Forever My Little Moon

Disney World Animal Kingdom 2026 Review

2026-08-20T13:40:20.853-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Animal Kingdom is the park with the shortest hours, so we saved it for the last day. This ended up being our child's favorite park, but it was one my husband and I would be okay skipping. I do feel this park is mostly geared toward kids, which explains why our child loved it. It's basically a giant zoo.

Rides

Na'vi River Journey

We did this ride right at rope drop because none of us wanted to do Flight of Passage, and back in 2018, it had a 90-minute wait, so we were unable to get on. This time around, we walked on. It is a nice, slow-moving boat ride, but it felt a bit lacking. Our child liked it though, and we rode it again right before they started closing down at 7 PM. It was a walk-on at the end of the day too, so definitely recommend going first thing in the morning (if you're not interested in Flight of Passage) or doing it in the evening.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

I remember doing the safari when I was a kid, and it traumatized me with the shaky bridge over the crocodiles, so I hadn't been on it since. This year, we decided to give it a go, and thank goodness that bridge no longer shakes! The ride is still bumpy, but it at least it didn't scare my child like it had me, and we even rode it again later in the day.

If you have the time, I definitely recommend taking the safari ride in the morning when the park opens, and then coming back after dinner. We saw different animals each time!

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

My husband enjoyed this ride, and I believe he rode it twice.

Shows

Festival of the Lion King

We missed this show in 2018, so I made it my goal to make it to one of the performances this time. I was expecting more of a stage performance or reenactment of The Lion King, but it was more of an acrobatic performance featuring music from The Lion King. It was good, but I don't think I need to see it again.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond!

This was a cute stage production reenacting the movie, but I found it hard to stay awake! (And I'm almost certain the person next to me fell asleep) Maybe it was because it was later in the afternoon and the theater was dark, but I would recommend drinking some coffee before this one, or maybe skipping it.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

Our child loves Zootopia, so this was the second thing we did in the park. It's a 4D show, so it can strain the eyes. My child complained it made her head hurt afterwards. We probably will skip this next time.

Activities

Wilderness Explorers

Epcot has Kidcot, which I read about before the trip, but I wasn't aware the Animal Kingdom had something similiar. Kids can pick up a booklet from any station and travel to each location to get a "badge" (it's a sticker). We didn't discover it till later in the morning, so there was no way we were going to get all the stickers, but our child was okay with that as she only had a select few she wanted.

The booklet contains activities that kids can do later, which came in handy at Universal Studios while waiting for the park to open.

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Besides gorillas, there are birds, naked mole rats, reptiles, zebras, antelopes, and many more animals to see. Our child really loved the aviary part. The birds were not afraid of people; some would fly right by my head.

Maharajah Jungle Trek

On this trek, there are tigers, bats, komodo dragons, monkeys, another aviary, and more animals to see.

Characters

Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps

Since our child is a Zootopia fan, we had to get in line to see Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps. I noticed a line starting to form about twenty minutes before they were scheduled to appear, so I hopped in while my child and husband explored the nearby shop.

We only had to wait around 10 minutes to see them, and like Anna & Elsa, they give you a decent amount of time to interact with them. They can't speak, but there are lots of hugs and gestures.

Food & Drink

Satu'li Canteen

I had the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods (Bao Buns), my husband had the Spicy Pork Steamed Pods, and my child had the Cheese Quesadilla.

The Cheeseburger Steamed Pods were basically an Americanized version of traditional Chinese Bao Buns. They were the only thing on the menu that didn't seem "spicy," so it was my safe choice, and I wouldn't mind having it again. However, the Ube Cold Brew with Rum, was definitely the highlight of this meal (There is a non-alcoholic version too).

My husband enjoyed his Spicy Pork Steamed Buns and our child approved of her quesadilla, so this was a hit for all of us.

Anandapur Ice Cream Truck

Our child wanted a Mickey's Ice Cream bar for a treat, so we stopped here. They had a special version of the classic treat, which was a Hand-dipped Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar, and she approved. My husband and I got a Motunui Ube Sundae to share, and that was the best decision ever. It was so good.

Yak & Yeti™ Local Food Cafes

Not to be confused with the Yak & Yeti restaurant, this is located outside next to the main restaurant. It accepts quick service dining plans and has outdoor seating.

I tried the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, which ended up being spicier than I would have liked. My husband tried the Korean Barbecue Rib Tips, and our child got the Cheeseburger. My husband said it was just alright, and our child said the cheeseburger wasn't as good as at previous restaurants.

We would recommend skipping this one.

In Summary

Highlights:

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Motunui Ube Sundae

Ube Cold Brew with Rum

Disappointments:

Yak & Yeti™ Local Food Cafes

Not getting to see Pandora and The Tree of Life light up

Animal Kingdom closes early, and even though they were open an hour the day we went, it was still too bright at 8 PM to fully enjoy the blacklights. If this is a must for you, avoid going in the summer and opt for late fall or winter.

The park had an extended hour when we went, until 8 PM, but everything still closed at 7 PM

Even with the extra hour, all rides and most of the shops closed at 7 PM.

Disney World Epcot 2026 Review

2026-08-18T08:15:24.504-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

On our third day at Disney World, we chose to visit Epcot. For this park, we did separate rope drops. My husband went to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, while my child and I lined up for Frozen Ever After. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure was delayed, but my child did not want to ride that one anyway.

I used to consider this one of my favorite parks, but after this trip, I realize it's not as great as I remember. It's a lot of walking and mostly geared towards shopping at the different countries.

Rides

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

My husband rode this one, and it was one of his favorite rides. He would do it again, but wait times get up to 100 minutes, so definitely recommend getting in line at rope drop if you can.

Frozen Ever After

I remember going on this ride in 2018, and somehow the wait times for this ride still sit at around 45 minutes throughout the day. We got in line at rope drop and still had to wait about 30 minutes before getting on the ride.

It's a short little boat ride with a couple of small drops, so you may get wet. In my opinion, it's not worth waiting an hour to get on.

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

It's a newer ride, so it had a 60-80 minute wait time for most of the day. It was delayed at rope drop, so that didn't help. My child didn't want to wait to go on it, so my husband and I took turns going in the single rider line. If you can do single rider, do it! Wait time was only maybe 10-15 minutes.

I thought it was a fun experience, but I wouldn't do it again, and I definitely wouldn't wait an hour.

Spaceship Earth

A nice slow ride that sends you a fun video at the end. My child enjoyed it. It did feel a bit outdated, especially since technology has advanced a lot since the ride was made.

Living with the Land

Another nice slow ride which takes you through the greenhouse.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

This one felt very similiar to Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid in Magic Kingdom. It's another clamshell ride, but instead of Ariel, you follow Nemo and friends. The aquarium is the backdrop, so there are real fish behind the animated characters, which was a cool touch.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment

This is another fun little slow ride, but none of us appreciated the skunk smell. Yuck! The ride has you exit into a fun play area, though, which my child enjoyed. It was a shame the Figment dragon maker didn't seem to work very well, so we were unable to email her creation. We took a picture instead.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

This has It's a Small World vibes. It's a slow boat ride where you're trying to find Donald Duck. It was our last ride of the night, so it was a walk-on.

Shows

Reflections of China

This was a 360-degree video with no seats, so a great way to cool off, but not great if you want to rest your feet. They provide wooden railings, though, for you to lean on as the video can get trippy. If you are prone to motion sickness, make sure to take breaks from the screen and look down at the ground.

It was a cool experience that I recommend doing once if you have never experienced a 360-degree video, but I wouldn't do it again. It does get tricky to know where to look sometimes.

Turtle Talk With Crush

This was similiar to the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor in Magic Kingdom. It's geared towards kids, though, as they have them sit up front to talk to Crush. Depending on the kids you get, the show could be entertaining. Unfortunately, the kids that got to ask questions kept asking the same question: "Why did you run into the glass?" So we didn't get much out of it.

Luminous – The Symphony of Us

This is a water light show combined with fireworks. My child demanded we be close to the entrance because she wanted to leave right after. This led to us not having the best view as the closer areas were already crowded. We would have done better to watch it from the opposite side of the park.

I'm not sure if it was the wind or what, but during the show, ash from the fireworks fell down on us and got into my eyes, making it hard to watch. It wasn't a pleasant experience, and if we do it again, I'll be sure to watch from one of the World Showcases instead of at the front. Also, if you watch from the front of the park, you can't see the ball light up.

Activities

Epcot has Kidcot stations where kids can collect a passport card from each of the countries, which includes a sticker. Some of the countries would write our child's name in their language on the card, others would write the name of a Disney character, and some would simply put a word in another language.

It's a very easy activity for kids and a free souvenir!

They do have the option of purchasing a $20 passport, which gets stamped at the stations, and the employees will spend a little extra time decorating them. In my opinion, it's not worth the additional cost, and the cards are fun enough.

Characters

Anna & Elsa

We lined up to meet Anna and Elsa after the Frozen ride. The line wasn't super long, but it still took about 45 minutes before we finally got to see them. They are generous with time for each party, so if there's a group with a lot of kids, it can take a long time.

I mainly went because the last time we went, we got pictures in their Frozen outfits, and this time they were in their Frozen 2 outfits. By the time we go again, they may have Frozen 3 outfits! If they don't have new outfits, then we will probably skip seeing the sisters in the future.

Minnie Mouse

Like Hollywood Studios, Epcot has a Disney Visa Cardholder experience. I looked it up online, and it sounded like the characters change, so you don't know who you will get until it's your turn. A lot of comments online mentioned two characters, but we only got Minnie Mouse, which was one of my preferences, so it worked out.

Unlike Stitch in Hollywood Studios, there was about a 20-minute wait for this one. Minnie was great though, and it was worth getting the free photos to remember our trip.

Figment

When we exited the Figment ride, my daughter saw that Figment was doing meet-and-greets. The line wasn't long, so we got in it. Shortly after we entered, they closed the line, so we were the last group to meet Figment; talk about lucky timing!

Because we were last, we also got to see Figment leave through his Dreamport, which in itself was a cool experience.

Food & Drinks

Lotus Blossom Café

Pretty much on par with Panda Express. One downside is that they don't have mobile ordering, so you have to place your order at the register. Food is prepared quickly, though, so I didn't have to wait too long after ordering.

My husband had the Orange Chicken Combo, and I had the Mongolian Beef Noodle Combo. My child had the Sweet-and-Sour Chicken, which she enjoyed, but I think she would have preferred Orange Chicken (there wasn't an Orange Chicken option for kids).

I had the Lychee Iced Tea, which was so good, and my husband tried the Honey Jasmine Lager.

Connections Eatery

I had the American Classic Cheeseburger and a Mango Mai Tai. I actually don't remember what my husband or child had. I'm guessing he had a burger too, and my child either had the cheeseburger or cheese pizza.

Besides the Mango Mai Tai, which was good but a bit strong (keep in mind that I am a lightweight), it was a pretty forgettable restaurant.

In Summary

Highlights:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Figment

Disappointments:

Luminous – The Symphony of Us

Fife and Drum Tavern

We had planned on trying The American Dream, but when we got there, they told us the machine was broken and had been for 2 months. They really should update their online menu!

Disney World Magic Kingdom 2026 Review

2026-08-17T14:56:18.058-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

For our second park, we chose Magic Kingdom. We actually didn't have any "must-do" rides at this park that were available at rope drop, so we took our time to get photos in front of the castle and rode the carousel.

Click here to read about our first day at Hollywood Studios, or continue below for our reviews of the rides, shows, and food in Magic Kingdom.

Rides

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

This was our first ride, as it was one of the few that was open at rope drop. It's your typical carousel, and being one of the few on in the morning, we got our first picks.

It's a Small World

This is another ride that has a pretty short wait time throughout the day, but it was open at rope drop, so we chose to hop on it as it is a classic and a very kid-friendly ride.

Jungle Cruise

This was our third ride and the one we got on once it opened because we knew lines could get long later in the day. It had a 10-minute wait, but it didn't feel that long as we got on pretty quick.

Haunted Mansion

My child thought this would be too creepy, so only my husband went on the ride. It had a pretty steady "13 minute" wait all day, so it's pretty much a walk-on. It's one of his favorite rides.

Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Under the Sea had about a 25-minute wait when we got to it and was probably the longest wait time we had for the day. My child ended up liking this ride, and we did it again around 9 PM. It was a walk-on in the evening, so I would recommend saving this one for the end of the day.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

This was my child's favorite ride, and she rode it twice. It moves a lot faster, especially on the turns, than I remember, so I didn't go on a second time. This one usually only had around a 10/15 minute wait.

Walt Disney World Railroad

When we went, the full loop was closed, and they were using it as a shuttle between Main Street, U.S.A. and Fantasyland. We mainly chose to ride it just to avoid walking, so it worked out for us, and we only waited about 10 minutes. My child enjoyed that Stitch was one of the conductor voices.

