is sound. There are no batteries to replace and no redundant music or character talking. These shapes really encourage imaginative play, which is excellent for building fine motor skills and improving their vocabulary.

Magformers are an amazing gift that will last throughout the years. The quality is excellent and they are really well made. For the next month, you can save 20% on everything from their site with the code Chanel20. Magformers is always giving away the Mini Dinosaur Set ($69.99 value) and a Rano Accessory Set ($24.99) to one lucky reader. Entering is super easy, jump to the end of the post to see how!

 

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This post was sponsored by Magformers. As always, all opinions are my own. 
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MY FAVORITE CLOTHING LINE FOR GIRLS

Now that Henry’s is back in school full time, Evelyn and I have nearly the whole day together. I definitely cherish this time with her because she is such a good child most of the time. I’m now debating whether or not I even want her in a MMO program because I know I will miss her. Lately she calls me “mom-mom” instead of mommy or mama and I think it’s the cutest thing in the world. She is my trusty sidekick, always close by and always down for an adventure. Whether it be to Target or exploring parks to find the perfect photo spot, she is ready to go. I never really wanted a daughter, but now that I have one it’s one of the best things in the world. To find more of my favorites, check this men’s linen suits brisbane Fashion & Beauty store.

In this occasion, a few days a go I bought a Thredup rescue box, and you can imagine how many pretty pieces I have found for Evelyn, that is mainly the reason why I have decided to do this photo shoot with her new cloth.

Obviously one of the best things about having a girl is all the adorable clothes that never seem to end. One of my favorite brands is Bang Bang Copenhagen, which I wrote about last month here. They just released their Fall/Winter line and it couldn’t be cuter. Keeping with their signature style and adding fun pops of color, each piece is cuter than the next. This Swan Copper Dress has Evelyn’s name written all over it. Everything from Bang Bang Copenhagen is something I dreamed.  My favorite online shop for the best international brands, Alex & Alexa, carries a huge assortment of BBC clothing if you want to snag some new pieces from their collection. If it’s still super hot where you are and Fall/Winter isn’t on your radar, then check out the sale items from Bang Bang Copenhagen’s summer line.

Green Hunter Boots // Pink Hunter Boots (sold out. similar pink here) // Pink Basket // Picnic Basket

What is your favorite online shop for the best girl clothes? Let me know in the comments!

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Gearing up for Fall with Coleman

While the temps in the South are still in the high 80’s and 90’s, that doesn’t mean Fall isn’t on my mind daily. I start dreaming of cooler weather as soon as May rolls around. I was definitely born to live in the PNW and wear flannels and leggings year round. When cooler temps roll in, our family definitely spends more time outdoors. I start counting down to Fall August 1 even though realistically it stays warm here until October. Today I want to share with you my favorite Fall traditions that we’ve been doing for the past 5 years!

1. Weekend Mountain Getaway – I have always been more of a mountain girl than a beach girl (hence why I love Fall so much). Living in Atlanta, there are tons of great spots within driving distance to some beautiful cabins. Sitting on a porch swing in the chilly morning air before everyone wakes up is my idea of Heaven on Earth.

2. Fall Festivals – There is no shortage of carnivals and festivals near us. We love going to eat yummy food, ride ridiculously over priced rides, and check out the crafts from local vendors. There isn’t anything quite like eating funnel cake on a ferris wheel at sunset.

3. Apple Picking – The North Georgia mountains are full of amazing apple orchards and the drive is incredibly beautiful. Rolling the windows down and breathing in the cool, crisp air is one of the things I wait for every year. There is also no shortage of apple based foods to indulge in. Spiced Apple Cider donuts are my all time favorite.

4. Pumpkin Patch – Since Henry was 3 months old we’ve been going to the same pumpkin patch every year. It is definitely my favorite tradition (besides visiting Santa). They have hay rides, apple cider, donuts, and acres and acres of pumpkins. Pink ones, blue ones, white ones, Cinderella pumpkins … you name it, they have it. The kids love picking out their own to decorate at home.

