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The 5 Best Quick Service & Sit Down Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

Tessa Smith
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18
The 5 Best Quick Service & Sit Down Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

Happily Ever After Fireworks

My family and I spend quite a bit of time at The Most Magical Place on Earth – Walt Disney World. Our friends and family know this, and I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked for tips and tricks when visiting. I have written about a lot of this on my site, so be sure to browse my Disney Planning section – but something I have been asked about a lot recently is Disney Dining. I decided to finally sit down and write about my favorite 10 restaurants – 5 quick service and 5 sit down service.

Quick Service Meals

Let’s face it, when you are at Walt Disney World, you want to experience it all. I know that is the way I am. Despite being Disney Vacation Club members and the fact that we get to go more often than most, we still spend long days in the parks. We are usually running around getting as much as we can done, and taking full advantage of the FastPass+ system. Because of this, a lot of our lunches are spent in quick service restaurants. Here are our favorites that we are sure to stop in at every Disney visit.

Caseys Corner

Casey’s Corner

Hit it out of the park with American baseball favorites: hot dogs, corn dog nuggets, French fries, cotton candy and Cracker Jack. You may even catch Jim tickling the ivories to ragtime tunes outside. Soft drinks are also available. My favorite thing to get here is a classic hot dog. They are delicious here – and the view of Cinderella Castle doesn’t hurt. See the full menu here.

Pinocchio Village Haus Flatbread Pizza

Pinocchio Village Haus

Real boys and girls can feast on Italian favorites at this quaint cottage, from the chicken parmesan sandwich and flatbread pizzas to pasta dishes, salads and more. To top off your meal, take a trip to Pleasure Island with a serving of chocolate cake. For some reason, my husband and I always avoided this restaurant. We thought it was going to be a lot of german food and never even set foot in it. During one of our recent trips, we were starving and it was pouring so we popped in to see what they offered. Then we regretted not coming in before because there were tons of great options – and all of them are delicious! The flatbread pizzas are all amazing – the Caprese topping the list for me. If you are lucky, you can grab a seat overlooking the It’s A Small World ride. See the full menu here.

grey stuff be our guest restaurant

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious, expeditious lunch in a majestic setting – Mrs. Potts insists! Indulge your midday palate with a béchamel-smothered Croque Monsieur sandwich served with pommes frites, or a freshly refreshing Tuna Niçoise Salad. Other lunch favorites include Vegetable Quiche, a turkey baguette and the chef’s favorite – a 8-hour “singing” Braised Pork! Mini-beasts can enjoy popular kids’ menu choices like Mickey Meatloaf and Whole-Grain Macaroni. The carved turkey sandwich is my favorite lunch here. And of course, try the grey stuff! See the full menu here.

cosmic rays disney

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Explore a galaxy of hot food choices, from BBQ pork sandwiches and chicken breast nuggets to Angus burgers and hot dogs. Customize your meal at the topping bar before finding a seat and enjoying the alien entertainment from Sonny Eclipse! If you are looking for a great burger or BBQ pork sandwich – this is the place. For me, no Disney trip is complete without a burger from Cosmic Ray’s! See the full menu here.

pizzerizzo

PizzeRizzo

Stop on by for pizza, a meatball sub or antipasto salad at this friendly neighborhood joint run by Rizzo, the wise-cracking Muppet. This place was at the top of our list when it was Pizza Planet – and it still is. The decor may of changed, but the food is just as good. Maybe even better. There is nothing like a delicious salad and pizza to refuel you on a Disney day! See the full menu here.

Be Our Guest Disney Dining

Sit Down Meals

We always try to squeeze in at least four or five sit down meals during our busy Disney vacations. We like to play things by ear when we can, but when it comes to planning dinners, that is a hard thing to do. You can book meals starting at 180 days out, and that is something I highly recommend you do.

Be Our Guest Steak

Be Our Guest Restaraurant

Feast on French-inspired fare in one of our elaborately themed rooms – straight out of the beloved Disney classic! Be Our Guest Restaurant is an expansive and elegant 550-seat dining destination located at the foot of Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland. Yup, this one made both lists. On more than one trip, we have had lunch here, which is a quick service meal, and dinner, which is a sit down meal. It tops both of our lists – that is how good it is. See the full menu here.

Sci Fi Dine In Theater Disney

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Do dinner and a show ’50s-style at this drive-in “theater,” featuring all-American cuisine and sci-fi movie clips. Whet your appetite with provocative previews like Fried Dill Pickles. For your main feature, delicious sandwiches are in orbit, such as the Oven-roasted Turkey Sandwich, The Reuben and the Vegetarian Falafel Burger. My daughters think that this is one of the funnest places to eat at Walt Disney World – and I don’t disagree with them! See the full menu here.