Shows

Rainy Day Cavalcade

This parade only happens if rain is expected, which will lead to them canceling their main afternoon and evening parade.

We were a little disappointed when we saw this parade because we knew it meant that there might not be a big parade later. But at the same time, it was kind of a unique experience because they don't do this mini parade on a regular, sunny day.

Enchanted Tiki Room

Every time we went in the past, we've also skipped this. As my child wasn't into thrill rides, we decided to view this show. By the time we got in line, the pre-show was already going, so we didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes before being let into the room.

Now that we know it's just singing animatronic birds, it's not all that exciting, and we could definitely pass in the future. However, on a hot day, it is a nice way to sit down and cool off.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

This was a fun comedy show, but unless you're looking for a place to sit and cool off, it's skippable. The show relies on audience participation too, so not the best if you have anxiety, as they randomly select people to put on the screen.

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade

The rain held off, and we did get to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade. It's a great way to see all the characters, and the floats are beautiful.

Happily Ever After

If you have little ones, best to get there early or be prepared to hold them. This show heavily relies on projections on the castle, making it hard for kids to see with all the adults in front.

It's a really cool show, but I found myself struggling with what to look at. I tried to focus on the projections, as I've seen fireworks before, but the loud booms distracted me, and I found myself looking up.

If you have magic bands, they also light up during the show, so that was also a tad distracting as my child kept looking down at hers.

I would definitely watch it again, but it's one of those shows that will probably need multiple viewings in order to see everything.

Characters

My child wasn't into princesses or any of the characters at this park, so we didn't do any meet-and-greets this time. However, we did catch glimpses of Tigger and Stitch.

Food & Drinks

Note: We had the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, so all the places we ate at accepted the plan.

Columbia Harbour House

We had the lobster rolls, which tasted good, but it's not something I would go out of my way for to get again. It is one of the pricier eat options for the Quick Service Dining plan, so a great option if you're trying to maximize your credits.

For drinks, we got the Minute Maid® Lemonade Slushy, which was refreshing on a hot day.

Our child had the grilled shrimp skewer, but she filled up mostly on her sides, and we ate some of her shrimp. It was pretty tasty.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

This ended up being one of our favorite restaurants of the whole trip. I had the 1/3 lb Bacon Cheeseburger and my husband had the Truffle-French Onion Burger. We both tried the Lunar Lemonade, which was excellent.

Our child had the Cheeseburger, and while she was only able to eat half of it, it was the first meal that she didn't complain about. She would eat it again.

Storybook Treats

Originally we came here for the Rapunzel Sundaes, but sadly, we were told the machine was broken, so I have yet to experience it. Our child did try the Aurora Cone though, and she loved it.

In Summary

Highlights:

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade

Happily Ever After

Disappointments:

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away

There was a 9 PM and an 11 PM parade. We chose to skip the 9 PM parade to sneak in some more rides, but then the 11 PM parade got canceled because there was a slight sprinkle during the fireworks show, so we ended up missing it completely.

Rapunzel Sundae

Space Mountain

Not really a disappointment, but more of a regret. My husband skipped the ride at the time because he didn't think he was into thrill rides. Only after he rode Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot did he realize he liked coasters, so now it's on his list to do if we ever go again.

Disney World Hollywood Studios 2026 Review

2026-08-14T18:07:37.125-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

We chose Hollywood Studios as our first park, as we read online that they have exclusive metal Batuuan Spira gift cards. They are only sold in $100 amounts, and you have to pay an extra $5 for the metal coin, which you get to keep as a souvenir. The gift cards can be used in the parks on merch and food, so if you're a Star Wars fan or just want a cool coin to remember your trip, I recommend stopping by the Droid Depot to pick up one or more before shopping the parks.

While the Spira gift card was one of our goals, it was not the first thing we did at rope drop (when the park opens for early entry). Unless you can frequent the parks, the best strategy is to hit the popular rides first, so I'll start out by listing the rides we did and which ones were our favorites.

Rides

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

We had originally planned on starting with Rise of the Resistance, but to our dismay, it was delayed! So we went to Smugglers Run first, which worked out for the best. It was our 9-year-old's first ride at Disney, and she was not a fan. I was able to tolerate it, but I wouldn't ride it again. My husband thought it was alright, and he would later make it onto Rise of the Resistance.

For our child, it was too fast and unnerving. For me, it was too much motion (even with Dramamine!). This was a good test ride for future simulators though, and our child decided against doing some other rides like Avatar Flight of Passage, which was originally on her to-do list.

At rope drop, this ride had about a 15-minute wait, but it didn't feel very long.

Rise of the Resistance

This ride remained delayed until around 4 PM, which was about when we headed back to the park after an afternoon hotel break. My husband got in line, and then it was delayed again, but he remained in line and finally got on the ride. He said the two-hour wait was worth it.

While we were unable to rope drop due to the ride being down, I would recommend rope dropping this one if you can; otherwise, wait times were around 80-100 minutes.

Star Tours

When we went years ago, I remember this having quite the wait. This ride is now a walk-on. I never saw it go past the 5-minute wait time when we were there. My husband did it once, but he said it wasn't worth going again.

I think our child could have handled this one if it had been her first ride, but after Smuggler's Run, she refused to do anything Star Wars.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

This was the only other ride I was able to convince our 9-year-old to go on with us. She actually enjoyed it! She would do it again, but it was still too much motion for me.

This ride has long wait times all day (45-60 minutes), so I would recommend rope dropping if not doing Star Wars, or skip the 9 PM Fantasmic show and hop on the ride. The wait time dropped to 10 minutes at 9 PM.

Shows

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

We saw this show when our child was a baby, so I was excited they were still doing it now that she is nine. The Royal Historians of Arendelle (comedians), were great and, of course, we enjoyed singing along to the songs. Elsa also still makes it snow at the end, which is always a hit.

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

This new show replaced the Voyage of The Little Mermaid, but if you've seen Voyage of The Little Mermaid, it will feel oddly familiar because they kept many similiar elements. It's still a great show, and I would watch it again.

Vacation Fun at Mickey Shorts Theater

This is a short film, about 11 minutes, and was just a way for us to sit down in the AC. My child thought the show was funny, but if you have other things to do in the park, I would recommend skipping.

Fantasmic!

Based on online comments, we chose to skip the first showing at 9 PM and went to the second showing at 10:30 PM. There was plenty of room for the 10:30 PM show, so we got good seats and used that extra hour to hop on Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and shop.

Fantasmic doesn't always have a second showing, so make sure to check the schedule.

Characters

Stitch

If you are a Disney Visa Card holder, there is a special area where you can meet Stitch. This was probably the easiest experience for us, as there was no line and we just walked right in.

Mulan

We ran into Mulan by chance, and she took a photo with us. This is not a meet-and-greet, so the characters don't have to sign or take photos, but can if they wish.

Rapunzel

Rapunzel also makes character appearances, but unlike Mulan, she was sitting down and talking to children, so we weren't able to get a photo with her. But again, this isn't a meet-and-greet area, so if you want a photo with Rapunzel, your best chance is to get lucky with her being a visiting princess in Magic Kingdom.

Bitsy

There is a traditional meet-and-greet with Bitsy from Super Kitties available. The line wasn't too long for her, and she is our child's favorite Super Kitty, so it worked out perfectly.

Disney Characters

Other Disney characters were out and about interacting with kids. We didn't see any of them taking photos or signing autographs, but they may do so from time to time. Our child played "red light, green light" with Goofy. We saw Chip & Dale running around too.

Star Wars Characters

We didn't stop for photos, but there were several Star Wars characters you could talk to and get pictures with. We saw Rey and the Mandalorian with Grogu walking around, talking to others, and taking pictures. There are also special meeting spots for Chewy and Darth Vader.

Food & Drinks

Note: We had the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, so all the places we ate at accepted the plan.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

If you're a Star Wars fan, this restaurant has all the vibes. Our child found the decor creepy and would not eat here again, so it may scare some children.

I had the Sweet Puffer Pig Ribs with Portion Bread, and my child had the Fried Chicken Tip Yip Youngling Meal. I found the food to be subpar, and my child didn't like her chicken or mac and cheese (which she usually likes).

We also tried the Black Spire Mousse. It was alright, but way too fruity for our liking. However, the Takodana Quencher (alcohol) was very good, and I would have it again.

Ronto Roasters

My husband went next door to try a Ronto Wrap and Malastare Margarita (alcohol) from Ronto Roasters. He said it was very good.

ABC Commissary

For dinner, we ate at the ABC Commissary. I had the Mediterranean Salad with Chicken and my child had the Shrimp Bowl.

It was probably one of the best salads I ate. The hummus it came with tasted weird, but I would get the meal again just for the salad. My child liked her shrimp, but did not care for the Mexican Rice (I ate some, and it did have some spice to it, but it's not bad).

I also had the Strawberry Lemonade Slushy, which was delicious, and we later tried their Raspberry-Pistachio Cheesecake, which was much better than the Black Spire Mousse, but it's not something I would get again.

In Summary

Highlights:

Rise of the Resistance

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

Fantasmic!

ABC Commissary - Mediterranean Salad with Chicken

Disappointments:

Delayed opening of Rise of the Resistance (luckily he still got on!)

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Disney World & Universal Studios Orlando Tips

2026-08-12T20:44:20.877-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

The last time we traveled to Orlando was in 2018, before the pandemic, and our daughter was a year old, so a lot has changed since then. But if you are traveling with a baby, you can check out my previous Disney post for tips.

Now that our child is nine, we were able to do a lot more at the parks, and trying to squeeze them all into one post is pretty much impossible, so I will do a separate post for each Disney Park with our favorite rides, activities, foods, etc. (I'll update links at the end of this post as they are published.)

However, here are some general tips and advice based on our experience:

Tip 1 - Stay in a Resort Hotel

I would recommend this for both Disney and Universal. The perks of staying on-site are free bus transportation to the parks and early entry. That early entry is a must if you want to avoid long lines and get on some of the more popular rides, such as Rise of the Resistance and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Another thing to note is that buses start running an hour before early entry, so they can get you to the park 30-45 minutes before opening. We did this, and then while waiting for the ticket gates to open, we applied sunscreen.

Tip 2 - Take Mears Connect to Disney World

If traveling from the airport to Disney World, use the Mears Connect bus. It was just over $50 for the three of us (one way). You can book in advance online, but they also accept walk-ups at the airport. We found it convenient and easy to use. They do offer a return service too, but we were going to Universal after Disney.

Tip 3 - Use Uber to Universal

To get from Disney to Universal, we used Uber. It was cheaper than renting a car and more convenient than trying to figure out public transportation. We used Uber again to get from our Universal hotel to the airport. Each trip only cost us about $35.

We may have been able to save a few bucks too if we had done an Uber from the airport to Disney instead of Mears, but I didn't trust our plane to arrive on time, and it didn't! We actually had to switch planes in Atlanta, so we ended up arriving about 3 hours later than we had planned in Orlando. I would've had to deal with canceling and rebooking if we had gone with Uber. Whereas Mears Connect gives you 48 hours to use your pass, so no need to reschedule if your flight is delayed.

Tip 4 - Get the Disney & Universal Credit Cards

I applied for the Disney Visa card before going to Disney World because they had a deal where if you spend $500, you get a $150 statement credit. Just use it to pay for your tickets or hotel, and you'll get the statement credit easy peasy. The added benefit of the Disney Visa is you get 10% off food and merch at the parks. There are also dedicated meet and greets for cardholders, and you get the photos for free (no need for Photopass). We met Stitch in Hollywood Studios (no line), and we met Minnie Mouse in Epcot (about a 20-minute wait).

Normally, I don't recommend the dining plan, but this year we did it as Disney had a summer deal where kids get a free dining plan with an adult dining plan. For more saving tips at Disney, check out my previous post here.

I totally dropped the ball on Universal, though. I didn't even realize they had a credit card until we got to the parks. It was the end of the second day when we found out that their credit card would give you 10% off and a $100 gift card to use at the park. By then, we had already bought all our souvenirs, so we missed out on some savings.

Universal also has a gift card deal where you can get a free first-generation interactive wand. There's a $300 option that gets you the free wand, and then there's a $500 option that gets you a free wand, lanyard, and 10% off merch. Unfortunately, we didn't discover this deal until the last day. But we noticed a lot of kids struggling with getting the wands to work in the park, so we figured it was for the best that we didn't participate in the spell casting; otherwise, we wouldn't have had time for all the rides and shows.

The gift card is only good on merch, not on dining, though you can use it to buy candy and drinks in the stores. It also doesn't expire.

Tip 5 - Pack Light

Our family of three managed to travel with three carry-ons and three backpacks. We each only packed five outfits for our ten-day trip. I did laundry once at Disney and once again at Universal.

