My favorite thing about the holidays is the meals. Let’s be honest here. And what is a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner without the best part – the turkey! I spent a lot of time trying different recipes to come up with one that my whole family enjoyed.
Thank you PLAYMOBIL for sending along this playset! All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
My youngest daughter is obsessed with DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free on Netflix. From the moment she first watched it, it became her favorite. Every night, every single night, she watches an episode. She has watched all of them several times and they don’t get old to her. I am 99.9% sure she has memorized every line in every episode. This holiday season I knew she needed a special Spirit Riding Free gift, and I found the perfect one from PLAYMOBIL!
Lucky’s Happy Home is one of several Spirit Riding Free playsets that PLAYMOBIL offers, but I knew that it was right up my daughter’s alley. She will sit and play with a playset and dolls for hours at a time. My daughter is 5, and we know she is going to be our last, so I want to let her be a little girl for as long as possible. One of my favorite things to do is sit and watch her play. To see the stories she makes up for her different toys. With her Spirit Riding Free toys, she will play out her favorite episodes – and it is the cutest thing to see.
About Lucky’s Happy Home
Come for a visit at Lucky’s Happy Home on the frontier. Arriving in Miradero from the big city, Lucky isn’t sure she will ever fit in, but this home is her safe haven. Walk into the kitchen with all the furnishings – where Aunt Cora is cooking dinner on the stove and the table is set for a delicious meal. Lucky shares all about her day’s adventures, while Aunt Cora is focused on teaching Lucky etiquette and reminds her to be cautious with her wild escapades. She needs to be a proper lady, after all!
Outside, Lucky visits Spirit before she heads off to school, reminding him of their upcoming adventures. Upstairs, you’ll find spacious rooms for the whole family. Lucky keeps a poster of her mom in her room so she’ll always remember her. Set includes large house, Lucky, Aunt Cora, Spirit, pots and pans, dishes, utensils, table and chairs, fencing, friendly goose, and lots of other accessories.
Thank you to Nintendo for sending me Luigi’s Mansion for Nintendo 3DS! All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
One of my favorite video games is Luigi’s Mansion, so I was super excited to find out they were making a Nintendo 3DS version. I just couldn’t wait to share it with my daughters – and when Nintendo offered to send me a copy, I jumped at the chance. To help celebrate the release of this awesome game, they also sent us a special Poltergust 3000 flashlight (just like Luigi’s) and a Luigi costume!
Why We Love Luigi’s Mansion
I remember playing Luigi’s Mansion when I was younger, and it was one of my favorite games. So I was thrilled to be able to introduce my daughter to it! She is 7 and can now safely use the 3D mode on her 3DS as well, and she was excited to try it out with this game first. She played it the entire weekend after I gave it to her, even in her bed! Her favorite part? Sucking up and defeating ghosts! Something that is new to this version (and really cool!) is that you can replay boss fights!
About Luigi’s Mansion for 3DS
G-g-ghosts! Time to suck those suckers up because Luigi is back in the first portable version of this spooky classic. After winning a mansion in a contest he didn’t enter, he must beat its many bosses and puzzles. Follow a map on the touchscreen, shine a flashlight, blow fire, shoot water, stun ghosts, and trap them…before Mario is trapped forever!
All this ghost-catching tomfoolery pays off! As you suck ‘em up with your Poltergust 3000, you could also rake in millions in hidden, in-game riches for our hard-luck hero. Make sure to search every area using the Game Boy Horror’s map on your touchscreen and activate its Boo Radar to track down every Boo in the mansion or spot ghosts’ weak points. After beating and capturing boss ghosts, you can select their portraits from the gallery to best your own score in tense rematches – a new feature in the Nintendo 3DS version!
In 2019, Super Spy Goes Super Fly. Today 20th Century Fox released the first trailer and official poster for their upcoming film Spies in Disguise. It is an animated comedy set in the high-octane globe-trotting world of international espionage starring Will Smith and Tom Holland – and it looks so fun! I love both Will and Tom so I am really looking forward to this movie.
Trailer Reaction
About Spies in Disguise
Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is… not. But what Walter lacks in social skills he makes up for in smarts and invention, creating the awesome gadgets Lance uses on his epic missions. But when events take an unexpected turn, Walter and Lance suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. And if this odd couple can’t learn to work as a team, the whole world is in peril.
SPIES IN DISGUISE arrives in theaters everywhere on September 13, 2019!
STL Ocarinas has many The Legend of Zelda ocarinas to choose from. They even have a treasure chest storage box! This post is sponsored by STL Ocarinas. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
One of my favorite video game series of all time is The Legend of Zelda series. There are so many amazing story lines, my favorite being The Ocarina of Time. I have to admit, I had no idea that Ocarinas were real instruments until very recently. STL Ocarina sent me several of them to check out, including a pretty amazing Ocarina of Time, Legend of Zelda themed one. It even came with a treasure chest box that will have any geek drooling!