The Garden Grill Food WDW

The Garden Grill

Visit Chip ‘n’ Dale and their Disney pals as you dig into family-style dining and revolve around vibrant views from Living with the Land. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast offers Character Dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Bring your camera and autograph books to capture the merriment of up-close Character greetings with Chip, Dale and other favorite Disney Characters! This is hands down our favorite breakfast at Walt Disney World, and is a great way to fuel up for a full day! See the full menu here.

Mama Melroses Ristorante Italiano

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Checked curtains, overhead string lights, hanging foodstuffs, and walls crowded with Mama’s eclectic mementos transform this former backlot warehouse into a cozy and inviting dining space. The same scrumptious menu is served for lunch and dinner. Our last Disney trip, we decided to try some place new – and this was it. We were blown away by how delicious all of our meals were, that we have booked it again for our next visit. And the one after that. See the full menu here.

Boma

Boma – Flavors of Africa

Under thatched roofs, savor vibrant flavors from over 50 African countries—along with favorite American classics. Greet your day with a cup of full-bodied Kenyan AA coffee, tropical juice and a bountiful breakfast buffet. Selections may include made-to-order omelets, French toast, African pastries, carved ham, fresh fruit and corn beef bobotie—a type of South African quiche. We have enjoyed breakfast here a few times, and always come back for more. Everything is delicious! See the full menu here.

Where is your favorite place to eat at WDW?

5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Any Snoopy & Peanuts Fan

Tessa Smith
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48
5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Any Snoopy & Peanuts Fan

The holiday season is upon us and I have some great gift ideas for those that love Snoopy & the Peanuts gang!

Snoopy Peanuts Gifts

My family loves Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang. It just does not feel like the holidays until we watch their holiday movies. I was raised on Peanuts and am now raising my daughters on them as well. They are big fans of Snoopy, Lucy, and Charlie Brown! If you have someone like this in your life, allow me to tell you about 5 great Peanuts gifts! Plus, enter for a chance to win them all!

snoopy itty bittys

 

Hallmark Peanuts Holiday itty bittys Set

Outfitted for Christmas in holiday editions of the beloved characters, this Peanuts itty bittys set serves as the perfect seasonal display or stocking stuffer. You can also take Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Woodstock out to play with this fun-filled carrier shaped like the beloved beagle’s doghouse. As an added bonus, Hallmark will donate $1.00 to Toys for Tots each time someone buys a Peanuts Holiday itty bitty of their own! My girls love these – and I do too! Our itty bittys rotate rooms each week so that everyone has a turn to look at them. They are soft and cuddly, and fun to collect! Purchase here.

The Peanuts Guide to Christmas

The Peanuts Guide to Christmas

The lovable cast of Peanuts characters is always up to something in the days leading up to Christmas. Now, with this rare compilation of treasured illustrations from the classic comics, fans of all ages can get in the spirit by reliving all of their favorite Peanuts Christmas memories. Available from Running Press wherever books are sold. This book sits on our coffee table and is a great conversation starter. We look at it every night and it is one of my oldest daughter’s favorites. Purchase here.

Charlie Brown Christmas Wrapping Paper Activity Book

A Charlie Brown Christmas Wrapping Paper Activity Book

Kids and adults alike will love preparing for the holidays with this fun new activity kit featuring Charles Schulz’s beloved Peanuts characters. Inspired by the holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, this kit includes three 18×24 sheets of wrapping paper to color as well as 16 pages of crafts to help make your holiday extra special. Cut out Charlie Brown and Snoopy ornaments for your Christmas tree or make personalized gift tags featuring Lucy, Pigpen, Woodstock, and others. Available from Running Press wherever books are sold and on Amazon.

Peanuts Complete Family Album

The Complete Peanuts Family Album

The Complete Peanuts Family Album is the first detailed exploration of the entire Peanuts universe, from its most iconic personalities to its most obscure characters, as well as classic paraphernalia and events. Fans around the world recognize Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. And Peanuts enthusiasts know Peggy Jean, Roy, and Spike. But what about Shermy? Truffles? And who exactly is Floyd? With more than 700 charming and historic images, The Complete Peanuts Family Album will remind readers of all ages why happiness is a warm puppy – named Olaf. Available from Weldon Owen wherever books are sold and on Amazon.