Laundry was a dollar cheaper at Disney ($3.25), so I would recommend doing it there if you can. We probably could have packed our soiled clothes but I lucked out and didn't actually have to pay for laundry at Disney (downloaded the app and it gave me a free wash, then someone gave me their dryer, which had 30 minutes left, which was enough to get the clothes mostly dry, so we just hung them on the clothes line in the shower), so I decided to do laundry again at Universal. The wash was $4.25, and the dry was $4 for 60 minutes, which was plenty.

I recommend packing laundry detergent sheets. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also aren't a liquid, so they can easily be tucked into your suitcase.

Packing light avoids having to check bags and allows more room for souvenirs.

Bonus tip: Pack older clothing so if you do need to make room, you can toss it. We ended up tossing a couple pairs of shorts, a shirt, and underwear.

Tip 6 - Download the Apps

Download the Disney World and Universal Studios apps ahead of the trip. These apps allow you to see ride wait times and show times in the parks. You can also skip the line and order food through the app.

What About Magic Bands at Disney?

My child and I had ours from our first trip back in 2018 (when Disney did them for free), and they still worked, but my husband had lost his. Disney now gives a room card, which also works at the parks, but my husband found the card inconvenient and ended up buying a new Magic Band. My child also wanted to get an upgraded Magic Band. The benefit to the new bands is you can interact with golden statues in the park, and they light up during shows.

While my husband would recommend getting one, I personally think I could've gotten by with just the card had I not had my original Magic Band. The statues usually just play a song or say a catch-phrase, but it's so quiet, you can't catch what they say on a crowded day. I also noticed my child would get distracted by her glowing Magic Band, and I'd have to remind her not to forget to look at the stage or fireworks.

The new Magic Bands cost $40, so if you're on a tight budget, I would pass and save that money for something else, but if not, then perhaps the convenience would be worth it.

More Detailed Reviews of Each Park

I will add links later as posts are published, so please check back if there's a specific park you're interested in.

Disney World

Universal Studios

Epic Universe
Universal Studios Florida
Islands of Adventure

$170 Coolife 3-Piece Hardside Luggage Set Giveaway! Winner's Choice!

2026-06-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Disclosure

Terms and conditions for the giveaway can be found below the giveaway form and in the giveaway form. Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner Will Receive -

A Coolife Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set in 20", 24", & 28" sizes!

More about this 3-Piece Luggage Set:

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About The Company:

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You can follow Coolife on Instagram!

Open To United States entries only and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 6/15/26 10:00am EST through 7/6/25 11:59pm EST

Good luck everyone!

Entry -Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner will have 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this, please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

2025 Reads

2025-12-29T20:53:00.001-06:00

Disclosure

Terms and conditions for the giveaway can be found below the giveaway form and in the giveaway form. Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Here are the books I read in 2025, and my reviews!

1. Nine Tailed by Jayci Lee

I love nine-tailed fox stories, and this book started out strong, but Sunny becomes a whiny, helpless damsel, making her unlikable toward the end.

This is why I tend to loathe first person. I think 3rd person would have been a better choice at keeping Sunny a likable character, as it would lessen her griping and moaning. She's supposed to be over a hundred years old, yet she acts like your typical angsty teen (think Edward Cullen).

While I appreciated the short snippets that gave us insight into the other characters' POV, the first one about the gumiho (assuming it's Sunny's mom) never comes back around, so it seems like pointless information. They're written in third person until we get Ethan's POV, and suddenly it's first person. It would have felt more uniform to have them all in third person.

I know this book is a part of a series, but the ending left me unsatisfied. I'm undecided if I'll read the next book or not.

Also, this is not YA! There are steamy scenes, which make it NA or A. I love spice, but I'm still a believer in warnings and labeling books correctly, as others aren't fans.

3/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

2. The God and The Gumiho by Sophie Kim

The characters were interesting, and the plot twist was well done. It's a combination of mystery, crime, and fantasy.

It's a classic enemies-to-lovers, which I'm not a huge fan of because I find it hard to pull off. The shift felt extremely fast in this book (they had less than 16 days together), and while we get Hani's inner turmoil, I felt Seokga's is lacking. He later admits he had suspicions, but we don't see that from his POV. Anytime Hani is caught, it's from her POV, so I think having more of his POV being conflicted would have made the relationship have more depth.

I really liked Seokga's character from the beginning, but it bothered me that a God with 200 kids turns to jelly around Hani. This seemed out of character. I expected a more passionate NSFW scene, but it was lackluster.

Meanwhile, Hani remains a strong character, which is great, but it seemed her only reason for liking Seokga was his body. Seokga at least had a moment of appreciating her for her smarts.

The book doesn't end with a HEA but has an HFN, so I'm guessing book 2 will have the HEA we romance readers so desire.

3/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

3. Kamisama Kiss (1-25) by Julietta Suzuki

The anime left me dissatisfied, so I had to read the manga. There are some similarities, but the manga does a way better job at telling the story and provides more details. The ending is much more satisfying.

Definitely recommend this one for fans of InuYasha. It's about a girl, Nanami, who finds herself turned into a God, and she must take care of a shrine with her familiar, Tomoe, who was once a fox demon.

A fun summer read!

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. Bride of the Barrier Master (1-3) by Odayaka

This is a new series, so there are only 3 books out. After reading book three, I'm undecided if I want to continue. It started out with a strong premise, basically Cinderella, but with secret magical powers thrown in.

I loved the female main character, but the male lead has too many red flags, and there is zero consent.

2/5 Stars ⭐⭐

5. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! (1-2) by Hinoki Kino

I watched the anime and wanted to read the manga, but only managed to find the first two books. It follows the anime really well, so I don't feel a strong need to continue the series.

The story follows the current trends of having a "villainess" as the main character and repeating timelines. It's very Cinderella-like, except the female lead is strong-willed. There are some minor issues with consent, but the male lead apologizes, and for the most part, respects her no-touching rule.

5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. Myths of China: Meet the Gods, Creatures, and Heroes of Ancient China by Xiaobing Wang

This is a children's book, but as an adult, I enjoyed reading these myths. I even learned some new ones that I hadn't heard before.

Like all folktales, I'm sure there are different variations depending on who you ask. I liked the author's spin on the Jade Rabbit, but it was definitely not the version I had originally heard.

Since it was meant for children, some of the tales seemed "simplified" compared to their "original," and I find myself longing for novel-length retellings. Luckily, it seems Asian American fiction is starting to become more popular, so maybe one day I'll be able to find more fun retellings to read.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. Who Made Me a Princess (1-9) by Spoon

This is very similiar to Father, I Don't Want This Marriage, which was a web novel I read and enjoyed. It's now available as a graphic novel, so I recommend that one too if you're into the timeloop and villainous tropes.

This is a reincarnation story about a girl born into the story as a princess, neglected by her father. She doesn't intend to repeat the character's fate, but as she grows up, she starts to become more attached to the characters in the storybook world.

There is a romance, but it leaves it open-ended at the end, so I wouldn't recommend it for die-hard romantics.

5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The book follows Amir's life from boyhood to adulthood.

I don't usually read this genre, but this book was trending years ago, so I finally got around to reading it. The first person, for once, didn't bother me. It was written well, and yes, I know it's a work of fiction, but I still felt I learned more about the culture and history of Afghanistan.

I think that's what really drew me into the story. Because it was a part of the world I wasn't super familiar with. I did enjoy historical fiction when I was in high school, so I think there was some nostalgia in reading this.

I also remember this book being popular in high school, which is surprising given that one of the major driving plot points is rape. Some other triggers are sexual assault, child abuse, murder, violence, suicide, and cancer. There were definitely moments that made me uncomfortable.

I think it's a book more suitable for adults for that reason. I would definitely recommend reading this book at least once in your life.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

9. The Last Dragon of The East by Katrina Kwan

I'm not a fan of first person, but this one was tolerable. I wish we had gotten Jyn's point of view, but the author did a good job of conveying her character through Sai's view.

With the kind of cover this book had (very fairy tale-like), I was not expecting such detailed and gory scenes, nor as much death! I felt that could have been toned down a bit to fit the more romantic feel the book otherwise had.

And while the red and green dragon get a happy ending, I can't help wondering about their son. The ending was bittersweet for that reason.

Overall, it was enjoyable, and I loved the Chinese mythology.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

10. Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao

I have recently gotten into Danmei, so I was pleasantly surprised to come across this novel. It's a cultivation story, but not nearly as political, and is written more for the YA audience. It's an easier read.

There are some cringy scenes. It seems impossible these days to find a fantasy that doesn't fall into the "dark" category (the pretty cover is a bit misleading).

I enjoyed it and will read the next book. I'll decide after book 2 if I'll bump this up to a 5, but for now, I'm going to give it a 4.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

11. The God and the Gwisin by Sophie Kim

I enjoyed the first book, even though mysteries aren't really my thing, and I thought the characters were awful, but in a good way, like the author did a great job making these really awful characters, and somehow they grew on you.

So, if it isn't obvious, I really missed Hani when reading this book. Kisa comes off as way more likable. Seokga also has changed a LOT, and I get that's the point. He's reformed and healing now, but dang, I really miss the banter between him and Hani.

Unlike the first book, the romance in this one seemed slower. The time frame is still short from meeting to end based on the turn of events, but I guess because I knew what happened in the first book, I was expecting it to be faster.

Overall, it was a fun read, but not sure if it's one I'll read again.

3/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

12 Tips For New Costco Members

2025-08-19T10:23:00.002-05:00

Disclosure

Terms and conditions for the giveaway can be found below the giveaway form and in the giveaway form. Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

As a family of three, we were undecided about getting a membership to a wholesale store, but after Target announced it would drop its DEI policies, we decided now was the time to give Costco a try.

Shopping at Costco requires a bit of learning and getting used to, so here are some tips if you're considering a membership.

1) Sign up online or in-store

If you're new, you can easily sign up for a membership online or in-store. If you sign up online, you'll have to pick up your card in-store at the Service Desk. Dress nice as they will take your photo!

There are two membership options: Gold Star and Executive. The Gold Star membership costs $65 per year, while the Executive membership costs $130 per year. The Executive membership offers a 2% reward on most Costco purchases (Up to $1,250 every year on qualified Costco, Costco.com, and Costco Travel purchases). Executive members also get to enter the store an hour early (9 AM), which, in my opinion, might just be worth the higher fee. It's easier to park and way less crowded at 9 AM.

2) Bring your card or download the app

Unlike other stores, you will need your membership card to enter Costco and check out. If you forget it, you can visit the Service Desk to receive a temporary one.

To avoid forgetting your card, I highly suggest downloading the Costco App onto your smartphone. No card, no problem! You can just scan the QR code on the app to enter the store and at checkout.

3) Grab a cart before entering

Unless you're truly going in just to grab milk, you will want a card. Almost everything is sold in bulk, and trust me, your cart will fill up fast.

4) Bring your own bag, but not into the store

Costco does not bag groceries. They will pull small items out of the cart to put on the belt and scan. Larger items remain in the cart, and they'll scan them before reloading the smaller items. You'll push your shopping cart to the car and unload your groceries, and bag them yourself there.

Costco does provide boxes if you prefer to bag that way, so you can grab one of those on your way out. I just bring a cooler for cold items and use my own cloth bags.

For this reason, I also strongly suggest parking near a cart corrall so you won't have to walk far to return your cart.

5) Some items will require you to buy two

Be sure to read the signs, as some items, typically located in the bakery section, require you to select two. I love Costco bagels, and luckily, they freeze well, so having to get two bags for our family of 3 isn't so bad, as I can freeze one bag for later.

6) No coupons accepted

Costco doesn't accept manufacturer coupons, which makes sense as they are already selling you the items at a pretty good discount. Costco also has its own sales, and they'll send members a savings book in the mail so you can plan ahead.

7) Kirkland is Costco's brand

Like every other store, Costco has its own store brand called Kirkland. Kirkland products are often cheaper than major name brands.

8) Invest in a deep freezer

If you don't already have one, I would suggest getting a deep freezer. Costco sells in bulk, so their frozen vegetables are sold in giant bags, frozen pizza comes in a box of four, and ice cream is sold in tubs of two. Having a bigger freezer makes it easier to save money and stock up on these items. (Also, their mandarin chicken is amazing!)

9) Food Court, Pharmacy, Tires. Optical, ETC

Costco is known for its cheap hot dog and soda combo, which costs only $1.50. I've had it a couple of times, and I personally don't care for it. But besides the Food Court, Costco has a lot of other perks, such as a Pharmacy, Optical Center, and you can even get new tires!

10) Hold onto your receipt!

Before you can exit Costco, an employee will need to review your receipt. They'll do a quick check over your cart and mark your receipt, usually with a highlighter, and then you are free to go.

