5 Great Family Movies to Pop in on Friday Night

November 5, 2011 by 4 Comments

If you’ve basically given up on the idea of a family movie night at the theater because of the high cost of
admission, snacks, and so on, then you may be looking for an alternative form of entertainment after a
long week of work and school has left your family beat. Luckily, you can still get the feel of the theater
in the comfort of your own home by staging a movie night. So dim the lights, pop some corn, and get
comfy in your favorite armchair. Here are a few family-friendly movies that will have everyone feeling
good come Friday night.

1. Finding Nemo (2003). There’s no denying that Pixar pretty much hits it out of the park every
time, and you’ve likely got your favorite film, but you really can’t go wrong with this whale of
a tale about a clown fish searching the vast ocean for his lost son. The graphics are incredibly
beautiful, but it’s the characters and the storyline that make this movie special, and they’ll have
you coming back to watch it again and again.

2. The Princess Bride (1987). This fractured fairy tale is fun and offbeat with plenty of characters
that are a little left of normal (a six-fingered villain, a rhyming giant, a Spaniard with a spiel,
[Read more…]

Filed Under: family, movie

Cars 2- Now Available!!! Discounts, and an intervew with Lightning McQueen/Owen Wilson

November 1, 2011 by 5 Comments

You can get your coupon for 5$ off HERE!

Here is an interview with Owen Wilson, the voice of “Lightning McQueen”-

How excited were you to voice Lightning McQueen again in “Cars 2”?
I was very excited to return to Lightning McQueen and the world of “Cars” because it felt like I was working on a completely different movie. “Cars 2” is a fun international adventure that takes place in the exciting world of espionage and intrigue. It’s very different from the first movie and it’s great to see these characters tackling a whole new world outside of Radiator Springs.
How much fun is it to work in animation?
It’s great fun because you get to use your own imagination, just like a little kid does. On a live-action movie, you have to go through wardrobe, hair and makeup and then you walk onto set. Animation is very pure. You go into a recording studio and the scene is explained to you, but there are no props and no actors to work alongside. It’s great fun to start seeing everything in your head.
How did you land the role of Lightning McQueen?
I met John Lasseter at the Academy Awards years and years ago. I didn’t know him, but he told me that he and his sons enjoyed my movie “Shanghai Noon” and he explained that he was working on a film about cars. I didn’t know that anything would come to pass from that conversation, but then Pixar got in touch and it all spiraled from there. I was really excited to work on an animated movie, so I jumped on board.
What kind of a driver are you?
I think I’m a careful driver. I don’t get speeding tickets and I don’t race around. I usually drive a car that beeps when you put it in reverse, so I guess it’s very pedestrian friendly.
Are you a racecar enthusiast?
I really enjoy watching car races, and it’s interesting that “Cars 2” features a variety of race contests. I think there’s more of an interest in oval track racing here in the United States, like stock car and Indy racing. Overseas, they seem more interested in the grand prix, which consists of circuit racing [Read more…]
Filed Under: disney, family, kids, movie

How To Keep Your Family Safe- Tips- AND WIN MasterLock Security Products

November 1, 2011 by 73 Comments
More than13 million Americans become victims of crime every year*. While much is done reactively when crimes are committed, Master Lock, the industry leader in safety and security, is encouraging consumers to begin practicing basic daily crime prevention tactics during Crime Prevention Month this October.
Master Lock has created a series of simple tips to help consumers change their safety mindset, be aware of their surroundings and take small precautions to stay safe during Crime Prevention Month and beyond:

1. Lock everything up. It is essential to keep your home, vehicles, valuables and family safe at all times. Whether you’re at home or away for the day, all points of entry should be locked and more valuable items should be stored in secure areas. Consider utilizing such Master Lock security products as key safes, locking storage boxes and padlocks for extra protection. Every family member, including children, should know how to secure everything from windows and doors to garages and sheds.

2. Limit availability of personal information. When on the go, carry only what you need. Do not keep social security cards, birth certificates or passports in purses or wallets. If possible, remove your name from marketing lists to reduce identifying junk mail and shred credit card offers that still come through to decrease the chance that your personal information could be accepted on your behalf by a stranger. You may even want to consider storing confidential data and information in a secure, online location where only you have access, such as the Master Lock Vault.

3. Start a neighborhood watch. Your street, parks and neighborhood should be an area where you and your family feel most comfortable. Forming relationships with neighbors can ensure there are additional watchful eyes on your home. Take this one step further by mobilizing a group of surrounding homeowners, encouraging each other to keep your eyes and ears open for anything suspicious and arranging regular patrols to increase neighborhood activity. In many cases, local police departments or PTAs will have resources to help you get started.

4. Trust your instincts. If a specific person or place causes you to feel uneasy, avoid the situation by removing yourself completely, and alert authorities if a suspicious person is lurking in your neighborhood.


5. If a crime occurs, report it! Don’t be afraid or embarrassed [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, giveaway

Our Finished Pumpkins- A Boston Terrier and Super Mario Bros

October 24, 2011 by 6 Comments

I must admit, these were my husband’s creations for the most part. We helped a bit, but he is the art-sy guy [Read more…]

Filed Under: family

Aunt Anne’s Pretzel Kit and #Recipe (Make Monkey Bread) @AuntieAnnes

October 24, 2011 by 13 Comments

So we all have went o the mall for one thing or another. And of course we get a smell of both the cinnamon bun place and the pretzel place, Aunt Anne’s. Well, lets say instead of breaking down and buying the pretzel, you want to have a really interesting afternoon and MAKE the pretzels as home. Easy breezy, and delicious, Aunt Anne’s At Home Baking Kit .