Peanuts Holiday Collection

The Peanuts Holiday Collection

This comprehensive 4K Ultra HD & Blu-Ray box set from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment features the best-selling It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas, plus six more great Peanuts classics from the ’60s and ’80s. The combo-pack also includes a Blu-ray disc and digital version of all nine TV movies. Available for purchase on the Warner Bros. website, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target.

 

The Avengers: Infinity War Trailer is Finally Here- Watch My Reaction Video!

Tessa Smith
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1
The Avengers: Infinity War Trailer is Finally Here- Watch My Reaction Video!

This post contains affiliate links.

avengers infinity war

Marvel fans have been waiting patiently for the Avengers: Infinity War trailer to drop and the day has FINALLY come! Hold on to your hats, because it will blow you away! Personally, I have been counting the seconds until this moment would happen. Jumping every time I saw #InfinityWar trending, wondering if I missed it. Well, it is FINALLY here!

The Trailer

Without further ado, here it is! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Reaction Video

I watched this trailer about 15 times in a row – and was shaking through it each time. I am over the moon excited about this movie. Watch my reaction video to my first time watching the Infinity War Trailer.

My first thoughts I KNEW IT (when it comes to Loki), WHAT, NO!! (about Vision), and DAMN he looks so good (about Thanos/Josh Brolin). Not to mention Bucky looking dreamy as always and I kind of love bearded Captain America. As a total Marvel fan girl this movie is going to be HUGE! It is going to feature all of my favorites, including the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor, Captain America, and, well, EVERYONE! That is the thing with this movie – everyone is coming together. I cannot wait to see where they take this story. I have a feeling we may lose a few of my favorites in the battle, but I don’t want to think about that now because it will break my heart.

avengers infinity war 1

About Avengers: Infinity War

Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and the rest of the Avengers face their most powerful enemy yet, the evil Thanos (Josh Brolin).

Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters May 4!

Like AVENGERS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avengers
Follow AVENGERS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/avengers
Follow Marvel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvelstudios/


How the Kia Stinger Blows Its Competition Out Of The Water!

Tessa Smith
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23

This incredible experience was paid for by Kia, but all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

In Kia Stinger GT2 Cargo Space

I recently went to California to see the 2018 Kia Stinger up close and personal. I not only got to test it on some winding mountain roads, I was lucky enough to put the petal to the medal and go from 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds! OK, maybe I didn’t accelerate that fast, but the car can! At the autocross, Kia had also brought in some comparative vehicles to the Stinger so that we could test drive them as well. These included the Infiniti Q50, Porsche Panamera, Audi A5, Lexus GS, and the BMW 440i GC – all of which I drove or was a passenger in.

Comparison Charts

The Specs

Seeing the specs of these cars side by side really is an eye opener. Especially when you add the price in to the mix. The Kia Stinger is compared to cars that sell for $50,000+ more, and, in my opinion, it blows them out of the water. Just look at the comparison charts above and you will see the Stinger comes out on top with leg room, torque, and top speed. Being behind the wheel of several of these cars I can honestly say that I just felt way more comfortable in the Stinger. You can get all of it’s specs here – but my favorites are the Brembo brakes, blind spot detection, memory driver’s seat, and of course, the Harman Kardon premium audio with 15 speakers! I mean, there is a reason that Kia has been #1 in Initial Quality for two straight years by J.D. Power.

Competitive Comparison

Rankings

Now admittedly, I don’t know too much about cars. My dad tried to teach me at a young age by taking me to car shows a lot – which I remember fondly. However, I ended up mostly just enjoying them for their color or shape of the car – not so much what was under the hood. After becoming a mom, I started to pay more attention to which vehicles were safe for myself and my family. Combine those two things – looks and safety – with some conveniences like heated seats and push button start, and the Kia Stinger easily became the top contender of the day. Before even taking the price into consideration, it topped my list. After the price reveal, I want to know where to sign to get one.

  1. Kia Stinger GT (driver & passenger)
  2. Lexus GS (passenger)
  3. BMW 440i GC (driver)
  4. Audi A5 (passenger)
  5. Porsche Panamera (passenger)
  6. Infiniti Q50 (driver)

Why I Rank the Kia Stinger First

There are three reasons the Kia Stinger was easily my first selection. Let’s take price and looks completely out of the equation – although those are two major reasons why I love the Stinger. The first thing I noticed was how much more comfortable the Stinger is. Not only is the interior roomy, it is extremely soft and comfortable. I didn’t sink into the seats like I did in the Stinger in any of the other cars. Getting back in to the Stinger after riding in the other cars, I felt at home. It just felt…right.