This ocarina is made out of ceramic by hands. It has this wonderful resonating tone and looks and sounds just like the one in Ocarina of Time! I mean, THAT is something any Zelda fan can appreciate. STL ocarinas are precisely tuned, unlike some of the knockoffs that you see on Amazon or online. It is a fully functional music instrument. If you are a Zelda fan, you can’t go wrong with this one!
This plastic ocarina still has a very clear tone. Because it is unbreakable, this ocarina is ideal for someone who wants to take their ocarinas everywhere (like my 7 year old daughter). It’s also precisely tuned. If you are buying an ocarina as a gift to someone who is 12 and under, this ocarina is the way to go.
Specially made for Zelda fans, this brand new 6-hole C Major tenor Rupee ocarina is about 3 inches long with a range of 10 notes plus sharps and flats. It comes with a neck strap, so you can take it anywhere you go. It is pretty awesome looking, and comes in three colors – green, blue, and purple.
You can’t forget the PERFECT place to store your ocarina – a Legend of Zelda Wooden Treasure Chest. This thing is COOL! Personal keepsakes, jewelry, or surprise your Zelda-crazed friends/family with a gift inside of a gift! This chest is sanded and wood-stained for that vintage look. Plus, the Hylian crest is visible on the lid! The box features attractive brass hardware and inside felted tops and bottoms to ensure that items sit scratch free. If you are a Zelda fan, you can’t get an ocarina without this treasure chest.
Surprisingly Easy to Play!
I will tell you right off the bat, I do not have musical skills – I just don’t. I’ve never been able to carry a tune. And when it comes to musical instruments? Nope. I played the saxophone for 2 months and then switched to chorus (which wasn’t any better, trust me). But I really wanted to figure out how to play the ocarina, just so I could say that I could do it.
All of the ocarinas come with instructions, so I could dig right in on learning. My husband picked one up and made a beautiful sound immediately, because music is his thing. But with just a little bit of practice, I mastered it too. And I was thrilled to show it off to my family. My oldest daughter, who is 7, could easily play as well. These are really simple, and fun, to play, and I think everyone – young or old – would love one! An ocarina would make a great gift!
My daughters love the movie Trolls, so when the Netflix show started, they binged it over and over. We have had many family nights where we watch several episodes. I have to admit, the series is a great follow up to the movie. My husband and I even enjoy watching it with the girls. There is humor and lessons to be learned as well. Season 4 is coming to Netflix on November 2nd, and we are so excited to celebrate – Trolls style!
Trolls Toys
There are tons of amazing Trolls toys that your kids will love – and my girls were thrilled to get an amazing box from DreamWorks and Netflix to help celebrate the new season! There were two blind bags, which you know are their favorite! They just couldn’t wait to open them up! There was also a super cool Party Hair Poppy Musical Doll that says over 40 sounds and phrases! She even sings “Hair in the Air!”.
Put your hair in the air and sing along with DreamWorks Trolls Party Hair Poppy! Poppy is ready to freestyle on the dance floor with her glitterific roller-skating outfit and Troll-tastic rainbow hair! Pull up on DreamWorks Poppy’s hair and hear this talking doll say a fun phrase or sound. Pull it up again and she says something else. And when she rolls on her skates, she plays “Hair in the Air,” the theme song from the Netflix series Trolls: The Beat Goes On. It’s just right for a roller skate jam or for any other kind of dance party where kids can show their “true colors.” And Trolls are all about their hairstyles, so this Dreamworks Trolls doll comes with a comb, tiara, and 6 felt accessories for hairplay fun.
Custom Trolls Book
We were also excited to be able to create our own DreamWorks Trolls Personalized Party Book! The book is exclusively available through Penwizard.com and will be a hit with all Trolls fans! In this personalized Trolls book, your child joins Poppy in Troll Village for a birthday celebration! Kids will even get to create their very own Troll. This Trolls book is fully customized and full of dancing, singing, and glitter.
Trolls Slime
If you are looking for a fun activity to do while checking our season 4, my friend Amy over at As The Bunny Hops has the BEST idea! Kids love slime, at least mine do, and this Poppy inspired slime is pretty amazing. It is the perfect addition to your Trolls: The Beat Goes On viewing party!
About Trolls: The Beat Goes On
Trolls: The Beat Goes On! is an all-new chapter in the hair-raising adventures of DreamWorks Trolls. Join Poppy, Branch and all of Troll Village as they keep the dance party raving in their fantastical forest home. Picking up where the blockbuster film left off, the Trolls are quickly adjusting to a life of cohabitation with Bridget, King Gristle, and those grumpy Bergens and the resulting culture clash. Bursting with their signature positivity, irreverence and a whole lotta music, Trolls: The Beat Goes On! opens up the colorful world of Trolls for new adventures and a dance party around every corner!