11) If you see an item you want, grab it!

Some items are not stocked regularly, especially if they're seasonal, so if you see it, grab it! It might not be there next time.

12) Get gas

Costco gas is generally cheaper than any other gas station. I have never seen it higher in all the times I have been. I do recommend going early, as their gas stations are open before the store, so you can fill up your tank first and then shop.

Cedarburg & Milwaukee Trip 2025

2025-07-22T18:32:00.003-05:00

Disclosure

Terms and conditions for the giveaway can be found below the giveaway form and in the giveaway form. Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

We made a trip to Wisconsin in the summer, mostly to visit family, but we also had fun! Here are some of the things we did:

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival

First on our agenda was the Cedabrug Strawberry Festival. As its name suggests, you'll find tons of delicious strawberry and strawberry-flavored treats from strawberry shortcake to strawberry brats.

This year, they provided a shuttle service, which I highly recommend taking advantage of, as parking can be a pain. The shuttle from Circle B was free and conveniently stopped at The Gem Shop. So, naturally, that is where we began our venture through the festival.

It was the only shop we entered, as we had plans to return to downtown another day, after the festival, when it wasn't so busy. We browsed many of the shops. Our favorite finds this year were 3D printed dragons, strawberry shortcake, and strawberry slushies.

Also, we got to see a live mermaid!

Discovery World

This was a neat children's science museum with a lot of fun things to do. The coolest activity was having a robot cut out pieces to make a foam animal. My child made a dragonfly, and I made a tortoise.

They also have an aquarium with a touch tank, but the touch tank was disappointing for our child because the animals did their best to stay out of reach. It was pretty busy, so I would suggest going on a quieter day to get a chance to touch a stingray.

If you happen to be here at noon, make your way up to the top floor! You can watch the Art Museum open its wings. We ended up missing it by a few minutes because we didn't realize you could see it from Discovery World.

Downtown Cedarburg

With the Strawberry Festival over, we made our way downtown to explore the shops. We stopped at The Gem Shop again and spent more time exploring, as it was much less crowded. There are so many cool rocks to see!

We had to stop at Ashley's Confectionery, of course, for candy! Here you can find hard-to-find candy and flavors, such as blueberry and apple gummy rings, and cherry limeade saltwater taffy.

We also made a stop at Downtown Dough, where you can find every cookie cutter and sprinkle color you can imagine! We left with a cat and dragon cookie cutter, and teal sprinkles.

My favorite shop, though, is Weeds. They sell all sorts of tea, but also have a lot of adorable knick-knacks. They even had merch for Swifties.

We finished our day by getting ice cream at The Chocolate Factory. The ice cream is sold by weight and was not expensive at all. It cost $10 for the three of us! My favorite flavor was their coffee one, which does have caffeine. We went back another day, and I tried their Passion Fruit flavor too, which was also very tasty.

Historic Cedarburg Covered Bridge

After exploring downtown, we stopped by the Historic Cedarburg Covered Bridge, which is the last covered bridge left in Wisconsin.

It's a beautiful park and a great spot for photos.

Milwaukee Public Museum

The Milwaukee Public Museum is moving, but the Downtown Milwaukee exhibit won't be at the new location, so we had to go and check it out before it was closed forever. This museum is huge and has tons to see, so definitely plan on a whole day or even multiple days to see everything.

We did miss out on seeing the Asia exhibit, as they had begun the process of packing that up and moving it.

My favorite exhibit was the butterfly house, where you can walk through and see live butterflies fluttering about. It was cool seeing them hatch from their chrysalis.

The museum is free on select Thursdays, so definitely recommend taking advantage of that.

Don't forget to grab some candy sticks from the gift shop!

Milwaukee County Zoo

The zoo had $4 tickets for the 4th of July, so we took advantage of that deal to check it out. We had hoped to see the red panada, but it wasn't out, probably too hot. We also missed the otters and the snow leopard.

We did get to see a fennec fox! We also got to see penguins being fed and a tiger chowing down. They also had a small animal show where you could meet some ambassador animals up close. They had a leopard gecko and a tortoise at the show we went to.

There were definitely lots of animals to see, so it was a pretty decent zoo.

2024 Reads

2024-12-30T08:09:00.001-06:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Here are the books I read in 2024 and my reviews!

1. Odd Birds by Ian Harding

I actually went to Mall of America to get a signed copy of Odd Birds and met Ian Harding! Back then I was a huge PLL fan, but I just never got around to reading it and I honestly probably wouldn't have appreciated this book as much then as I do now.

I have family members who are birders so it was fun to read Ian's adventures with birding and he did a wonderful job tying in his love of birds with his career. Also, I liked his humor and chuckled quite a few times.

My only disappointment was that the ending didn't feel like an end, but that's probably because he's still alive and has much more to do in his life. Also, I think I just didn't want it to end because I wanted more stories.

If you're a PLL fan or interested in birding, I definitely recommend giving this one a read!

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Target
Amazon

2. The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel

I highly recommend this book to all parents and anyone who works with children.

My only complaint is that the authors use "right brain" and "left brain" to describe how we respond, but science has shown that our brain doesn't actually work that way. Both sides of our brain function the same. I'm assuming the authors use these terms to help keep it simple, but I think it would've been better to say emotional response versus logical response.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

3-10. Heaven Official's Blessing 1-8 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

I admit, I watched the animation before reading the books, but after season 2, I had to know how it ended so I dived into this books, finishing all 8 in a little over a week. They were so good, but there were some minor things I disliked, like the first flashback sequence felt happened abruptly and not in the best place.

Also, there are some really triggering moments such as suicide, murder, and violence in various forms. I think a content warning would have been helpful, but book 6 is soul-crushing. I don't know if I'll ever be able to read that one again, but I do have this on my to-read-again shelf as I just love Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.

5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon
Target

11. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

I always find it hard to leave reviews on memoirs because this is someone's life. This is their story, and you can't really review that. However, I will say I think this book is definitely worth reading. There's so much going on behind the scenes and a lot of people tend to forget that pop stars, movie stars, etc, are people too. This book made me so angry that all these things happened to her when they should never have in the first place.

5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

12. A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Mass

I know this book is popular, but it was not for me. I had a feeling from the first few pages that I wasn't going to like it and I was right (for one it's told in first person, which is my least favorite POV). It's basically Beauty and the Beast but with dark fairies and more blood and death.

Everyone talks about the spice, but there were only a couple of disappointing scenes. It came across as animalistic with very little passion or love. I guess if neck biting is your thing, this book may be for you.

The one thing I did appreciate is that the book can stand alone. You're not left hanging at the end, but at the same time, I'm not compelled to read the next book.

Some triggers to be aware of are abduction, murder, death, sexual assault, blood, and drugging/alcohol.

3/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

13-14. My Happy Marriage 5-6 by Akumi Agitogi

I read 1-4 last year and fell in love with this series, but book six had me losing interest. Book 7 got me hooked again and it felt like it had a good ending, yet apparently, there's one more to come out? I'm worried the 8th book is just going to fluff or it's going to lead into a whole other plot.

Knocking it down to four stars from my previous five stars as I'm not super satisfied with how this story is going anymore.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

15. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber

While the title makes one believe this is a parenting book or a book for those who work with kids, it's a great book for anyone! There were so many tips in here with lots of examples, and while it's written with kids in mind, they show cases where these little lessons can apply to adults too.

The hard part of this book is actually using what I read, but I enjoyed the advice and will probably give this another read to refresh myself as I actively try to apply all of the tips to my own child.

5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

16. The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang

This book is marketed wrong. It is not a romantasy. When the book ended, I went "That's it?" I wasted all my time to be horribly let down. A romance is supposed to have a HEA ending, but this so does not. It's one of those endings where it echoes real life and when I read, I want to escape, I want that good feel ending. Reality is tough enough as it is.

While I love spicy scenes, I was irked by the author using "influence" and "pink plum." While I get that for the time period, that might have been the language used, I just couldn't get past it. I don't think I can ever look at a plum the same way again.

Also, talk about the overuse of italics! We get it, they are in China in the past. There is no need to italicize their speech to show that they are speaking Chinese.

In a romance, there needs to be a third thing to tie the couple together. The author does this well with one couple, but with the others, he fails to establish a third thing, so their relationship falls flat and it becomes just lust.

It was an entertaining read, but not one I would return to, so three stars.

3/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

17. DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation by Eric Sprankle

This was an interesting book about the history of masturbation and while I knew it was frowned upon by society, I never really knew why. This book was very informative and at the same time, had me laughing out loud. Dr. Sprankle is humourous and if you haven't followed him on Instagram, I definitely recommend doing so for more laughs.

The section about inserting things into the urethra was hard to read (especially the magots, eep!). No shame if that's what you like, but it gives me the heeby jeebies just thinking about it and all the possible accidents that could happen (ouch!). So if you're like me, skip that part or you might have some crazy nightmares!

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

18. Tress of The Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

This was a refreshing read! I really enjoyed the whimsical writing style. I was a little confused at first when the author switched from the third person to the first person (a character in the story is narrating the story). Once I understood this though, it was easy enough to wrap my head around and made the story more humourous.

I do feel a little jipped as it's labeled as a romance, but the only romance is at the beginning and at the end. The whole in-between is more of a personal growth story. It's about Tress leaving her tiny rock and going on an adventure to save her love.

The novel does contain some tropes that feel overused, such as a person who is cursed but can't tell others about it or how to break it. There was another trope that I feel is overused, but it completely flew over my head so kudos to the author on that one.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

19-23. Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

I loved Heaven Official's Blessing, so I had to check out this series and while it was rough getting into as book 1 felt like an info dump, book 2 spurred me on.

I didn't fall as much in love with it as I did Heaven Official's Blessing due to the lack of consent and "rape" scenes. While I like steamy books, I didn't particularly feel it was necessary for this one and I think the author did a poor at writing them. Maybe the author learned that this was a mistake, because there are 0 erotic scenes in Heaven Official's Blessing, which is why I was a little shocked to find this one to be so detailed!

I also found the time skips poorly timed as they always happened mid another plot. This is jarring and makes it harder for the reader to follow the story. I feel I need to give this series a second read before I can fully enjoy it.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

24. Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan

This book is a combination of The Little Mermaid, Lost World, and the Pokemon Heros movie, but with more politics.

As much as I liked the story, I personally hated the ending so I can't give it 5 stars - to clarify it's not a bad ending, it's just not how I would have liked things to go down (won't go into details to avoid spoilers).

Being biracial, I related to Mira, and I felt the author did an excellent job portraying the issues biracial people face.

While I had no issues with the multi-POV, I would've preferred the titles to include the name of the character speaking. It's not an issue in a dual POV (it usually alternates chapters), but this one had 4 different people at the start so it was a little jarring starting each chapter unsure of whose voice I was reading.

There were also a lot of different fathomfolk and I felt the author was just throwing around random sea creatures. I think they wanted to show how diverse the fathomfolk are, but sometimes less is more.

This was also an issue with names as there were several languages used but the book specifically mentions two types of languages (tiankawi and yonakunish). so I'm not sure why there were English (Cordelia, Serena), Chinese (Qiuyue), and Japanese (Nami, Kai), etc. names being used. I get that the author is going for a mixed worldview, but why create two entirely new languages and not make new names to fit those, or maybe mention more languages?

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

10+ Picture Books For Helping Children With Anxiety

2024-10-03T18:18:00.001-05:00

Disclosure

You can read my full disclosure here.

A lot of kids go through a period of separation anxiety. We found books to help let our child know they were not alone. Some books even provided useful tools for assisting them to face their anxiety head-on. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Puppy in My Head - by Elise Gravel

This book reminds kids that everyone has negative thoughts by calling them "puppies." We all have a puppy in our head and sometimes we have to help that "puppy" calm down. Elise Gravel provides some tips how how to calm our "puppy" and even encourages kids to imagine what their puppy looks like and to give it a name.

2. Owl Babies - by Martin Waddell

In this book, some baby owls wake up to find their mother gone and they worry where she might be. Any kid can relate to this fear, but rest assured, the mother owl returns! A great way to remind your child that even if you leave for a little, (like dropping your kid off at school) you'll always come back for them.

3. The Otter Who Loved to Hold Hands - by Heidi Howarth

This hard-to-find book was a lucky find at a garage sale and was one of our child's favorites because the otters are adorable. A little otter loves falling asleep holding his parents' hands and is initially afraid to let go, but finds his bravery and learns to stand on his own two feet.

4. Fear Not! - by Christina Furnival

This is a great book that reminds children and adults that we all have anxiety. The book provides wonderful advice on how to face anxiety head-on.

5. This Thing Has A Name - by Amanda Bacon-Davis

Another great book geared towards teaching children that the fear they feel has a name, which is anxiety. This book also provides tips on how to counter fear, worry, and anxiety.