Kia Stinger GT2 Interior

Flooring it in all of these vehicles really showed us their horsepower and acceleration ability. I felt like the Kia Stinger hands down beat out the competition on this one. Some came close, but none of them sped up like the Stinger did, as smoothly as the Stinger did. It took off like a rocket, and I loved every second of it.

Kia Stinger GT2 Driving

Which brings me to my third reason, I just felt safer in it. Perhaps it was because I had already ridden in it/been driving it for about two hours before taking it out on the autocross. But I was never once truly nervous taking sharp turns or speeding around the course, where I was in a couple of the other cars. Also, I felt like the Stinger handled a lot better than most of the other vehicles. The Stinger is a car that I would drive my daughters around in – and feel good about it. Not to mention the added bonus of being the envy of all the moms at school drop off and pick up.

Kia Stinger Pricing

Price

The Kia Stinger is coming to dealerships this December with base pricing of just under $32,ooo. I mean, what! talk about a competitive price. The Stinger Premium starts at $37,100 and the GT starts at $38,3502. Even the GT1 & GT2 are extremely affordable – starting at a modest $43,250 and $49,200 respectively. If you are somewhere like I am (upstate New York), you can go with the all-wheel drive version for just $2,200 more.

Head to Your Local Dealership & Test Drive A Kia Stinger Starting in Early December!

Mama’s Geeky’s Must Have Video Games Series: Super Mario Odyssey

Tessa Smith
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2
Mama’s Geeky’s Must Have Video Games Series: Super Mario Odyssey

This post contains affiliate links.

Super Mario Odyssey Dancing

One game that I have been looking forward to since it was announced is Super Mario Odyssey. Knowing that it was coming out was one of the deciding factors on us getting the Nintendo Switch when we did. From the early trailers for this game, we could tell it would be fun for the whole family and an instant hit – and we were right! The game play and use of controllers is phenomenal – not to mention the story line. This game quickly became one of our favorites and I highly recommend it for any Nintendo fan!

Super Mario Odyssey Capture

What We Love About It

This game features familiar and favorite characters from the Super Mario Bros. franchise – but there are also so many new aspects to it that we love! The fact that we can play couch coop and one member of the family can be Cappy and one can be Mario is probably our favorite part of this game. My girls love flying around and collecting moons as Cappy – and to be honest – I love playing watching them do it.

One of my favorite things to do is use Cappy to take over my favorite Mario characters – like Bullet Bill and Goomba. This game has the right amount of nostalgia mixed with entirely new things that you can do. It truly is a Super Mario Bros. game like never before! Spend hours discovering and unlocking secrets, or just play through the story line and come back to the bonus stuff when you finish, it is all up to you. Personally, I am a completionist so I need to collect every coin, every moon, and every secret that I can.

Super Mario Odyssey

Who It’s For

The whole family! Kids can work on their problem solving and fine motor schools (one of the main reasons I am a HUGE advocate of kids gaming) with Super Mario Odyssey. My 4 and 6 year old daughters have a blast playing this game. My husband and I have also spent hours playing just the two of us after the girls go to bed. It is for long time Nintendo fans and new ones! There is a bunch of nostalgia from the entire Super Mario Bros. franchise worked in to this game, but lots of new and exciting things as well. The bottom line is, in my opinion, everyone will love this game!

Mamas GeekyvApproved Super Mario Odyssey

About Super Mario Odyssey

Explore incredible places far from the Mushroom Kingdom as you join Mario and his new ally Cappy on a massive, globe-trotting 3D adventure. Use amazing new abilities – like the power to capture and control objects, animals, and enemies – to collect Power Moons so you can power up the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans!

super mario odyssey wedding

Thanks to heroic, hat-shaped Cappy, Mario’s got new moves that’ll make you rethink his traditional run-and-jump gameplay – like cap jump, cap throw, and capture. Use captured cohorts such as enemies, objects, and animals to progress through the game and uncover loads of hidden collectibles. If you feel like playing with a friend, just pass them a Joy-Con! This sandbox-style 3D Mario adventure is the first since 1996’s beloved Super Mario 64 and 2002’s Nintendo GameCube classic Super Mario Sunshine. It’s packed with secrets and surprises and exciting new kingdoms to explore.

Available Platforms

Super Mario Odyssey is only available on the Nintendo Switch. But you should have the Switch already, so that should’nt be an issue. I mean, you have the Switch right? If you don’t – why don’t you have the Switch? GET THE NINTENDO SWITCH! Seriously though, you won’t regret it.

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FREE Pixar’s Coco Printable Coloring Pages, Activity Sheets, & Recipes!

