Into the Wood Movie Review Is it good for Kids?

into the woods movie reviewInto the Wood Movie Review :  We were invited to a screening of Into The Woods.  I took my daughter and her best fiend both are 9 years old.  The movie is based on the Musical Into the Woods.   The movie is a 2+ hours and it is a musical,  it is geared more towards adults and older kids.  My daughter and her friend were a great age.  I don’t think it would be appropriate for a younger child because there are implied deaths of characters.

Quick Overview:

Into the Wood Movie Review

The scenery is dark because it all takes place in a woods.  But the scenery is beautiful and very creative.

The costumes are wonderful,  I am a fan of the witches, played by Meryl Streep.

Story interweaves the characters and fairy tales story’s.  The Music and singing is fantastic.

My Daughter loved  the Princes song which was campy, sarcastic, and just plan fun.

Enjoy the movie;

 

Old Spice HolliSpray Toy Drive #SmellcometoManhood

old spice disclosureSmellcometomanhood_1661Old Spice Hollispray Exchange Toy Drive  So the last 2 weeks have been very busy with shopping and working and the Old spice Toy Drive I wrote about a few weeks ago.  If you missed the post the purpose was to exchange the unwanted, gentle used , clean toys for a can of old spice.  The purpose was to keep the toys out of land fils and get them into less fortunate childrens hands this holiday season.

So how did  The Exchange toy drive was a huge success everyone in our family helped and got in on  the giving spirit.  We place our toy bin at a local Church in Abington.

We started out on Sunday by informing everyone about the HolliSpray Toy Exchange  during the church’s potluck and advent craft night.   Everyone pitch in to help us collect toys. Not only did we involve the minster and choir directors, but also the youth the group and nursery school.  My family handed out about 100 fliers but also all the staff  at the church handed out more. My kids told their friends at school.

Then.. the toys started coming… We received donations at the church and calls asking where to drop them off.. it was such fun.  Many people were make room for the new toys that were soon coming.  One family with 5 boys said she learned of the toy drive at the right time.  So were were lucky to receive even a toy kitchen.

We handed a many can of Old Spice out to the families for exchanging the toys.  It is such a great way to keep the toys out of the landfills. old spice

We also asked the Boys what was there favorite scent this Holiday season –  Timber was there favorite scent this winter.. Many of the Men and Teens said they Love the Old Spice spray. The said be sure to follow the cans directions.  You can watch our video of How not to over spray the Old Spice here.  The women it brought back memories of there childhood of them giving the Old spice to there Dads or Grand Dads.  The new smells are so Fantastic it is not the memory’s of men from the past but the Men of the future.. many of the girl freinds had not idea that was the scent they enjoyed on there men.  For once men were in the Know on what makes a great scent Old Spice. oldspice_6634

We brought the toys home and cleaned them all,  so the Second Chance toys did not have to do it.  The kids had a great time my daughter loved making sure all the plastic toys were ready for there new home. She really got into the giving spirit.  I was cleaning the toy kitchen in the my Kitchen  which made me chuckle.

SmellcometoManhood_1_013_001-7

My son who is defiantly #smellcometomanhood man child .. was the heavy lifter during the project really loved giving the toys a new home I also think he really like trying out all the toys..toy drive worker

So many families were generous and I was so surprised how many toys looks brand new. The lovely thinks is many of these toys will get a great second chance in a new home making another kids smile.  I was actually able to deliver the toys directly to the center which will be using the toys.  When I dropped the toys off the director at the Lutheran Children’s and Family Services was so pleased because she says many of these kids will love playing and learning with so many of these toys. children services

The Result of our HolliSpray Exchange for Toys ?  We ended up collection close to 100 toys that was about 7 box/bags.  The donators were so generous and the charity loved getting the Second Chance toys.  My kids really did learn that it is far better then to receive.   Old Spice Toy drive was going on around the country.

Nationally The Holli Exchange:   At Hollywood High California Old spice was there with Holli Ambassadors Nolan Gould of ABC’s acclaimed hit comedy, “Modern Family,” and Old Spice Guy Isaiah Mustafa to act as HoliSPRAY Toy Donation Exchange Ambassadors. On Dec. 10, Gould and Mustafa will host a toy collection event at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, which will serve as one of many toy collection locations across the U.S. participating in the program.  Check out there great Selfie shot:
Isaiah Mustafa, Nolan GouldThe Hollispray Exchange was a great project from my entire family and community to get involved with we can wait to do another drive next year.  Have you thought about bring your son in to man hood by smelling great and giving back to others.  Because what makes a great man is caring about others.