6. First Day Critter Jitters - by Jory John

A great book for kids nervous about going back to school. This fun book features animals that are all a bit worried and even the teacher is worried! It's a great way to remind kids that they aren't the only ones feeling anxious and that their teacher, and adult, might also be nervous!

7. The Kissing Hand - by Audrey Penn

Another great book for going back to school, and provides a cute way for kids to know their parents are always with them, a kiss on the hand! Unfortunately, this one didn't fool our child, as they claimed it was all fake and didn't work, so it might not work on 7-year-olds, but younger kids may find comfort in a kiss on the hand before parting.

8. Summer Camp Critter Jitters - by Jory John

Perfect for kids going to camp and fans of the first Critter Jitter books. Likes in the previous book, it shows all the animals feeling nervous, but everything works out okay in the end.

9. Llama Llama Misses Mama - by Anna Dewdney

This one is geared for younger kids as it's very simple, but kids can relate to missing their mom while at school. There isn't much guidance in overcoming fear, but in the end, kids see that mom does return and picks up Llama Llama and he realizes he loves school and his mom.

10. Anchored - by Debra Tidball

This beautiful book shows the love between a tugboat and a ship. Their love stretches across the sea, so even if the ship is far away, the tugboat knows they will return. It's a great book for any child struggling with separation from their parent.

11. Call Me Penny Pickleberry - by Meghan Grana

This book is geared toward older kids as it is a bit long but teaches them how to manage worries and quiet their negative nellies. The author also provides a guide at the back of the book to help kids handle their negative self-talk.

Find these books and more in my Amazon Shop!

Top 5 Dental Care Products For Dogs

2024-08-20T10:34:00.009-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. I received ProDen PlaqueOff Powder for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. You can read my full disclosure here.

Just like people, dogs need their teeth cleaned too! Brushing helps prevent plaque buildup, which can cause bad breath or worse, tartar buildup and periodontal disease. But don't worry, unlike the twice-a-day recommendation for people, dogs need to have their teeth brushed at least 3 times a week, though once a day is best especially if your dog already has plaque buildup.

Here are five of our favorite products to help keep our pup's teeth clean!

1. Toothbrush

Every dog is different, but after trying several brushes, we found the All Pure toothbrush worked best for our pup. It has two different sizes and we found the little brush worked best for our 15 lb mini Aussie.

But a toothbrush may not even needed! Our vet recommended a warm washcloth with some toothpaste, which works just as well for scrubbing teeth. I found this more difficult with our little pup as she hated having me shove my finger in her mouth. She also loathed the finger brushes. The nice thing about the All Pure toothbrush is that it's smaller and thinner, so it's easy to slip into her mouth and brush even with her mouth closed.

2. Toothpaste

Vetality Brush Free Oral Gel for Dogs claims you don't need a brush, you just rub it on your dog's gums and teeth once a week. As most vets recommend brushing at least 3 times a week, I would use Vetality in place of brushing once a week, but not rely solely on it to keep your dog's teeth clean. Our dog loves the flavor!

For an actual toothpaste, I would recommend Arm & Hammer, but ultimately it will depend on your dog and what flavor they like best. It's much easier to brush a dog's teeth if they like how the toothpaste tastes.

3. Dental Treats

After trying so many different dental treats, Whimzees are our favorite as they took our pup the longest to get through.

Dental treats not only help clean your pup's teeth and taste great (to them), but they are long-lasting and are a great way to distract your dog from storms or visitors.

4. Chew Toys

Not only do chew toys save your shoes, but they help clean your dog's teeth. We love the Nylabones as they last a long time and come in many sizes, shapes, and flavors, so you're bound to find one your pup loves.

5. PlaqueOff Powder

ProDen PlaqueOff Powder is a great supplement for preventing bad breath and plaque buildup on your pet's teeth. You just have to sprinkle a small amount on your pet's kibble once a day, but as convenient as that is, I still wouldn't use this to replace brushing. This is just an extra boost and allows you to brush less often.

Sources:

Brandywine Valley SPCA

Dupont Veterinary Clinic

VCA Animal Hospital

5 Reasons Why I Foster Animals

2024-07-25T15:17:00.002-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

If you follow me on social media, specifically Instagram, you probably already know that our family fosters animals for rescues in our local area. We started fostering in 2019 but took a break during Covid, and started fostering again in 2023. We have fostered kittens, puppies, and dogs. We are currently focusing on dogs as our first pup passed last October and we no longer have a dedicated "kitten room" as we turned it into a guest room, which leads to the first reason why we foster:

1) To Find a New Family Member

Funnily enough, our first fosters were kittens and we already had two cats at the time, so we actually had no intention of keeping them. They were cute and affectionate but loved to chew on cords. They were both adopted by a wonderful family.

Our second foster was a dog, a one-year-old mini Aussie. We went full in with plans to adopt her if she was a fit and she bonded with our dog quickly. We knew within a week we wanted to adopt her and she's been with us ever since.

Covid hit and I didn't start fostering again until the spring of 2022. I fostered three puppies over Spring Break and did another three over the summer. Puppies are adorable, but after doing two rounds of puppies, I realized they were just too much for me. I went back to work in the fall and had to take a break from fostering.

Then in March 2023, we lost our first cat, Calcifer, so when summer came and I had more free time, I decided to foster a pair of kittens in June. We weren't planning on adopting one, but he was too perfect and reminded us so much of our first cat. His birthday was also the exact day we lost our beloved Calcifer! Needless to say, it was meant to be and we adopted him. His skittish brother ended up going to another foster who could provide a calmer environment for him and they ended up adopting him so he got a happy ending too.

Then we lost our first dog, Lexie, in October 2023. We decided we were ready to start looking for another potential family member and we started fostering dogs in February 2024. We were hoping to find another that would bond with our mini Aussie but so far she seems content to be an only dog. We came close to failing with one but ultimately decided not to and she went to a wonderful, loving home, which leads to my second reason for fostering:

2) It's The Best Feeling in The World

I've been asked if it's hard to let them go and so far there was only one I regret, but since we only had her for a couple of weeks before she got an application, it was not enough of an attachment to bring me to tears.

I view fostering as the same as "pet sitting." The animals don't belong to me but to the rescue. This mindset makes it easy to watch them leave and the families that do adopt them have always been "perfect" matches from what I could see. It's the best feeling in the world to see a dog or cat go to their new family knowing they're meant for each other.

Another great feeling is when you see a shy pup gain confidence. We've fostered a couple of timid dogs, and it's so heartbreaking to see how scared they are of people but after a week of us showing them affection, they began to break out of their shells.

3) To Save Lives

The more obvious reason to foster is because it saves lives. There are so many animals out there without homes and rescues can't save them all without the help of fosters. They need homes and animals thrive better in a foster home than a pound or kennel. Taking a foster also makes room for rescues to save more animals.

4) It's (Mostly) Free!

The rescues I work with provide everything you need: crate, food, leash, toys, medical care, etc.

The only out-of-pocket costs in my experience come in the form of cleaning, especially if you choose to foster puppies! I've used so many paper towels and carpet cleaners to clean up accidents. Also, laundry! Washing blankets, bedding, towels, etc.

Choosing to foster cats or kittens is usually the easier route as they know how to use litter boxes, so you won't have to deal with potty training as much.

5) It's Flexible

If you travel a lot or have other commitments, fostering is great! I work during the school year, so I have free time over breaks and the summer, which is usually when I choose to foster. Most of our fosters are adopted out in a few weeks. The longest foster we had was three months.

But even if something does come up while you are fostering, the rescue will often work with you to find another foster or if it's short, they might kennel them in-house for a day or two.

While there are many reasons to foster animals, these are our top five. If you foster, feel free to share your reasons in the comments!

3 Ways To Store and Display Your Child's Artwork

2024-07-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Do you have a little artist at home and are trying to figure out what to do with all their creations? Here are our favorite methods for storing our child's art:

1. File Storage Bin

A file storage bin is the simplest way to store and keep your child's art organized. I organized my child's art by age, but you could also do it by grade. When they're done, but not ready to throw it away, have them drop it in the file. Revisit the file once every few months and see what they are ready to part with.

Pro-Tip: Use different colored file folders for each age to make it easier to find later.

Bonus: This is also a great way to store and organize school papers.

2. Binder

Because some of my child's creations were just too amazing and I couldn't imagine tossing them out. I created a binder to store my favorite masterpieces. This only works well with drawings and paintings and the paper would have to be standard letter size.

It's a great way to see how your child's art progressed over the years and more convenient to look through than a file doler. Plus it protects the art!

Pro-Tip: Use dividers to separate the ages and to avoid hole punching, use clear plastic sleeves.

3. Wall Art Display

Previously, I shared how we made an interchangeable art display for our wall so our child could display some of her favorite pieces for everyone to see, which you can read about here.

Pro-Tip: Remember to write the age or date on the back incase you decide to file it away for later.

Leave a comment below sharing how you store your child's art!

Giveaway: The Soil in Jackie's Garden by Peggy Thomas Book + Activity Kit

2024-06-07T08:00:00.103-05:00

Disclosure

Terms and conditions for the giveaway can be found below the giveaway form and in the giveaway form. Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

It's National Garden Week and The Soil in Jackie's Garden by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Neely Daggett is the perfect way to celebrate!

Follow Jackie and her diverse friends as they meet pollinators, measure progress, and patiently wait for their plants to grow. This fun book is filled with facts that will teach young readers about the life cycle of a plant, the natural processes that create new soil, and the importance of composting for a sustainable garden.

Check out the trailer below and download a free coloring page for The Soil in Jackie's Garden here!

To get kids even more excited about gardening, check out the The Root Viewer activity kit! The kit includes everything needed to start a mini garden: a transparent viewer box with a lid, nutrient-rich soil, high-germination seeds (Spring Onion and Cilantro), fun and colorful stickers for personalization, and an easy-to-follow instruction guide. Best of all it can be done indoors! Making it an exciting and accessible activity for all.

The Soil in Jackie's Garden by Peggy Thomas Book + Activity Kit Giveaway!

One winner will win:

1 winner will receive a copy of The Soil in Jackie's Garden by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Neely Daggett, as well as a Root Viewer Kit for Kids

Mother's Day Gifts for All Types of Moms

2024-05-04T17:30:00.001-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Not sure what to get the woman in your life for Mother's Day? Here are some ideas based on whatever her interests or hobbies are:

The Traveler

1. Ayla & Co. Fanny Pack

Thanks to Ayla & Co for gifting me a Fanny Pack in Peacock Green, which is one of my favorite colors! This is a gorgeous bag and very high quality. I used mine on our trip to Texas. It was the perfect size and included a removable credit card wallet.

Ayla & Co has other bags too, all of which are made of vegan leather, all of which would make a great gift for the mom who likes to travel.

2. Travel Journal

The Fit Mom

1. inkkas Shoes

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I actually got a couple pairs of inkkas shoes as a Christmas gift, but they are so cute and comfortable! I love that they are handcrafted and support workers in Peru. I have everyday walking shoes and running shoes. Both are great and would make a wonderful unique gift for the mom that works out.

2. Water Bottle

Working out requires a lot of water, so a new stainless steel water bottle would make a great gift for the fit mom!

The Classics

1. Chocolate

I love chocolate and actually prefer it over flowers. I know there are other moms out there who are the same, but maybe skip the M&M's and opt for something a little fancier.

2. Flowers

Most people love receiving flowers. It's almost expected on Mother's Day, but you can always pair it with another item on this list to make her day a little extra special.

For a mom who has more of a green thumb, you could also buy her seeds, bulbs, or starter plants that she can plant in the yard or the garden.

3. Wine

Another classic gift that is still appreciated and it pairs well with chocolate!

The Early Riser

1. Coffee

2. Mug

A "Best Mom" mug is like a right of passage, so if your mom doesn't have one yet, this would be a great gift and you can pair it with a gift card or coffee.

3. Thermos

Instead of a mug, a thermos would also be a great gift, especially for moms on the go.

The Reader

1. Barnes & Noble's Gift Card

While you could get your mom or wife a book, as a book lover myself, I find a gift card works better as it can be hard to remember what one has already read or would like to read. I know some feel a gift card isn't as personable, so another option would be to ask her what books she would like to read that she doesn't already own.

2. Bookmark

As a reader, I can never have too many bookmarks as I seem to always misplace them, so your mom may be the same. You can also get more personable and creative in this area as a bookmark is easy enough to make!

The Movie Buff

1. Popcorn & Candy

These buckets show up at Christmas all the time, but you can make your own for Mother's Day if your mom is a big fan of movie nights.

2. Movie

Get her a movie she loves or wants to see, or if you aren't sure, you can always buy her a movie theater gift card or a subscription to her favorite streaming service.