Tessa Smith
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0
FREE Pixar’s Coco Printable Coloring Pages, Activity Sheets, & Recipes!

This post contains affiliate links.

COCO Poster

Pixar’s latest film, Coco, has hit theaters this week and I cannot wait to take my daughters to see it. From what I hear, and have seen from the trailers, it is all about family and music. And those are two things that are very important in our home. We have tried to teach our girls how family is all that should matter from the moment they were born. I am really looking forward to seeing this film, and to help celebrate, here are some fun printable recipes, activities, and more!

Coloring Pages

Kids will love these coloring pages featuring the main characters of Pixar’s Coco! Print them out and celebrate the release of this movie!

Dante Coloring Sheet

Download Here —-> Dante Coloring Sheet

Ernesto Coloring sheet

Download Here —-> Ernesto Coloring sheet

Hector Coloring Sheet

Download Here —-> Hector Colring Sheet

Miguel Coloring Sheet

Download Here —-> Miguel Coloring Sheet

Activity Sheets

Don’t let the fun end with coloring. Print out these activity sheets for the whole family and do a maze or create a Hexaflexagon!

Coco Maze

Download Here —-> Coco Maze

Coco

Download Here —->  Coco Hexaflexagon

Recipes

Save your family recipes in style with these Coco recipe cards. Don’t let the secret ingredients get lost in time. Also, enjoy this delicious Pan de Muerto and Hot Chocolate recipe!

Coco Recipe Cards

Download Here —-> Coco Recipe Cards

Pan de Muerto Recipe

Download Here —-> Pan de Muerto Recipe

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

I admit, one of the main reasons we want to see Coco is because of the new Frozen short that will be before it! It is 20 minutes long and my girls and I cannot wait to see what Olaf, Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff get up to in it! It looks hilarious!

Don’t forget about this great Pixar Coco giveaway that I have going on right now! Good luck!

Pixar Coco Giveaway

COCO is now playing in theaters everywhere!

Like COCO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarCoco
Follow COCO on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pixarcoco
Follow COCO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixarcoco/
Visit the official COCO website here: http://movies.disney.com/coco


Star Wars Inspired Healthy Recipes From Dole

Tessa Smith
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65
Star Wars Inspired Healthy Recipes From Dole

To help celebrate Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Lucasfilm has teamed up with Dole to create these fun Star Wars recipes.

Win a Set of 10 Star Wars The Last Jedi Funko POPs!
*Pictured Funko POPs may not be the 10 that winner receives.

I am sure that many of you are counting down the days to Star Wars: The Last Jedi – I know I am! It has seemed like we have been waiting for this movie forever, and now it is finally almost here! To help celebrate, Disney has joined forces with Dole once again. Dole has come up with a delicious menu to help Unite for a Healthy Galaxy. As part of this collaboration, Dole is also hosting a great sweepstakes where you can win a remote controlled BB-8 and more!

 

Star Wars Dole Pinapple

Dole and Disney

The best family stories begin with healthy living. Dole and Disney have come together to make healthy eating fun and inspire parents to make better food choices for their families, including a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. As global leaders in nutrition, the two iconic brands have a mission for improving the health of families, including a multi-year nutrition initiative announced in 2016.

From consumer promotions and in-store activities inspired by Disney films to character-themed recipes and Disney-branded DOLE® fruits and vegetables, the goal is to change daily eating habits one meal at a time. Keep an eye out in grocery and retail locations nationwide for fresh produce and other in-store activities featuring the latest Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters.

The Resistance Salad

A Variety of Delicious Recipes

Dole has come up with some recipes that, I admit, had me drooling! They were created by Dole Executive Chef Mark Allison and the specific Star Wars character, droid or spacecraft that inspired them. You can see the full list below, but the one that stuck out to me the most was The First Order Smoothie. So much so, that I made it and WOW, it was delicious! It takes less than five minutes to make and all you need is blackberries, raspberries, watermelon, ice, celery and honey.

The First Order Smoothie

  1. First Order Smoothie (Fruit Smoothie inspired by the Stormtroopers)
  2. Wookiee Noodles (Chicken and pineapple stir-fry inspired by Chewbacca)
  3. Beepin’ Colada (Coconut and Greek yogurt jars inspired by R2-D2)
  4. Threepio Salad (Fruit and quinoa salad inspired by C-3PO)
  5. Praetorian Guards a Poke (Pineapple poke bowl inspired by the Praetorian Guards)
  6. BB-8 Roundabout Sundae (Pineapple ice cream sundae inspired by BB-8)
  7. Captain Phasma Salad (Fruit, pecan and spinach salad inspired by Captain Phasma)
  8. Porgs & Greens (Thai steamed vegetables inspired by the Porgs)
  9. Tatooine Blue Milk (Coconut banana smoothie inspired by Luke Skywalker and the Millennium Falcon)
  10. The Resistance Salad (Shrimp and pineapple salad inspired by the X-Wing Starfighters)
  11. Frozen Fighter Pops (Fresh fruit popsicles inspired by the TIE Fighters)
  12. Gorilla Walker Greens (Tuna and pineapple spring salad inspired by the Gorilla Walkers)

Which one of these Star Wars recipes is your favorite?