When we made the pretzels they didn’t look exactly like the famous ones at retail locations, but they did taste really good. The best part was twisting them with the kids. Also the ability to try something different. Lets say a bit different like a pretzel dog or very different like a pretzel in the shape of a dog. Pretzel rods, pretzel circles maybe a pretzel knot. Also the ability to make salt/plain or cinnamon/sugar flavored or any strange flavor you can think of, like taco seasoning, etc.

So many possibilities so few pretzels per box. By the end of the box my mind was spinning with the possibilities. Could I make a cheese centered one? how about peanut butter? How bout Cheese flavored dough? What kind of shapes can I make? Maybe a Celtic knot, or an Escher-esque pattern of impossible turns.

We made Pretzel Dogs, they were really fun for the kids to have with lunch 🙂 But you can also make pizza, monkey bread, or how many kinds of pretzels? TONS.

DOUGH PREPARATION (1 DOUGH MIX)
NOTE: Baking Soda is not needed for this recipe. DO
NOT ADD BAKING SODA TO THE DOUGH MIX. Read all
instructions before proceeding.
1. In a large bowl, dissolve contents of 1 yeast packet in 1

Filed Under: family, food, kids, recipes, review

Pumpkin Picking and then Carving (with Pumpkin Masters sets)

October 24, 2011 by 4 Comments

This weekend we went pumpkin picking. We had so much fun! There was a pumpkin maze, hay ride, and of course the mandatory apple cider and cider doughnuts afterward.
The kids had a blast- OK, so did the hubs, and the best part was still to come- carving! My husband looks forward to this all year, and they chose to make a Boston Terrier and Super Mario Brother’s Level 1 inspired pumpkins.

Filed Under: family, kids

Bob Evans “Friends of the Farm” Party! #BEFarmFest @DiscoverOhio #Travel

October 21, 2011 by 16 Comments


We had so much fun at the 41st annual Bob Evans Farm Festival, in Rio Grande, Ohio.  From the very first day we were there, it was just such a great place to be, fun and VERY family-friendly.
Friday night was the Bob Evans “Friends of the Farm” Party, and my Little Man (who thinks he is an Amish Farmer) was just in his glory. He was driving his mother INSANE, lol, but he was just thrilled with life. 

Singing a song about being a farmer, (yes, he is a songwriter, LOL)  and eating mac and cheese and hot dogs.  For real- what kid DOESN’T want to be here?

 Set up on the other side of the fairgrounds in a large white tent, was the party. 
First you were to pick up your food from the Bob Evans buffet line (serving all your favs from the restaurant!) and find a seat.  There was a very close-knit feeling of this party, like as if it were a wedding or baptism or some kind of family gathering.  Close friends and family only, and I honestly felt kind of “outsider-y”- but not in a bad way. Not that it was awkward at all.  You can just tell that the event and the party really meant something to the people who were there, and most of them seemed to know each other. 

The people of Bob Evans put a LOT of work into the Farm Festival, and they gave out awards to their co-workers, chefs, and business partners.  There was a lot of laughing and good-natured teasing.  My Little Man was being a bit of a beast, he kept needing to “go potty” then not “going”, and honestly that dinner was not a proud time in my mommyhood (it was one of “those” moments, I nearly cried, he was making me insane!) but everyone around us was really nice.  One older lady patted me on the back and said “We’ve all been there!  It’ll pass.”  I know that a lot of people would have been aggravated with a jumpy kid, but everyone was super nice. 

You know “those days”?  Where they are not being really bad, but they are just not behaving and won’t stay still?  Yeah.  Coming off an 11 hour car ride (spread over 2 days) and no Daddy, he was antsy and taking full advantage of momma, haha. 

The tent was right next to the farm, and there was a horse very close by.  Little kept wanting to go “visit” the horse, and thought it would be great to feed him some macaroni and cheese, LOL.  Don’t worry, he didn’t!  The whole night was really lovely, and at the very end the Bob Evans team brought out an awesome cake- in multiple flavors paired with several different carefully chosen Velvet ice creams.  For real- it was like a dessert sommelier stepped in, LOL. 

My Meema (my grandma) is concentrating VERY hard on the cake, LOL 

All in all, a good night for friends and food, and a wonderful opener to what would be a fun weekend “Down at the Farm” with Bob Evans!  More fun to come, stay tuned!  🙂
~Samantha

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Filed Under: family, travel

ToonUps- Great Games for the Whole Family!

October 12, 2011 by 4 Comments

Are you tired of your kids playing games on Facebook like Mafia Wars or Global Warfare?  Wouldn’t be nice to play a game that is not only non-violent but also one that actually teaches your kids something without them even knowing it.  Well give A Better World a try.  This is a new game brought to us by ToonUp. 

What I find interesting about this game is how it pulls together quite a few different elements, plant cultivation, visiting friends, sharing gifts, shopping, customizing your character and clothing, etc.  While also bringing a warmth that is hard to find sometimes.  Take a look at the Sanctuary of Hope at the Countryside and you will find some heartfelt wishes from people all over the globe or even just your friends from down the block.  There is a total of .fifteen locations to explore including: Gratitude Grotto, Cake Cart and Department of Do Good. 

Each location has special good deed components, The Cake Cart lets you send love to anyone of your friends.  The Department of Do Good lets people share their real world good deeds..  Another component of the game is the Arcade, Inside the players can play mini games to gain more points.  ToonUps plan with this new game is to bring about a new genre of “do good gaming”.  I hope this does take off its a great idea and great execution.

Disclosure- I was given the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions on A Better World. I received a $50 gift card as a thank you for my participation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: family