Our family loves games of all sorts. Video games, card games, board games, active games. If you can play it, we probably will give it a try. So we were pretty excited when we recently had the chance to have a family game night with games from Hasbro. They sent some of their new toys based on Angry Birds, an app that the entire family at one point or another has spent hours flinging birds at gravity-defying structures. The extra-cool part is that these Angry Bird toys are based on the Star Wars franchise, something we all love.

Bubbles loves anything that comes in the mail but was especially intrigued by a box sealed with a cool Angry Birds Star Wars sticker. “What is it Mama? What is it Mama?” she kept asking as we opened it. Before I even had all the flaps open she stuck her little hand in and pulled out what may be the coolest foam ball I’ve ever seen. It was a Chewbacca Angry Birds™ Star Wars™ Foam Flyer and seriously – so cute. She claimed it for herself and ran off to “show Daddy, show Daddy!”

This healthy mornings post is brought to you by Silk Fruit & Protein. All opinions are my own.

Bubbles is not a huge eater, especially at breakfast. I’m lucky if I can get her to eat some yogurt and a few sips of juice. Or on occasion sometimes she’ll ask for whole wheat toast with peanut butter or cheesy scrambled eggs. Since she doesn’t eat a huge breakfast I try to ensure that what she does eat is providing maximum fuel to her growing little body.

Silk Fruit & Protein: Healthy Drinks for the Entire Family

Shake Up Your Morning With Healthy Drinks

Recently I found that Silk has a juice blend called Silk Frui t& Protein. It comes in yummy-sounding flavors like Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana, and Mango Peach. Each glass has 5 grams of protein – something most other juices can’t provide. And protein is definitely something kids, and the whole family, can use to help power through busy mornings. Plus you get calcium and vitamins D and C, which are both essential vitamins. They’re also lactose-, gluten-, and dairy-free which I know is an important point for a lot of folks (I’m told it can be challenging to find lots of tasty gluten-free options).

While this would make a great breakfast for Bubbles or to pour into a travel mug for an on-the-go breakfast, I can think of some other options for Silk Fruit & Protein, too. I think it would be awesome poured into molds and frozen into fruit pops. On a hot day can’t you just taste a cold, juicy Mixed Berry or Strawberry Banana fruit pop? It’s something the entire family could enjoy. I also think I’ll experiment with using it as some or all of the liquid in muffins or other breads. I occasionally do that with fruit juice but adding the extra protein would be great. Or what about using one of the juice blends as the start to a fruit-packed smoothie? Continue reading »

This post is brought to you by Campus Bellhops. All opinions are my own.

Campus Bellhops College Movers

Picture this: it’s the middle of August in Florida. The mercury is bubbling as temperatures climb past the 105°F mark. My parents, brothers, and I are about to move me into the dorms for my freshman year of college. The building, being a national historic landmark located in the oldest city in America, has no air conditioning (yes, you read that right – I was about to live in a building, in Florida, with no A.C.). My dorm room is on the first floor, which is technically the second floor.

We drove down as a family from Maine with a car full of my stuff. But five people doesn’t leave much room for “stuff” so I had also shipped a number of boxes that were waiting for us. Waiting for us to carry down a street, up two long flights of stairs, and down to the far end of a long hall. In 105°F heat (in case you missed that part). While trying to keep track of my two very active young brothers.

Campus Bellhops, College Movers

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for HUGGIES. I received product samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

HUGGIES Little Movers Slip-On Diaper Pants

Bubbles, for the moment, is still in diapers (though we’re making some progress on that). But now that she’s older and feels like a big girl, she does not like to have to pause and lie down to have her diaper changed. This is a somewhat new development – as a baby and younger toddler she would easily comply with a diaper change request. Now if you mention that it’s changing time, she’s down the hall faster than you can say “diaper” (or occasionally trying to “hide” behind the couch).

I thought it might be time to make a change to our routine to keep everyone happier and so was glad when I had the opportunity to try the Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diaper Pants®. These diapers are different in that they come pre-fastened so all you have to do is slip them on your little one. My first thought was “okay, how will this work and will we end up with wet pants if I’m not adjusting them myself?” Fortunately the stretchy side tabs help provide a great fit. And the Huggies Leak Lock® Protection held true keeping her dry without any accidents.

HUGGIES Little Movers Slip-On Diaper Pants for Standing & Walking Babies

I receive a lot of entertainment news – movie releases and clips, advanced TV programming notices, music drop dates, etc. – and it’s really more than I could conceivably post about without renaming my blog “Entertainment From the ‘Ville”. As a Disney fan, I do generally try and share some of that news, and occasionally a children’s program update.

There’s a lot of it that may be of real interest to you all, though, so I’ve decided to try and write a weekly round up. Check out all the upcoming movies below.

Marvel’s Iron Man 3 – May 3, 2013 Release Date #IronMan3

Fun new LEGO-inspired movie posters and new trailer now out.
Upcoming Movies: Marvel's Iron Man 3 Lego-Inspired Poster

Views From the Ville

Family Game Night with Angry Birds Star Wars Games from Hasbro

Give Your Kids a Healthy Start to Their Mornings

Shake Up Your Morning With Healthy Drinks

Save Your Sanity, Use Campus Bellhops College Movers

Make Changes Easier With Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diaper Pants #FirstFit

Upcoming Movies for Every Member of the Family

Marvel’s Iron Man 3 – May 3, 2013 Release Date #IronMan3