This holiday season is sure to sparkle with Poppy, Branch, and all of Trolls Village when DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On! Season 4 premieres on NetflixNovember 2!
I have some exciting news! If you follow me on social media, you might already know this, but I am off to LA once again November 4th to November 6th – this time for Ralph Breaks The Internet! Wreck-It Ralph has been one of my favorite movies for quite some time now. I just love the dynamic between Vanellope and Ralph, and yes, I do still cry when I watch it. I can’t help it! It has such a sweet ending. While in LA, I will be doing do many amazing things, read below for all the juicy details!
Ralph Breaks The Internet
Not only will I be checking out this movie a few weeks before it comes out (eek!), I will be walking the red carpet at the premiere along with 24 other amazing bloggers! We will also be interviewing some of the artists who worked on the film. I mean, could that be any cooler? I did similar interviews for Incredibles 2 at Pixar and it was amazing to learn all the behind the scenes information. Plus, the legendary Disney Animator Mark Henn is going to show us how to draw characters featured in the film with a live sketch tutorial! Co-writer Pamela Ribon will discuss the inspiration for the “Oh My Disney” scene and the work that went into bringing these beloved characters into the world of the internet, which I cannot wait for. But honestly, I am most excited for the Ralph Breaks VR experience that we will be attending. It is a new hyper-reality experience based on the film that I have been dying to try!
In Ralph Breaks The Internet, video-game bad guy Ralph and best friend Vanellope von Schweetz leave the comforts of Litwak’s arcade in an attempt to save her game, Sugar Rush. Their quest takes them to the vast, uncharted world of the internet where they rely on the citizens of the internet – the Netizens – to help navigate their way. Lending a virtual hand are Yesss, the head algorithm and the heart and soul of the trend-making site “BuzzzTube,” and Shank, a tough-as-nails driver from a gritty online auto-racing game called Slaughter Race, a place Vanellope wholeheartedly embraces – so much so that Ralph worries he may lose the only friend he’s ever had.
Ralph Breaks The Internet hits theaters on November 21st!
If you are a true geek than you know who Nathan Fillion is. I adore this man, so you know I have been watching the new ABC show, The Rookie. So imagine how excited I was to find out that one of two ABC shows we would be getting a look at would be The Rookie! Now, I don’t know any details yet, except that it is a “behind the scenes experience”, but I am hoping I cross paths with Nathan!
Starting over isn’t easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of being a Los Angeles police officer. As the force’s oldest rookie, he’s met with skepticism from some higher-ups who see him as just a walking midlife crisis. If he can’t keep up with the young cops and the criminals, he’ll be risking lives including his own. But if he can use his life experience, determination and sense of humor to give him an edge, he may just become a success in this new chapter of his life.
“The Rookie” airs Tuesdays at 10|9c on The ABC Television Network, and is available streaming (ABC app/ABC.com/Hulu) and on demand.
The other ABC show that we are learning more about is Single Parents. This television show is hilarious and has a great cast, so I can’t wait! I loved Taran on Saturday Night Live and think he is really doing great on this show. Single Parents got picked up for a full season after just 4 episodes aired, so you know it is a hit! I have been watching it and I must admit, it is hilarious! I am not a single parent, but I can relate to some of the things these parents go through.
This ensemble comedy follows a group of single parents as they lean on each other to help raise their 7-year-old kids and maintain some kind of personal lives outside of parenthood. The series begins when the group meets Will Cooper, a 30-something guy who’s been so focused on raising his daughter that he’s lost sight of who he is as a man. When the other single parents see just how far down the rabbit hole of PTA, parenting and princesses Will has gone, they band together to get him out in the world and make him realize that being a great parent doesn’t mean sacrificing everything about your own identity.
“Single Parents” airs on Wednesdays at 9:30|8:30c on ABC, and can also be watched via streaming (ABC app/ABC.com/Hulu) and on demand.
Trust me – you don’t want to miss anything from this fun-filled trip! Be sure to check out my Instagram Stories, Twitter, Facebook, and of course, my Instagram feed. I will try my best to make you feel like you are right there beside me!
I have been more or less living the keto lifestyle since January 2018. Even while on vacation I try to stay as much on the “keto diet” as I can. Of course I allow myself cheats here and there. I wrote an article about eating keto at Disney World, but now I want to share with you my five favorite keto meals there. I never miss out on these when I visit, because they are super delicious and approved for my way of eating. A win win!
This Hot Diggity Dog complete with buffalo chicken is the perfect Keto lunch (just don’t eat the bun!).