You can also find fun downloads, a quiz, and more at the Unite for a Healthy Galaxy website – so check it out!

Dole Unite for a Healthy Galaxy Prizes

The Possibilities are Endless with the littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit!

Tessa Smith
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0
The Possibilities are Endless with the littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit!

This post contains affiliate links.

littlebits Star Wars Droid

My husband is big into the latest and greatest technology. For years, he has been talking about littleBits and how he couldn’t wait to get our young daughters started on coding and creating circuits. He is right when he says this is an ultra important skill for kids to have these days. littleBits are a great way to help kids easily put together circuits for all kinds of inventing. Their electronic building blocks are color-coded, magnetic, and reusable. While in LA for the Thor: Ragnarok Event, I had lunch with them to get a hands-on experience with the Star Wars Droid Inventor Kits. My daughters and husband were thrilled when a couple of these kits arrived at our house for them to play with!

littlebits build 5

About the Star Wars Inventor Kit

Kids can create their own Droid and bring it to life using littleBits electronic blocks! With the Droid Inventor app, they’ll give their Droid new abilities and take it on 16+ missions. With the wave of a hand, kids can guide their Droid like they are a Jedi using the Force. Everything’s on the FREE companion app! From video instructions to missions & controls, this is a Droid Inventor’s most important tool.

littlebits build 3

Our Experience

littleBits are so easy for kids to use, that my 6 year old put together a Star Wars Droid all by herself. Yup! After doing one with my husband, she opened up her own and put it together without any help! I was blown away (and admittedly, super proud!). My husband was beyond excited as well. He is really looking forward to customizing their Droids together and programming them to do all sorts of amazing things! Stay tuned for more videos – they aren’t done yet!

The littleBits Droid Inventor Kit is going to be one of the must have gifts for this holiday season – I can guarantee it! Little (and big!) inventors everywhere are going to want to create their own Droids. This is the perfect STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) gift. You can customize them to do just about anything – from serving drinks and food, to drawing pictures with a marker – the possibilities are endless!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

In case you were on the fence about a littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit (how could you be? These things are awesome!), they have Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that are sure to convince you! Consumers interested in purchasing the award-winning Droid Inventor Kit will have the opportunity to take advantage of a 20% off discount on littleBits.cc, Walmart.com, Amazon.com, ShopDisney.com, as well as Walmart and Disney stores nationwide from Thursday, November 23, 2017 through Monday, November 27, 2017. This holiday season, the littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit is sure to be at the top of many kid’s holiday wish list!

littlebits build 1

littleBits Competition

On November 15th, littleBits announced the littleBits Competition: Droid Inventor Kit which invites kids, families, and Star Wars fans (residing in the US, UK, and Canada) to share their own unique Droid creations with the global inventor community! The competition will run from November 15, 2017 to January 10, 2018. Fans and families will be able to submit their own leading-edge Droid design creations. Submissions will be judged by Star Wars: The Last Jedi stars Daisy Ridley (Rey) and Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico) alongside Ayah Bdeir (founder and CEO of littleBits) and Kathleen Kennedy (president of Lucasfilm).

little bits competition

Killer Prizes

I know my husband and daughter are planning something EPIC to submit – and you should too. I mean, just look at this list of incredible prizes. You could be one of 6 lucky winners (3 from each category!) to take home inventor treasure.

Categories:

  • PADAWAN LEARNERS: Don’t be afraid to use all the Bits you own, and add craft materials like cardboard, styrofoam, pipe cleaners, mom’s jewelry (you didn’t get the idea from us!) – whatever’s at home or in your makerspace.
  • JEDI MASTERS: Are you a master maker? Do you create complex inventions on the regular? Could you earn an honorary degree in Droid Invention? This category’s for you! Start with Bits, then level-up. And up. And up!