A Night Off

Some mom's just want a night to relax, so give her the night off from parenting duties so she can have some much-needed time to herself. Here are some physical gifts you can give her as well:

1. Pajamas

2. Tea

3. Bath Bombs

The Music Lover

1. CD or Vinyl

Get her a CD or vinyl she doesn't own by her favorite artist or if unsure, a gift card is a great alternative.

2. Apparel

Find out her favorite artist or genre and get her a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie!

3. Concert Tickets

If one of her favorite artists is coming to an area near you, get her tickets!

The Fashionista

1. Jewelry

2. Clothes

The Gamer

1. Board Games

For mom's that like to play games, getting her a new board game to play with the family would be a great gift!

Texas Trip to See the Solar Eclipse - 2024

2024-04-15T16:09:00.001-05:00

Disclosure

Terms and conditions for the giveaway can be found below the giveaway form and in the giveaway form. Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

We were lucky that our child's school had its Spring Break close to the solar eclipse, so we decided to visit Texas. Since the solar eclipse happened on the last day of Spring Break, we chose to do some other fun stuff before the big day.

If you're planning on seeing a solar eclipse (the next US one is 2045), I strongly recommend booking your flight the moment the date becomes available, which is what we did. The ticket prices continued to increase as the date neared and both of our flights were completely booked.

Here is how we spent our 5 days in Texas:

Day 1 - Port Aransas

We arrived in San Antonio around noon and then drove to Port Aransas, where we checked into our hotel. We stayed at the Alister Square Inn, which was a 4-minute drive to the beach or a 20-minute walk. They have a complimentary breakfast from 7 to 9 AM, but it's dine-in only - no bringing food back to your room. The room was nice, but had a fishy smell which we think came from a dirty fridge. We were able to clear it out by opening the door and window, but it would return every time we used the fridge. Of all the outlets available in the room, we could only get one to work, so we had to take turns charging our devices. It wasn't the worst hotel we've ever been at, and if they make some updates, we'd go back again.

For dinner, we went to Port A Pizzeria as it had lots of good reviews and we knew it would have food our child likes, but it wasn't that great, and for $13 a person, you're better off ordering from the Domino's in the area (which we did the 2nd night). Also, we noticed that one of their apple pie pizzas was undercooked - still doughy. The second one they brought out was fully cooked but proceed with caution.

After dinner, we decided to head to Horace Caldwell Pier to watch the sunset, as it was one of the few places you could park without a permit near the beach.

Day 2 - Mustang Island State Park

We loved watching the sunset so we decided to return to Horace Caldwell Pier to watch the sunrise. It was fun seeing the big boats and we spent more time looking for shells. We even saw a starfish and a washed-up jellyfish that hadn't shrunk in the sun yet.

We went back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we made a quick stop at the Family Center IGA Food Store to grab some sandwiches so we could have a picnic lunch at Mustang Island State Park.

Mustang Island State Park was a 15-minute drive from our hotel. There are supposedly showers on site, but they weren't near the beach as we couldn't see them. There are porta-potties in the parking lot. We decided to just head back to the hotel to shower afterward instead of trying to figure out where the shower building was.

This beach was the highlight of the whole trip. It's a shame it opens at 8 AM so watching the sunrise here is not an option. Tickets are required to enter, but it was only $5 per adult and children get in free, so $10 for the day was a great deal! The park closes at 10 PM, but we left around 3 PM.

I highly recommend bringing a picnic lunch so you don't have to leave early and can enjoy the beach for the whole day. Also, get there early if you want to secure one of the few picnic tables available. If you can, bring your own chairs and umbrella, though, for those traveling by plane, this is not a feasible option.

We went back to the hotel after the park and spent some time in the pool as our child really wanted to swim. Then we showered and ordered Domino's for dinner. After dinner, we visited some of the shops in the area to get some souvenirs and then made one last trip as a family to Horace Caldwell Pier to watch the sunset.

Day 3 - South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

My husband wanted to sleep in and my child wasn't interested, so I chose to take a quiet morning stroll to Port Aransas Beach to watch the sunrise one last time.

We had breakfast before checking out of the hotel and then made the trip to the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, which was about 45 minutes away from Port Aransas. There was apparently an event going on that made parking take longer, but on the upside, tickets were only $2 per person so we spent $6 instead of $26 to get in. They were doing ladybug and butterfly releases too, which was a fun experience. The reptile house was cool, but unfortunately, the birds weren't on display when we went due to the rise in bird flu cases.

We grabbed lunch on the road before checking into our hotel. This time we stayed at the Best Western Green Oak Inn & Suites in La Vernia, about 30 minutes from San Antonio. It was the cheapest hotel we could find close to the city and it's one of the best ones we've stayed at. It was quiet, clean, and comfortable. They had a complimentary breakfast from 6 to 9 AM, which included hot items like sausages, scrambled eggs, and bacon.

Another upside is they have a coin laundry on-site, so I was able to wash our clothes. The only downside was the dryer didn't completely dry our clothes even though I had chosen the hottest setting. I didn't want to pay another $2, so I hung the damp clothes up in the bathroom using the hangers provided in the closet and they were dry by morning.

There was a McDonald's and Taco Bell nearby, which made for easy and cheap dinner options. The Taco Bell is like a 2-minute walk. The McDonald's was about a 2-minute drive and had a play area, which our child loved. I hadn't seen a play area in a McDonald's in ages!

Day 4 - San Antonio

After breakfast, we made our way to the San Antonio Zoo. It's a decent-sized zoo with lots of animals we haven't seen before - tons of birds! The coolest animal we saw was the okapi, and we even got to see a baby too! Some animals were not on display, like the jaguar, fishing cat, armadillo, etc, which was a little disappointing.

Another cool thing was they gave us bounce-back tickets for the next day, which was the eclipse day, so we could have gone again for free, but as we planned to see the eclipse and didn't want to deal with traffic after the eclipse, we ended up not using them. Tickets for the zoo are a bit pricey, I got discounted ones through my union, but it was still about $73 for 2 adults and 1 child.

We ate lunch at the Beastro, probably our most expensive meal of the trip, but it was sit-down restaurant quality food, so no complaints here! After lunch, we explored the rest of the zoo before walking over to their Giants of The Ice Age attraction. It was cool to see what the animals of the Ice Age might've looked like, but it's something we could've skipped.

We then walked to the Japanese Tea Garden because it was close to the zoo. It was quite busy on a Sunday afternoon and for a garden, it wasn't very relaxing. It was more touristy and lots of photographers. My husband sat with my daughter while I did a quick walk around, but I wouldn't go back again. I feel like it's overhyped for what it is.

Since there is free parking on Sunday, we made the drive to see The Alamo. We got lucky and found off-street parking a short walk from The Alamo. Tickets are free, but you need to reserve them in advance. Honestly, the Alamo is overrated. I went once back in high school, but since my husband and child hadn't been to the Alamo, we decided to go just for the sake of saying we went. There is a line to enter and once inside, there isn't much to see.

After The Alamo, we made another short walk to The River Walk. There are a lot of fun shops along the way, but as our child was already tired from the zoo, this was another, let's just go for a little bit to mark it off the bucket list. The River Walk is beautiful, but I recommend this for couples or families with older children because it is a lot of walking. There are shops and restaurants, but not much for young children to do so it's not exciting for them.

I think our child's favorite part was on our walk back to the car, we stopped for ice cream at Kilwins Ice Cream. The coffee chocolate chip was so good! There were tables and chairs, so it was the perfect place to rest our feet and they had a bathroom. It was the perfect way to end our San Antonio trip and we went back to the hotel.

Day 5 - Boerne City Lake Park (Solar Eclipse Day!)

Originally, we hoped to get tickets to a Texas State Park, but all the state parks filled up within an hour of opening reservations. (For this reason, I recommend booking a hotel months in advance within the eclipse path so you don't have to travel. Our original plans fell through so the cheapest hotels we could find were, of course, outside the path of totality, everything else was going for $500 a night!)

Luckily, in my search for other options, I came upon Boerne City Lake Park and they had tickets available, so that's where we ended up seeing the solar eclipse. It is a beautiful park, so it was a lucky find and just a little over an hour away from our hotel.

I'm glad our hotel offered an early breakfast, so we ate at 6 AM and left before 7 AM. Traffic was already more than usual and only worsened as we neared San Antonio. Luckily we were going to Boerne, so once we got out of the big city, it calmed down and we were one of the earlier arrivals to the park.

We started by exploring the lake, which is crystal clear! We got to see some ducks and I even found some shells. Our child got bored of the lake quickly and we moved to the covered playground, where she could play. We did some bird watching and then I decided to kill time by taking a nap in the car.

For lunch, we packed a bunch of snacks and filled up on crackers, granola bars, raisins, and Cheetos. It was not the best lunch, but we were worried about leaving sandwiches in the car for so long as we arrived a little after 8 AM.

The solar eclipse began a little after noon and we had to use our eclipse glasses to see it, but then the clouds rolled in and we no longer needed the glasses as the clouds filtered the sun for us, unfortunately, because it made it hard to see. We were lucky that the clouds parted during totality so we got a glimpse of the eclipse before it was once again covered in clouds. It was still a cool experience because everything went dark, just like nighttime!

All the signs on the road cautioned visitors to leave early, stay put, and leave late, but after the totality ended, we decided to head back to the hotel as we couldn't see more through the clouds. It took only an extra 20 minutes to get back to our hotel.

As we knew traffic would be busy, we decided to spend the rest of the evening at the hotel. I walked to Taco Bell to grab us dinner and we worked on packing as we would leave the next day.

Day 6 - Home

Our flight wasn't until later in the afternoon, so we got to sleep in on this day! I had originally thought about going to the San Antonio Botanical Garden in the morning before heading to the airport but it rained overnight and our child had enough walking, so we ended up heading to the airport early as we had to check out by 11 AM.

The San Antonio Airpot was not as nice as the Minneapolis Airport and the TSA portion took longer and felt more stressful. The employees kept telling people to keep moving, but that's hard to do when you need to wait for your luggage to go through their scanners and you need your shoes!

We were lucky the Minneapolis TSA had brought in dogs, so we didn't have to do any of that for our flight to Texas. We just walked by the dog (wearing our shoes!) and carrying our bags. It was a breeze!

We haven't flown in 6 years, but it seems removing liquid bags and electronics (phones, cameras, tablets) is no longer necessary, as both airports didn't make us do this.

Also, the Minneapolis Airport has bigger and better bathrooms. The San Antonio ones are not as clean and the stalls are tiny with hardly any room to bring your luggage in.

3 Winners! Pet Portraits Custom Art Giveaway! $390 TRV!

2024-04-04T07:00:00.007-05:00

Disclosure

Terms and conditions for the giveaway can be found below the giveaway form and in the giveaway form. Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

3 Winners

A $390 TRV Giveaway!

The Winners Will Receive:

1st Prize - A $250 Gift Card for Pet Portraits.

2nd Prize - A $70 Gift Card each for Pet Portraits.

3rd Prizes - A $70 Gift Card each for Pet Portraits.

Pet Portraits specializes in designing custom, one-of-a-kind portraits that look just like your pet. With a range of styles and backgrounds to choose from, you can design a portrait that suits your home decor and brings the unique personality of your beloved pet to life.

No pet is too difficult to master! From dogs and cats to bunny rabbits and even lizards, the talented artists at Pet Portraits are dedicated to bringing your furry, feathery, or scaly friend to life.

What Makes Pet Portraits So Special?

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Real Artists, Real Art: The talented artists at Pet Portraits make each piece especially for you.

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Print Your Pet Art on Mugs, Coasters, Throw Pillows, and More

Why settle for just a portrait? With a range of products available, from custom mugs, aprons to throw pillows, you can keep your pet with you wherever you go.

Each Portrait Feeds 5 Hungry Animals

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Enter the giveaway today to get the perfect gift for any pet lover!

Open to entrants from the United States only. Must be 18+ to enter.
Giveaway Dates
4/4/24 7:00PM EST - 5/2/24 11:59PM EST

Entry -Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winners will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this, please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Dragon Themed Kids Birthday Party

2024-03-11T06:56:00.004-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

The Venue

We celebrated my child's fifth birthday party at Snake Discovery, but she decided she wanted to go back again for their 7th birthday party. Dragons are reptiles, so it fits the theme, and they have three different programs, so we chose a different one. This time it was "Reptiles Around the World" and we got to see some different critters than we did last time.

All of her friends were really into it and the parents were too! I think there was only one kid who was a little nervous, but there was no pressure to hold or touch the animals. They all enjoyed exploring the zoo and a lot of her friends even stayed after the party to explore the zoo some more.

The Cake

I went with cupcakes for my child's party. I was able to find some small dragon figures from Amazon to place on top of the cupcakes. The kids loved the little figures!