Happy Holidays!

Great holiday gift ideas from Best Buy #HintingSeason

Disclosure: 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.

giftsBest buy holiday deals  and Ideas :  Time is running out for the holidays.   Now,  with my busy schedule, between work, right now  I am really “Superexhausted” with the hours of sewing for my job,  the endless follow up on home work with my Teenage son.   If you read my last post I truly feel like I am repeating the 8th grade.   I never have time to shop let alone think about the holidays-  or the 25+ people that will be in my home in a few days for the big “Christmas party”.    I hate when shopping is hard,  when you dont know what they want or need.

I love the fact  Best Buy  has me covered  for great products for my entire family.  With Expert Service and Unbeatable Price these top gifts are on my list this Holiday, making my life less exhausting and here’s why they should be on yours:

1st Pick: My sons top pick  for Christmas  list is Xbox One any teenage boy would love go have this system  the graphics are Amazing!!

xbox oneWhat is Xbox OneXbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles (Halo, Sunset Overdrive), the biggest blockbusters (Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty) the hottest sports franchises (Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15) and top family titles (Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15, Skylanders) Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level.

In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

2nd Pick :  Another great pick for any one in our family or any one who has a smart device is JBL speakers or headphones  what makes the special: 

spreakerJBL Flip 2– Aside from the dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port, the key benefit of the JBL Flip 2 is the SoundClear echo and noise cancellation combined with the state-of the art microphone system to pick up calls on the speaker.

JBL Reflect Earbud headphones–  Sweat proof ergonomic design.  With a 5 hour rechargeable battery and a reach of about 40 feet, the JBL Reflect BT’s key benefit is the design of the ergonomic eartips along with the built-in magnets which keep your buds on standby without loose cables.

3rd Pick :  I am known  for getting lost-  I would be lost without a GPS  for christmas I would love to have any of the Garmins or Tom Toms   GPS;s

Garmin and TomTom

Featuring bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates.  Lane assist, Lifetime traffic and map updates.   Voice Recognition Technology.

·         Garmin 52LM

  • o   5.0” display
  • o   Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  • o   Lane assist with junction view
  • o   Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • o   Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • o   Spoken turn-by-turn directions

 

·         Garmin 2597LMT

  • o   5.0” display
  • o   Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  • o   Lane assist with junction view
  • o   Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • o   Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • o   Spoken turn-by-turn directions

 

·        TomTom Go 50s

  • Lifetime TomTom Traffic: Drive with TomTom Traffic for the lifetime of your device
  • Lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico): Always drive with the latest map
  • 3D Maps. See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D
  • 5″ touchscreen with advanced lane guidance

So have fun shopping and be sure to check out these great ideas at best buy this holiday seasons.

 

best buy solgan

 

Menu Planning Monday

mushrooms

Menu Planning:  This is a busy week with my Superhero cape business Holiday time sales.  My Daughters rehearsals for the church Christmas.   My sons school choir concert.  I really need meal planing to keep my family feed this week.

Monday: Chicken lemon soup with fresh bread

Tuesday: Easy Bake  Ravioli lasagna

Wednesday: Crock Pot Stew with  fresh bread

Thursday: Shrimp, veggie, on rice noodles

Friday: Homemade Pizza with Quick and easy dough

I am linking up to Organizing Junkies Menu Plan Monday

Toy Drive #SmellcometoManhood

old spiceold spice disclosure So this year I am working with OLD Spice as a #HoliSpray Ambassador  collecting toys for Second Chance Toys.   According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, nearly 14 million children in the U.S. – 22 percent of all children – live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level.

This is such a great for the world toy exchange!

Inspired by the hilarious moment from the new Old Spice “Dadsong” (:60) TV ad when the dad runs over his son’s childhood toys with a riding lawnmower, signifying his boy’s entry into manhood, the Old Spice HoliSPRAY Exchange is designed to rescue all of those used dump trucks and fire engines to bring joy to the lives of disadvantaged children during the holidays.    Second Chance Toys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation founded in 2006 to rescue and recycle plastic toys for children in need by donating them to community organizations across the U.S. Second Chance Toys provides individuals and corporate partners like Old Spice with the necessary resources, step-by-step instructions and essential connections with local organizations to receive the donated toys. Since 2006, Second Chance Toys has helped get more than 200,000 gently used plastic toys into the hands of kids in need. For more information, visit secondchancetoys.org.