Casey’s – Skip the Bun
There is just no possible way I can walk down Main Street and not stop to have a hot dog at Casey’s. I have been doing this since I was a little girl, and taking carbs out of my diet will not stop it. However, it is easy enough to order a hot dog (foot long of course) and skip the bun. Depending on their specialty hot dog, you might even be able to order that!
For example, you can totally have the buffalo chicken hot dog, but would not be able to eat the mac and cheese one. You can order without the bun and they will accommodate you, but my girls love bread (and they don’t get it at home often) so I always just order as is and pass the bun along to them.
Satu’li Canteen Sample Platter
There are several keto approved options here, but my all time favorite is the sampler platter. You can select a protein, base, and sauce. I go with chicken, salad base, and garlic sauce.
Of course beef would also be keto approved. Just stay away from the rice base and you should be fine. Satu’li Canteen is the best place to eat at Animal Kingdom, in my opinion, and the food is always good. Not to mention the ambiance.
Steak at Le Cellier
Fair warning, this is a pricey place to eat. But, it is worth every penny. My husband and I took my in-laws there once and they still talk about how it was the best cut of meat they have ever had. There are plenty of steaks to choose from so order one with veggies on the side. Skip the bread (or treat yourself to ONE piece) and you will be eating keto (and loving it!).
Other Options
Honestly there are tons of other keto approved options at Walt Disney World, and cast members are always willing to help you out. Head to Cosmic Ray’s and order a burger or chicken sandwich without the bun – no problem.
I also love a good taco salad at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe. Plus, nearly every restaurant had a salad with protein that will keep you on track! Of course, don’t forget to treat yourself every now and then so you don’t go on a binge.
Thank you to Nintendo for sending us a copy of Super Mario Party and these fun tricycles! All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
As you likely already know, we are a family of gamers. Some of our favorite video games are the ones we can all play together. Our current favorite? Super Mario Party for Switch! We were so thrilled to be offered a copy to review, and I pretty much knew we would love it before we even tested it out. Mario Party has always been a favorite of the Smith family, and we have been playing on the Wii U for a very long time. So is Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch worth picking up? Even if you have it for other systems? The answer is YES! And here is why.
New Mini-Games
Like I said, we have been playing Mario Party for, well, basically forever. So when we found out they were adding new mini-games, of course we were excited. Our families favorite new game? Triker Harder – where players pedal tricycles around an arena until the first reaches the finish line! You should see my girls play this game, they go crazy! Actually, why don’t you watch this video to see them playing while they are on actual tricycles!
My personal favorite mini-game is Don’t Wake the Wiggler. Even though I am really bad at it and continuously wake him up, we have so much fun screaming and running around the room when he gets mad. This is truly the perfect game for families that just like to have fun together.
Back to the Basics
Super Mario Party includes my all time favorite mode – board game mode! It goes back to 4-player basics (perfect for families of four!), and allows players to take turns and race across the board in search of Stars. I was so excited to finally share this mode with my daughters, and we play it pretty much every night. The original board game style has been kicked up a notch with deeper strategic elements to add another layer of fun. You can play every man for himself, or on teams with partner party. We enjoy playing kids vs. adults – which I love in particular because it makes our daughters work together as a team. They have totally bonded over Super Mario Party! Who would have known?
The Incredibles has been one of my favorite movies, right from the moment it came out. Because of this, I was so excited about Incredibles 2. In case you missed it, I actually went to the Pixar campus to learn all about the ins and outs of making Incredibles 2. Now it available to take home on digital (blu-ray November 6th) just in time for Halloween. To help celebrate this incredible holiday (see what I did there?), I am going to show you how to make your very own Incredibles pumpkin. Plus some other super fun ways to celebrate Halloween – Incredibles style!
To make your pumpkin look INCREDIBLE, simply slip on the superhero mask. Add a face with the paint pens – don’t forget the pupils! I used the coloring pages to get an idea of what the different faces looked like. If you wish to decorate with the stickers and stamps, go for it! My girls covered the backs of their pumpkins with them and it was super adorable.
Incredibles Costumes
I have said it several times, but The Incredibles are a great family costume idea! You can go super simple with red shirts with I’s on them, or grab some full costumes. Take a step further and venture out of the Parr family and portray Frozone or Edna! My 7 year old LOVES Edna – she is her favorite character in Incredibles 2. So she was thrilled that our special Incredibles 2 Halloween box included an Edna costume. Doesn’t she look fabulous, darling?!
Incredibles Recipes
The box that Pixar sent us also included some delicious recipes! Bob’s Incredible Waffles, and Baby Jack-Jack’s Cookie Num Num Recipe. They even threw in some candy – yum! These cookies are easy to make and totally something we will bake again and again.
In ‘Incredibles 2‘, Helen is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob navigates the day-to-day heroics of ‘normal’ life at home with Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack whose superpowers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible.
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