5. Football is HUGE in the South. I’m talking every Sunday it’s nonstop from morning until night. Tailgating has definitely changed for us since we had kids. My husband and I used to love to tailgate at the stadium before football games but our Sundays look a tad different lately. Just because we have two young children doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy tailgating, we just have to adjust how and where we do it. Going to a local park or the mountains and having a family friendly tailgate with some games and food is the perfect way to enjoy football with the kids.

To facilitate our tailgates, I always take advantage of online shopping. It is definitely my favorite service available to help busy moms. Our nearest Walmart is a bit far away and even though I love their ship to store option, it isn’t always in the cards for me. I also have two kids who love to act their worst in stores. Luckily, Walmart has an amazing free 2 day shipping option that allows me to order what I need and get it delivered in no time. Coleman is my one stop shop for all my tailgating and camping needs. And when camping, you should not forget everything from Portable Patio Deck Kit, portable grills, canopy tents, coolers, chairs and more. Once the kids get a bit older I cannot wait to go on a real camping trip with them because I just know they would love it.

So tell me, are you looking forward to Fall? What are your favorite family traditions?

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The Ultimate Summer Treat

I must say this two thousand times every summer, but I cannot wait for Fall and cooler weather. As much as I love sleeping in, not having a schedule, and the family vacations; the brutal Georgia heat can be hard to bear. My kids love being outside so our weekends are usually spent outside exploring and in the pool because being near water is an absolute must. Even though summer vacation has come to a close, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. This past weekend we went on a short road trip to the mountains to soak up these magical days that the kids love so much.

There is something about summer and watermelon that just go hand in hand. At just 46 calories per cup, it’s one of those delicious summer staples that both kids and adults love. After a long day at the pool or playing in the smoldering heat, nothing tastes better than cool, juicy watermelon. Each bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. So aside from tasting delicious, watermelon is beneficial for our health too. There are so many amazing summer watermelon recipes out there that look so tasty. From cocktails to fruit pizzas, the possibilities are endless. My favorite is this watermelon and feta salad. Feta is my absolute favorite cheese and it pairs perfectly with this fruit. Luckily, living in Georgia there is no shortage of amazing watermelons. My kids could definitely consume an entire watermelon themselves if I let them! What’s your favorite summertime treat? Is it cooling off where you live or do you still have a few more month of summer left?

This post was sponsored by the Georgia Watermelon Association. As always, all opinions are my own.

 

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No-Nonsense Guide to Saving with FreeShipping.com

As much as I love the convenience of online shopping, I cannot stand paying an arm and a leg for shipping. I understand that all brands can’t afford to cover the entire cost, but it seems like more times than not, shipping and handling fees are absurdly high. I am all about paying a one time fee to save money on costs when I can. Whether it’s paying for the best auto insurance up front or sending in tax money every quarter (or using a Key’s free equity release calculator), there are several times when paying in bulk works out in the end. I love Sephora for makeup and skincare items but who wants to pay $8 in shipping for a $6 tube of mascara? Not to mention I have two children who would act like lunatics running through that store so taking them with me is out of the question.

Luckily, you can earn cash back and free shipping on Sephora just by logging in first to FreeShipping.com. I recently discovered FreeShipping.com and let me tell you, my mind has been blown. A FreeShipping.com membership costs just $12.97 per month. If you’re someone like me who does a lot of online purchasing, then a membership would be perfect for you. For less than $160 a year you can get free shipping at hundreds of online retailers and enjoy additional savings from comparison shopping to exclusive coupons.

FreeShipping.com not only allows me to get free shipping on thousands of items, but they also pay me to shop. I get 10% cash back on all purchased made through their links. In addition to that, they also offer free returns, price protection & comparison, coupons and rebates. I am always looking for a great deal and now I can see everything in one place. Have you tried FreeShipping.com before? What are your thoughts on their services? Let me know in the comments!

This is a sponsored post by FreeShipping.com, however the opinions stated are my own.

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