 

The inaugural Old Spice HoliSPRAY Toy Donation Exchange, which runs from Dec. 3 through Dec. 15,

My location is

Abington Presbyterian Church

1082 Old York Rd

Abington, PA 19001-4593

 

On Sunday Dec 7th from 3-5 You can drop off a Toy and I will give each donor a Can of Old Spice Timber

Dont Live near me check out!

 

Old Spice HoliSPRAY Toy Exchange locations, please visit www.secondchancetoys.org/corporate-sponsorships/oldspice.

 

Want to save!

In the spirit of the holiday season, Old Spice will offer special savings on Old Spice Re-fresh Body Spray in the P&G brandSaver® in newspapers across the U.S. on Sunday, Nov. 30, as well as for download on http://www.coupons.com for redemption at retailers nationwide.

For more information on Old Spice Re-fresh Body Spray, visit OldSpice.com. For more information on muscles, lasers, nachos and jet skis, visit Twitter (@OldSpice), Facebook (Facebook.com/OldSpice), YouTube (YouTube.com/OldSpice), Instagram (oldspice) and Tumblr (oldspice).

A letter to my 13 year old

bookA letter to my 13 year old,   (The one with the big feet, who sleeps alot, and eats all the food)

Really Kid,  I did the Eighth Grade once and yes middle school was one of the worst times in my life (most people would agree with me on that one)  ..  It does not bring me great joy to sit here with you  for 3-4 hours every night listening to you complain  ..  as we reviewing 8th grade Science, English, and Algebra u forgot .. It sucked the 1st time I did it 30 years ago (especially the Algebra.)

Trust me,  I would much rather be sitting in front of the TV watching Scandal when it airs with a glass of wine. Rather then hearing all Olivia Pope spoilers the next day at work, because I missed the live finale,  due to reviewing for a 8th grade test on the Bill of Rights.

So STOP fighting me and realize I am sitting here for YOUR  benefit. I take no joy out of these many hours of trying to keep you on track and focused.  Sometimes it is like herding cats try to get you to focus.

Also your middle school…  is no different with Jocks and the better then everyone else kids, then any other middle school.  Every kid in your school is scared, lonely, and feels misunderstood even the popular kids.   I had the same drama when  I was in middle school 30 years ago.  Middle school kids are the same kids for the last 50 years  (just different clothes) with all have the same problems just  a different decade.  They will continue to be the same type middle schoolers for the next 30 years

FYI  I had the same basic number of friends that you have now  and the same social standing…We just wore “those” weird 80’s clothes and had BIG hair.

News Flash: I have been to middle school  and I would prefer never to do Middle School again.

When I encourage you to try new things (because I am “pushy”) it is because the more things you try in life.. the better life will be.  Life is about experiences and connections to others.  You might even like said “new thing”, But that would mean MOM  was right.   I know,  I know nothing. (insert eye roll)

You are a Good Kid, my job as a parent is to parent..  I never want you to fail but know you will &  that too is an experience,  just once is ok,  don’t want to make a habit of failing. So I will to guide you when you go off the rails and give you hugs every day whether you want them or not.

You are my child, my love, and my joy
Signed,
Your Difficult “I Don’t get it” Mother.

It is official I am now My Mother.. Ok Mom I get it

Tortellini Sausage Soup with Kale

Tortellini Sausage Soup with KaleTortellini Sausage Soup with Kale : This yummy soup is a winner in my family.  It is the Tortellini  the kids love it.  The healthy kale goes down easy with this soup.  Up can mix up and use link sausage if you want or hot sausage for some heat.   It is sure to be a winner in your family.

Tortellini Sausage Soup with Kale

  • 1 lb of of ground sausage
  • 1 page of frozen tortellini
  • 4 cans of beef broth
  • 5 cups of mushroom sliced
  • Kale clean and torn
  • 1 onion diced
  • Salt and pepper
  • 3 tbl spoons of corn starch or flour doe thicken
  • ¼ tsp oregano
  • ¼  tsp basil
  1. On a large pot Sauté onion and mushroom, season as taste
  2. Remove onion /mushroom from pot
  3. In same pot brown the sausage, season meat with salt and pepper
  4. when sausage is brown drain grease
  5. Add broth, spices, onion/mushroom
  6. Bring to a boil, add tortellini
  7. Reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes
  8. Add torn Kale before serving