Decorations

I kept it simple and got some How To Train Your Dragon plates and napkins from Oriental Trading.

My daughter also wore her dragon costume that we had gotten on Amazon for Halloween. I highly recommend this costume as it's held up quite well and she's worn it a lot.

Party Favors

The kids got to keep the dragons on their cupcakes, but I also made some cute dragon goodie bags. I followed the snake pattern that I did a couple years ago but turned them into dragons by using The Inspiration Edit's dragon mask design.

A while back I learned how to make snake shed jewelry. I noticed they kind of looked like dragon eggs, so I made the kids' necklaces using snake shed from our corn snake and then I added a little dragon charm. It was a huge hit! I also included some dragon stickers for them too.

Activities

I printed off some dragon coloring pages from Monday Mandala and brought a bunch of crayons so the kids had something to do while waiting for all the guests to arrive.

30 Picture Books Featuring Dragons For Children

2024-01-25T19:06:00.002-06:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

If you have a dragon-loving child like ours, here is a list of some of our favorite picture books featuring dragons!

20 Dragon Fiction Books

1. Kitty and Dragon by Meika Hashimoto

This adorable book features three stories involving a cat and its friend, a dragon! - two of our child's favorite animals!

It's recommended for ages 4 to 8.

2. Once Upon a Dragon Fire by Beatrice Blue

This is a lovely story about two children who are raised being told dragons are horrible, but when they meet one, they learn that none of the stories are true! A great book to teach kids not to judge a book by its cover, or in this case, maybe not trust everything you hear.

It's recommended for ages 4 to 8.

3. Good Dream Dragon by Jacky Davis

This book is wonderful for kids who may be afraid to sleep alone at night. I love that it takes what is thought to be a scary creature, a dragon, and turns them into a good, kind creature that helps kids have good dreams.

It's recommended for ages 3 to 7.

3. The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung

Being half-Chinese and half-White, I really enjoyed this book as it's also about a biracial child who finds a way to embrace both worlds and their stories about dragons.

4. Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang

This is a cute story about a girl who has a class project to make a dragon, but she makes a Chinese dragon while all her classmates make European dragons. They tell her that hers isn't a dragon, which sends her on a path of self-discovery to discover her dragon and teach her friends about her culture.

This one is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

5. Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon by Ying Chang

This is a fun twist on the classic story and it's told by the wolf to the three little pigs. Instead of a big bad wolf, it's a dragon!

Another one is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

6. My Big Dumb Invisible Dragon by Angie Lucas

When our child picked this up from the library, we had no idea that it was a story about grief. Our child loves it for the dragon, but it does have a wonderful message about how we never truly know what might be going on with someone else. The perfect book for teaching empathy.

It's recommended for ages 4 to 8.

7. Duncan The Story Dragon by Amanda Driscoll

In this cute tale, Duncan loves to read, but when it gets excited, he can't help but set the pages aflame, so he goes in search of someone to read to him. But who would want to read to a fire-breathing dragon? The answer may surprise you!

This one is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

8. Dragon Noodle Party by Ying Chang

A fun twist to the classic Chinese Zodiac tale! All the zodiac animals are gathering together to have a delicious feast. There's even a Dragon Beard Noodle recipe included in the book, which we tried and it was tasty.

It's recommended for ages 4 to 7.

9. Nian, The Chinese New Year Dragon by Virginia Loh-Hagan & Timothy Banks

I shared this book already in my list of Lunar New Year books, which you can find here, but since it features a dragon and is one of our child's favorite tales, I have included it here too. Nian is a fun retelling of why the Lunar New Year is celebrated.

This one is recommended for older children, ages 7 to 8.

10. How to Catch a Dragon by Adam Wallace

This is another book that was featured in my Lunar New Year books, but sharing it here again as it features a dragon. The story is not directly about the Lunar New Year but features many scenes of the celebration. However, its primary story is about a group of kids trying to catch a dragon. Will they succeed?

It's recommended for ages 4 to 8.

11. Eric Carle's Dragons Dragons & Other Creatures That Never Were by Eric Carle

This is a fun collection of poems for kids and features other beasts besides dragons. While it was not that appealing to us, our child loved it. Eric Carle always has beautiful illustrations that captivate kids even if the writing isn't that great. However, it's still a fun book and a great way to introduce poetry to kids.

It's recommended for ages 6 to 9.

12. The Water Dragon: A Chinese Legend by Jian Li

A wonderful retelling of a Chinese folktale about a boy who goes on a mission to make it rain to save his village. He wants to find the water dragon, but what he discovers is not at all what one expects!

It's recommended for ages 4 to 8.

13. Being Friends With Dragons by Katherine Locke

I love the inclusiveness in this book and my dragon-loving child loved the dragons. It's a great story about how being friends with dragons can be difficult at times, but also worth it. A great story for kids who may be sharing similar struggles with friends at school.

The book is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

14. There's a Dragon In Your Book by Tom Fletcher

This is a fun interactive read for little ones! A great book to get your kids laughing and using their imagination.

It's recommended for ages 0 to 8.

15. Ten Minutes To Bed Little Dragon by Rhiannon Fielding

A fun book for younger children about a little dragon getting ready for bed. It's a great bedtime read!

This adorable book is recommended for ages 3 to 6.

16. Dare To Care: Pet Dragon by Sally Symes

A fun fiction pet guide to taking care of a dragon. Perfect for any dragon-loving child who dreams of having a pet dragon.

Pet Dragon is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

17. Our Dragon by Mem Fox

This is a fun story about two parents taking care of a newborn, except their baby is a dragon!

This one is suggested for younger kids ages 3 to 5.

18. Tale of Two Dragons by Geraldine McCaughrean

In this tale, two kingdoms are fighting and they decide to settle matters by having dragons battle, but in the end, the dragons end up teaching them an important lesson.

A Tale of Two Dragons is recommended for ages 8 to 9.

19. Dragon Night by J. R. Krause

A little boy is scared of the night, but a dragon comes to the rescue and shows him it's not so scary. This is a great book for any little one struggling with bedtime fears.

It's suggested for ages 3 to 7.

20. Dragon To The Rescue - By Victoria Kann

Pinkalicious and her friends go camping and want to make smores, but they need a fire, who better to help them than a dragon.

This I Can Read! book is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

10 Nonfiction Dragon Books

1. Dragons of Norse Mythology by Amy C. Rea

This is a great book for older kids interested in the myths behind dragons.

It's recommended for kids in grades 2 to 5.

2. Dragons of Chinese Mythology by Samantha Bell

Another great book for older kids interested in the myths surrounding dragons.

It's recommended for grades 2 to 5.

3. A First Look at Dragons by Emma Carlson-Berne

A great nonfiction book that explores dragons for younger kids.

It's recommended for ages 4 to 7 but leans more toward the 4 as it was a bit short for our 7-year-old.

4. Dragons by Grace Hanson

My daughter got this from our library and loved it. It's a great introduction to dragons for little kids, but it appears to be hard to find online, so I recommended checking your local library.

I would say this one is better for little kids as it's quite short.

5. Dragons: Magic, Myth, and Mystery by Virginia Loh-Hagan Edd

This book is geared toward older kids and tells myths and legends of various dragons.

It's suggested for ages 9 to 13.

6. Dragons: Fearsome Monsters From Myth and Fiction by Gerrie McCall

We found this book at a thrift sale and apparently, it is very hard to find now, but it's so detailed! It has various dragons from different cultures and describes them all in great detail.

It's suggested for ages 2 to 6, but personally, some of the descriptions are a bit terrifying, so I would actually recommend it for older kids as it frightened our 6-year-old dragon-loving child, or perhaps don't read this one before bed.

7. Dragons (Behind The Legend) by Erin Peabody

This is a great book for kids interested in dragons and their origins. It features different dragons worldwide and discusses how the creature became popular in various cultures.

It's recommended for older kids ages 8 to 10.

8. Beastly Monsters From Dragons to Griffins by Katie Marsico

Another great nonfiction book that features facts about dragons, as well as griffins.

It's best suited for ages 7 to 11.

9. Dragon World by Tamara Macfarlane

Dragon World features dragons from around the world and at the back of the book, kids even have the opportunity to create their own dragon.

It's a great book for older children and recommended for ages 8 to 12.

10. Beasts of the Ancient World by Marchella Ward

This beautifully illustrated book contains myths of beasts around the world, including dragons! It's perfect for older kids.

Beasts of the Ancient World is recommended for ages 7 to 11.

Check out my Amazon Shop for more dragon books!

2023 Reads

2023-12-21T14:50:00.003-06:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Here are the books I read in 2023 and my reviews!

1) Castle in The Air by Diana Wynne Jones

Castle in the Air is the sequel to Howl's Moving Castle. It has very Aladdin vibes.

The main character is Abdullah, but the characters from Howl's Moving Castle do make an appearance! While it was difficult to get into as I wasn't into the initial cast of characters, I enjoyed the ending with Howl and Sophie.

One thing that was a bit triggering for me and soured this book was when a 4-year-old was spanked for having a tantrum.

Overall it's a good read if you want to know what happens to the characters in Howl's Moving Castle, but it's definitely not one of Diana Wynne Jones' best works.

3/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

2) The Flower Boat Girl by Larry Feign

Cheng Yat Sou or Madam Cheng is probably my favorite historical figure, so I was very excited to discover this book! I admit I was a little hesitant at first because the writer is white and writing about a historical Chinese figure, but it's clear he has done his research.

I really enjoyed the historical aspect and while we may never know the true facts about Cheng Yat Sou, I think the author did a great job bringing her to life.

Huge trigger warnings for sexual assault and rape. The author does a great job with word choice so they are quick and not glorified in any way, but it can still be icky to read. This is one of the major reasons I avoid historical fiction (especially romance) because the sex usually reads as rape as that's how it was back then. That said, this is definitely NOT a romance novel, but a journey of a woman's rise to power.

There is going to be a second book and I can't wait to read it!

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

3) Sex Talks by Vanessa and Xander Marin

I've been following Vanessa and Xander Marin on Instagram for a while now and was super excited when I heard about their new book, Sex Talks, which was my Valentine's Day gift from my husband.

I totally recommend this book to all couples, whether or not your sex life is struggling. I'm pretty open about sex and even I learned a lot!

A lot of the tips in the book have also been shared on Vanessa and Xander's Instagram as well as their podcast, Pillowtalks, so if you're looking for free resources, I'd start there!

5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

4) Strike The Zither by Joan He

It's hard to find books that feature Chinese culture and mythology, so I was excited when I came across this book. It was an enjoyable read but lacked the romance that I crave. It is a fantasy book, not a romance, but I still like my fantasy to have some romance and this one had a tiny spark that died quickly.

I'm not a fan of stories told in the first person, but what really annoyed me about this book is that the end doesn't feel like an end. It's part of a series, but I still prefer each book to stand alone and not leave much hanging.

I did not like the intermezzo chapter, which was like an epilogue, as it switched from first person to third person and is told from another character's point of view. This makes me wonder if the second book will be changing to this character's point of view. Also, the intermezzo didn't really give the reader any new information and felt unnecessary.

I did like that it featured strong female characters and I do plan to read the next book when it comes out.

3/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

5) Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner

This book started out being intriguing and then got very confusing when the author hopped heads within a scene, sometimes it would happen between sentences! I don't mind multiple POVs, in fact, I love them, but at least separate them by chapter or with breaks!

Eventually, the author's writing improves and the POV starts to shift between chapters, making it easier to read and more enjoyable. The first half reads like a rough draft, but the second half is much better.

I also was not a fan of the ending as it leaves the reader hanging. What is with this trend in series to not actually make the book stand alone? I think Daughter of the Moon Goddess was the last book I read to actually have a decent ending for being a part of a series.

The story is interesting so I will read the second book and hopefully, the writing will have improved.

2/5 Stars ⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

6) Alice The Cat by Tim Cummings

This is a great middle school read about a 12-year-old girl named Tess who enters a haunted house in order to save her cat, Alice.

As an adult reading this book, there were some odd word choices. Tess says buttnuggets a lot and I haven't heard any kid use that term, so it felt kind of dated? Definitely immature, but I think that's purposeful as she is 12. I get curse words aren't a thing in MG fiction, but I think another choice could have been better.

Trigger warnings to be aware of are breast cancer, parent loss, and pet loss.

While there is a ghost involved, the story ultimately focuses on a girl and how she struggles with grief after losing her mother.

3/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

7) Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

I really wanted to love this book, but the main character, Ever, chooses the wrong boy (in my opinion) in the end and that really sours it for me. It's also obviously set up as a love triangle, which is a trope I hate, but, as an Asian American, I could relate to Ever, so I enjoyed the book just for being able to relate to the character. It's always refreshing to read a book that doesn't have a dominant white cast. I've also been to Taipei as that's where my mom is from, so it was fun reading a setting I am somewhat familiar with.