Prizes:

  • FIRST PLACE: LUCASFILM DREAM TRIP. Grab the fam. We’re sending you to San Francisco to get a VIP tour of Lucasfilm! You’ll also get $500 USD to spend at littleBits.cc.
  • SECOND PLACE: SIGNED R2-D2 REPLICA. Take home an invaluable piece of Star Wars with autographs from the cast of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Plus you’ll get a littleBits Code Kit!
  • THIRD PLACE: DISNEY SHOPPING SPREE. Invent more magic with $200 USD to spend at any Disney store, and bag some sweet littleBits swag.

Which one would you like to win the most? There is no way I could decide – I would be happy with any of them! Start planning now, and get your submission in by January 10! Get all the contest details and submit yours here.

littlebits Star Wars Droid

Connect with littleBits on Social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleBitselectronics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/littleBits 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebits/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/littleBitsInc
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/littleBits/
#littlebits | #InventorsWanted


The Incredibles 2 Teaser Trailer is Here – and It Gave Me Goosebumps!

Tessa Smith
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The Incredibles 2 Teaser Trailer is Here – and It Gave Me Goosebumps!

This post contains affiliate links.

Incredibles2 poster

Incredibles came out in 2004 and immediately skyrocketed to the top of my most favorite Pixar movies ever list. I sort of have a thing for superheroes, in case you never noticed that. I loved everything about it – the family, the superpowers, the villains, the backstory… It was incredibly (no pun intended) well done. With the way it ended I knew that it left the door open for a second one, and I was dying to see that happen. When it was announced, I was thrilled – and now that time is almost here! Next year (June 15, 2018), Incredibles 2 will be hitting theaters, and the teaser trailer that was just released gave me goosebumps.

I love Jack-Jack. Like, love him. He was so good in the first movie and I can’t wait to see what Incredibles 2 has in store for him and his growing powers. From the looks of the teaser trailer, this one will center around him coming into his powers. Some of my friends were lucky enough to see some footage at D23 and they said it looks amazing. But honestly, I expected no less. Disney/Pixar knows what they are doing when it comes to movies like this.

Incredibles 2 Still
Incredibles 2. ©2018 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

About Incredibles 2

Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2”, but this time Helen is in the spotlight, leaving Bob at home with Violet and Dash to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transition for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again – which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.

Voice Cast

  • Helen voiced by Holly Hunter
  • Bob voiced by Craig T. Nelson
  • Violet voiced by Sarah Vowell
  • Dash voiced by Huck Milner
  • Frozone voiced by Samuel L. Jackson

INCREDIBLES 2 opens on June 15, 2018!

Like INCREDIBLES 2 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarTheIncredibles/
Follow Disney/Pixar on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypixar
Follow Disney/Pixar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixar/
Visit the official INCREDIBLES 2 website here: http://disney.com/incredibles2


10 Pokemon Items You NEED From GameStop & ThinkGeek’s Brand New EXCLUSIVE Pokemon Center!

Tessa Smith
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10 Pokemon Items You NEED From GameStop & ThinkGeek’s Brand New EXCLUSIVE Pokemon Center!

Thanks to GameStop for sending me some of their AWESOME Pokemon products, plus sponsoring a great giveaway! All opinions expressed are 100% my own. Article may contain affiliate links.

10 Pokemon Items You NEED GameStop ThinkGeek

The Smiths are a family of Pokemon fanatics! My husband and I have been playing the video games since we were young kids, and now we are getting our girls started on them as well. At least once a week, we play the Pokemon Trading Card game as a family, and we are constantly battling each other in Sun and Moon on our Nintendo DSes. Because we are such huge fans, we were THRILLED to learn that GameStop and ThinkGeek are launching an exclusive Pokemon Center at their store locations and online!

About the Pokemon Center

Starting this weekend, fans can get their hands on a huge variety of Pokémon plush dolls, figures, accessories, and trading cards at their local GameStop or ThinkGeek store – all direct from the Pokémon Company! Every GameStop and ThinkGeek store will have its very own Pokémon Center section, which will be fully stocked with everything a budding Pokémon trainer could want. GameStop and ThinkGeek are the very FIRST to carry these products in the country, which is super exciting if you ask me. My favorite stores teaming up with one of my favorite franchises? YES PLEASE!

Pokemon Center logo

Pokémon Center products are lovingly crafted in Japan and are the most authentic Pokémon gear you can find. Check out this selection along with all the new trading cards at GameStop now. True to the Pokémon spirit, Pokémon Center products are made to the highest standards and feature a wide range of Pokémon to allow you to express yourself. You can see all of GameStop’s awesome Pokémon Center gear online here.

10 Pokemon Items Any Fan Needs

As a huge Pokemon fan, I basically want every single thing in the Pokemon Center. However, if I had to narrow down to my top 10 favorites – these are them.