Printable version Tortellini Sausage soup with Kale

Meal planing Monday:

  • Monday: Shrimp Pasta
  • Tuesday: Ribs, corn, and fingerling potato fries
  • Wednesday:  Chicken pot pie
  • Thursday : Thanksgiving
  • Friday: Pizza

I am linking up to Organizing Junkies Menu Plan Monday

 

Events at Barnes & Noble for Discovery Weekend #sponsored

Barnes and noble sponsored post disclosurebndiscovery_1_013_001-13

 

This past week I attend a preview of Barnes and Noble Discovery Weekend in the Exton store to see what great thing are going on this weekend at stores through out the country. It is a great family weekend at the Barnes and noble.  Check at the fun activities they have planned by checking the Discovery Weekend at your local Barnes and noble .

Event IconEvents at Barnes & Noble for Discovery Weekend

Friday November 21, 2014 7:00 PM

Linkee Trivia Tournament

Linkee is a simple, fast and fun shout-out quiz game with a twist. You don’t win by answering the questions, but by guessing the link between the answers. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Saturday November 22, 2014 10:00 AM

Create With ArtFoldsfold book pages to make art

Customers are invited to transform a book into a piece of art or create an origami heart card using the ArtFolds technique. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Please arrive early; space and supplies are limited.

 

Saturday November 22, 2014 11:00 AM

Learn to Draw Like Mo Willems – Storytime and Activity

pigon drives the bus
Booksellers will help children learn how to draw the beloved Pigeon from Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! with instructions created by the award-winning author and illustrator. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Saturday November 22, 2014 1:00 PM

Puppet Making and Holiday Sing Along

puppets
Kids are invited to make a puppet and sing holiday songs with our booksellers and their new found puppet friends. Please arrive early, space and supplies are limited. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Saturday November 22, 2014 7:00 PM

Holiday Fluxx Game Night

holiday flux game
Get introduced to this unexpected holiday card game with ever-changing rules — even the object of the game changes as often as you draw a card and say, “Go!” Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Sunday November 23, 2014 1:00 PM

Snowmen at Night Storytime

snowmen at night
Ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? Discover and experience the secret life of snowmen at night. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.
There will also be author times through out the weekend.
Also through out the entire weekend The Barnes and Noble Cafe has there new special cookie on sale! for $1.00 at select times.
cookie deal

#BNGiftTip

Also why visiting the store I learned of a great way to find great gifts for  you friends and Family.  By just Tweeting #BNGiftTip ask your question and the experts at Barnes and Noble will direct you towards a gift to make you smile.
Tip: if you like a certain book the Gift Tip tweeters can recommend other book that are similar
Check out these fun gifts I came across why browsing the store:
Word throws 100% cotton… one has famous lines from various book.
word throws
The Flavor Bible was recommend to me as a must have for making you recipes more interesting :  use that B&N membership and save
the flavor bible
The Happy Light  because who does not want to be happy!
happy light
Also a great stocking stuffers at Barnes and Noble like this Coalcandy coal
The best new thing at Barnes and Noble is the New Samsung Glaxay tab 4.0 Nook. in 2 sizes 7.1 and 10-  Also you can buy a paper book and get the down load for $4.99 on some books.
nook

I saw so many thing for my family I was making my list as I walked through the store.   So go to you local Barnes and Noble this weekend be creative and also shop for those prefect holiday gifts.

Disclosure I did received a gift card and this is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.barnes and noble gifts

Free for Veterans on Veterans Day

flagFree for Veterans on Veterans Day : My Dad served I am glad to say her server to protect out country.  In our family it is important to honor those who served.  So tomorrow November 11th,  thank a Veteran just like many business are doing. Take one out and you can save . Here are some great web sites that have created great list of company’s that are showing our vets the respect they deserve.

Free For Veterans on Veterans Day:

Have a great Day and honor those who protected & served the US.

Meal Plan Monday

mushroomsMeal Planning Monday : This week is a again a busy week.  I have work all week the kids are heading to choir and after school activities. I have an event at whole food and a trip to NYC planed.  So I need to be smart and plan better.

Monday: Beef Stew

Tuesday : Spaghetti  with meat sauce

Wednesday: Slow cooker chicken and dumbplings

Thursday: Easy fish with couscous and asparagus

Friday: Taco Night

Saturday:Pizza

I am linking up to Organizing Junkies Menu Plan Monday