I don't want to spoil the book for others, so I won't delve into all the things I didn't like as they can be considered spoilers, such as naming the boys involved in the triangle. However, one thing I am disappointed in was that the author didn't get spicier, totally skipping over a sex scene that I was looking forward to throughout the whole book. Then when she gives a little more detail with the oral sex scene, it uses the typical cliche of lights bursting. I'm guessing the author wanted to have her book fit the YA category better, great for the younger audiences, but a bummer for me.

While I definitely recommend the book, it's not one I can read again as it's not the ending I wanted, so I can't give it more than four stars.

4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Target

8) The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge

I read this book as a kid and held onto it, which meant I must have liked it, so I decided now was a good time to reread it as an adult. As an adult, any charm it had when I was a kid was lost as the book is so misogynistic. It's also very dated in language as the author uses "ejaculated" instead of "exclaimed" which as a child, I had no idea of "ejaculate" in the adult context, but now as an adult, "she ejaculated" just reads awkwardly and I would have preferred "she exclaimed."

The book also reveals how much times have changed since the 1940s as it does a lot of "telling" which now seems to be a huge faux pas. I honestly did not mind this and I kind of miss this style of writing in today's books. It's still very much present in Japanese light novels, though that could just be due to translating from Japanese to English.

I also forgot how heavy in religion this book is, which seemed to be a stark contrast to the magical qualities of the book.

Overall I liked the story elements and loved the hints of magic, but it's just not told in a way that I love and it is not a book I would ever read again.

2/5 Stars ⭐⭐

Available At:

Target

Amazon

9-12. My Happy Marriage 1-4 by Akumi Agitogi

I haven't had as much time this year to read so I decided to find some shorter books, and this Japanese light novel has been on my list for a while. From page one I was hooked! It's a Cinderella story, but with a twist that's interesting enough to keep one reading.

While misogyny is present in this book, it is in keeping with the period as it's a historical fantasy, so I'm not going to mark it down for that. It's a pretty slow burn, but given the characters' personalities, it fits well. Hopefully, there will be a bit more spice later in the series.

I was also incredibly disappointed with book #4. It felt like a filler. Besides that, Miyo's character seemed to have a weird change. I get she's getting more confident, but the giggling just threw me and seemed out of character for her. I also felt like Kiyoka's character isn't developing at all as I figured Miyo would soften his heart more. I hope that book #5 will be better, so I'm still giving this series five stars even though I was close to knocking it down to 4.

This was my first Japanese light novel, so it was interesting to see how the writing style differs from American books, and I liked it. Also, I love that these are short! I wish publishers in America weren't so stingy with their word counts, requiring authors to write 100K books.

It's been a while since I fell in love with a book series and I think these light novels might be my new go-to!

5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available At:

Amazon

Top 10 Purchases of 2023

2023-12-06T18:37:00.003-06:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Here were our top 10 purchases of 2023:

1. 9"x13" Mondo Llama A rt Sketchbook

We got one of these on a whim for our 6-year-old because it was cheap and had a lot of pages, but it's actually a really lovely sketchbook for only $5! It has 160 pages thick enough that you or your child can draw on both sides (even with markers!), so they will last quite some time! The pages are also perforated at the top, making them easy to tear out to display on the wall or fridge.

2. Lazy Susan

I've always wanted a Lazy Susan, aka turntable, and this was the year we finally decided to get not just one, but three! Our two favorites are from Target and the 3rd one was a thrift store find. If you don't have one of these, I definitely recommend getting one! They are great for serving and organizing kitchen counters and the pantry.

3. True & Co. True Everybody Women's Scoop Neck Lift Bra

I've always struggled to find a comfortable padded bra and finally stumbled upon this one at Target! I love that it's wire-free and the material is so soft. I'm not totally in love with the straps and wish the cups were attached rather than removable as they get crumpled in the wash, but this is the best padded bra I've come across in a long time!

4. YouCopia UpSpace 3 Shelf Bottle Organizer

I got this as I was tired of trying to reach water bottles out from behind other bottles and this bottle organizer the perfect way to keep them in a compact space, while being able to see them all!

5. Waterproof Quilted Mattress Pad

We got new mattresses and wanted something waterproof to protect them as we have animals. This mattress pad is great as it doesn't crinkle and it already protected our mattress from a few pet accidents!

6. Book Storage Bin

Target had these in their Bullseye's Playground during back-to-school season for $3 and they are amazing for organizing coloring books and sketchbooks. Definitely recommend these if you have a little artist at home!

7. 6 End Channel Curl Ribbon - Spritz™

I needed something to mark my lilies for when I dig and replant them in the fall, and these worked great for remembering which lily was which.

8. Oskar Adjustable Media Rack - Atlantic

So many bookshelves are just too deep with too few shelves, so I got this one which worked perfectly for organizing my manga and can fit some other smaller books as well!

I do wish there had been more options for bookshelves with more shelves, not sure why they all come with five shelves, I don't have books that are that tall!

9. Caboodles Pretty in Petite

My daughter started dancing and she started wearing makeup for performances, so I got her this case which is the perfect size for storing what little makeup she needs at her age. It's a great starter makeup case!

10. D.Q.Z Toddlers Dinosaur-Dragon-Wings Costume for Kids with Mask

My daughter wanted to be a dragon for Halloween and we found this costume on Amazon. She wears it almost every day now and it's held up, so if you're looking for a great dress-up or costume for Halloween, this is a great cheap outfit that's easy for your child to put on by themselves.

Kids Disney+ Movies Available in Mandarin

2023-10-10T16:24:00.005-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Our child is in Chinese immersion, so we're always looking for ways to incorporate Mandarin at home. I recently discovered that Disney+ offers quite a few movies dubbed in Mandarin Chinese.

Here's how to switch audio and change subtitles on Disney+:

Select a movie and start it.
Once the movie is started, click on the "Settings" button which can be found in the upper-right corner of the screen, looks like a small rectangular keyboard.
If using Roku, hit the * button for the options menu. Click on "Accessibility and Languages" and you can switch the language and subtitles in that menu.
Select ‘Mandarin’ or ‘Taiwanese Mandarin’ for audio.
If you want captions, turn those on and select language.

Kids Movies on Disney+ That Are Dubbed In Mandarin:

Text List:

101 Dalmatians

A Bug's Life

Aladdin
Aladdin: The Return of Jafar

Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Anastasia

Atlantis

Beauty and The Beast

Beauty and The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

Big Hero 6

Brother Bear 1 and 2

Cinderella

Coco

Dumbo

Encanto

Finding Nemo

Frozen

Frozen 2

Hercules

Ice Age 1-5

Kronk's New Groove

Lady and the Tramp

Lady and the Tramp 2

Lilo and Stitch

Luca

Meet the Robinsons

Moana

Mulan

Mulan 2

Peter Pan

Piglet's Big Movie

Pinocchio

Pocahontas

Pocahontas 2

Raya and the Last Dragon

Sleeping Beauty

Snow White

Strange World

Tangled

Tarzan

The Aristocats

The Black Cauldron

The Emperor's New Groove

The Fox and The Hound

The Fox and The Hound 2

The Great Mouse Detective

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book 2

The Lion King

The Lion King 2

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid 2

The Little Mermaid: New Beginning

The Peanuts Movie

The Rescuers

The Rescuers Down Under

The Sword in The Stone

Treasure Planet

Toy Story

Toy Story 3

Turning Red

Wreck it Ralph

Ralph Breaks the Internet

Zootopia

10 Concert Bag Must Haves

2023-08-15T14:18:00.001-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

Going to a concert? Here is what I bring with me:

1. Clear Bag

The first item you will need is a clear bag as this is the only bag most stadiums allow. The size allowed will depend on your stadium rules.

2. Power Bank

Concerts often last 2-3 hours, but stadiums usually open a couple hours early and there are the pre-shows, so you can easily end up being at the stadium for over 6 hours. Make sure your phone is charged before going and bring a power bank for backup, especially if you plan on taking lots of photos and videos.

3. Phone & Charging Cord

Don't forget your phone! Also, you'll need a charging cord to connect to your power bank, and some stadiums have charging stations or outlets where you can charge your phone.

4. Ear Plugs

Concerts are loud! Bring some noise-canceling earbuds. Trust me, you'll still hear the music and your head will thank you for it later.

5. Tampons or Pads

You never know when nature will decide it's time for your cycle to start or you may be able to help another fan who wasn't as prepared.

6. Tissues or Handkerchiefs

Concerts can be emotional. I started crying when Taylor Swift walked out on stage from sheer disbelief that I was in the same room as her. Or your favorite artist may play a song that brings you to tears every time you hear it.

7. Water

Some stadiums will allow you to bring in a factory-sealed water bottle, usually the smaller 12oz size. I recommend bringing one if your stadium allows as it's expensive to purchase and they usually take away the caps, so you have to be careful not to spill it. I brought my own bottle to both the Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran concert at US Bank Stadium with no issues.

It must be factory-sealed, so don't open it until you are inside!

8. Poncho

Umbrellas aren't allowed in a lot of stadiums, so your best bet is an emergency poncho. It started pouring after the Taylor Swift concert and I was so glad I had one on hand as it protected me from getting too wet. Other fans were completely soaked.

9. Emergency Whistle

Pepper spray isn't allowed in a lot of stadiums, so if you're planning to walk in the city, I would recommend carrying an emergency whistle. These often come in keychains, which you can easily attach to your bag. I haven't had to use mine, but I feel safer with it.

10. Card Holder/Case

Most stadiums are now cashless, so you will want to bring your credit card and it's always good to carry your ID (Driver's License) and insurance card in case something should happen to you.

BONUS

Don't forget your keys!

Taylor Swift's Rep Tour VS Eras Tour

2023-06-28T09:24:00.002-05:00

Disclosure

Affiliate links are used in this post. You can read my full disclosure here.

I've been a swiftie since Taylor's first song, Tim McGraw. I grew up listening to Taylor Swift, but unfortunately, that meant I was a kid and I didn't have money, so it wasn't until her Reputation Tour in 2018 that I was finally able to afford to go to one of her concerts, and I recently was lucky enough to also attend her Eras Tour. It's interesting to see how much her popularity grew between the two tours.

Purchasing tickets for her Reputation was easy compared to Eras. For Reputation, I went with my sister, so I remember when ticket sales were up, I was chatting with her to figure out what seats to get. The site never crashed and we ended up going with $60 tickets, which weren't the cheapest available. One of my regrets about that concert was not spending more for closer seats, but at the time Reputation wasn't my favorite album and I had high hopes she'd have another concert in Minneapolis.

And then came her Eras Tour. My sister decided she didn't want to go this time, but I was not going to miss this concert, so I decided to go alone. I got verified fan status and was ready to go at the time Ticketmaster gave, but then the site crashed for hours! When I did finally get in, I was ready to splurge on the cheapest VIP ticket, but it would not let me check out. Turns on Ticketmaster was glitching in Chrome, and of course, I had to take my daughter to her dance lesson, so I knew my chance at good seats was gone.

When I got back home around 6 PM, I used Firefox, got back in line, and the first few times I went in, there were no seats left or they required me to purchase 2 tickets when I only needed 1, so that was annoying, but I kept refreshing and eventually, they added a whole bunch of obstructed view seats so I snagged one because even if it wasn't the best seat, I still really wanted to go. After Ticketmaster fees, the ticket price came to around $80, which I believe was the cheapest ticket price offered.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the view I had from the seats. The photo on the left is Rep Tour and the photo on the right is Eras Tour.

As shown in the photo, the seats we had for Reputation were higher up, but we had a view of all the stages, whereas the view for Eras, I was closer to the stage, but could not see the main stage.

Because I could not see the main stage, except for what they showed on the video, I probably missed out on some cool props and special effects, but overall, I think the Reputation Tour was slightly better when it came to props and effects. I don't think anything can beat the giant snakes and I loved the big drums! Also, Taylor floated across the sky in a light-up basket to get to the other smaller stages.

Here are some photos I took at Rep:

Here are some from Eras:

In the Eras tour, she mostly focused on raising and lowering platforms in the center diamond. On the main stage, which I couldn't see, but saw on the screen, it appeared she had the Lover's house and Betty's House. She also did a bit for Tolerate It and dived into the stage.

In terms of songs, Eras Tour wins hands down. As I mentioned before, I wasn't a huge fan of her Reputation album, but I loved all her other albums. Her secret songs were Dear John and Daylight. Daylight is my favorite song from Lover, so I'm glad I went on night 2 in Minneapolis!

Here is a Spotify Playlist of all the songs played, in order, from Eras Tour Minneapolis Night 2.

I enjoyed both concerts and would love to attend another in the future if she continues to perform.