Pikachu Plush

Pikachu Jumbo Plush

Large plush topped off with a familiar Trainer hat: this is an amazing Pikachu! Hug it, swap out hats, wrestle with it! Hat is one size – 7 inches in diameter – and fits most teens and adults. Plush stands 13 inches tall without hat and 16 inches with hat. Measures 16 inches across the tips of its ears.

Incineroar Large Plush

Incineroar Large Plush

Big clawed hands, super-detailed and embroidered eyes and snout – this Incineroar plush stands out, the way an evolved form should! Features a posable tail – to help Incineroar look fierce or stand tall. Lots of smooth plush, especially its satiny claws and yellow belt ornament. This is big time plush that is ready to roar! Posable tail to help position your Pokémon plush just so! Stands 14 inches tall.

Pokémon Gallery Figure Pikachu Thunderbolt

Pokémon Gallery Figure: Pikachu – Thunderbolt

Pikachu used Thunderbolt! Sculpted and painted to showcase motion and power, Pokémon Gallery Figures capture Pokémon and their moves in amazing battle poses. You can get up close to the action and collect the whole Pokémon Gallery Figures series.

Pokémon Gallery Figure Mew Psychic

Pokémon Gallery Figure: Mew – Psychic

Mew used Psychic! Sculpted and painted to showcase motion and power, Pokémon Gallery Figures capture Pokémon and their moves in amazing battle poses.

Pikachu Portable Charger Mighty Mini

Pikachu Portable Charger

This Pokémon Pikachu Portable Charger is a ThinkGeek creation & exclusive (also available on GameStop.com). Micro-boost USB charger give you extra juice when you need it most using standard batteries. Charges devices via USB port on Pikachu’s side. Will let you run electronics for up to three extra hours – plus, looks super cute!

Pikachu Light Up Slippers

Pikachu Light Up Slippers

Good Pokémon trainers spend a lot of time on their feet, both at the gym, perfecting their technique, and traveling around various regions. They’re always on the go! At the end of a long day of training and battles, Pokémon trainers deserve to put their feet up and relax. And who better to do it with than Pikachu with these light-up slippers? These Pikachu slippers will cradle your tired feet, and his rosy cheeks light up when you take a step. This little pika went to market…this little pika stayed home… Fits up to a US men’s shoe size 10 / women’s size 12. A ThinkGeek creation.

Pokemon Trading Cards Set

 

Trading Cards: Varying

GameStop and ThinkGeek have tons of Pokemon Trading Cards to add to your deck! The Pokémon Trading Card Game, abbreviated to PTCG or Pokémon TCG, is a collectible card game, based on the Pokémon video game series, first published in October 1996 by Media Factory in Japan.

Pikachu holiday Mug

 

Pikachu Holiday Mug

Pikachu is all dressed up as Delibird and surrounded by snowflakes on this big 20 oz. holiday mug! And there’s more fun on the other side: Pokémon as a drum and nutcracker, plus the first partner Pokémon from Alola. You can find plenty of cheer with this holiday crew!

First Partner Power Tote

First Partner Power Tote Bag

The Alolan trio of Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio are surrounded by flowers and leaves on one side of this sturdy tote. Their final Evolutions, Decidueye, Incineroar, and Primarina, are done up in big, bold island style on the other side. This bag is a nice memento for anyone’s Pokémon journey and a great way to carry books, clothes, plush, or anything else!

Pokkén Tournament DX

Pokkén Tournament DX Video Game for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch exclusive Pokkén Tournament DX is a one-on-one Pokémon fighting game and the first Pokémon title on the system. With one Nintendo Switch, you can share one of the Joy-Con controllers with a friend and have awesome head-to-head battles anytime. Pokkén Tournament DX is compatible with all the different Switch setups – tabletop mode, TV mode, and handheld mode, so you can enjoy playing however you like.

Along with adding all the features from both the arcade version and the Wii U version of Pokkén Tournament, Pokkén Tournament DX is also full of new features. All the Pokémon that were added to the arcade version will be there, including Pikachu and Charizard. And now Decidueye from Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon will appear as a Battle Pokémon, too. Over 20 Pokémon with their own unique battle styles can join the fight!

What Pokemon item do you want most?

Giveaway Alert

Enter to win a Pokémon Center Trainer Pack from GameStop using the Gleam form below. This pack includes a large Pokemon plush, a Pokemon Gallery Figure, and Pokemon Trading Cards! Be sure to check out my other giveaways while you are here and GOOD LUCK!

Pokemon Center Prize Pack

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