Flick Friday-Bad Moms Christmas #BADMOMSXMAS

Moms sometimes get a bad wrap.  We can never do enough.  We juggle things around, make miracles happen, and we even create magic at times.

I was invited to an advanced screening.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I have heard several moms admit to feeling overwhelmed.   With the holidays around the corner, how much more over whelmed will you feel?  Let's take back the holidays...be a Bad Mom!


Synopsis-A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS follows our three under-appreciated and over-burdened women as they rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for moms: Christmas.  And if creating a more perfect holiday for their families wasn’t hard enough, they have to do all of that while hosting and entertaining their own mothers.  By the end of the journey, our moms will redefine how to make the holidays special for all and discover a closer relationship with their mothers.

Bad Moms Christmas is out now in theaters.  The housework, errands, and holidays can wait.  Take a break from it all.  Don't get so wrapped up.  Grab some bad moms and go unwind!  You and your bad moms will love this comedy as much as me and my bad moms.

AtHome for Christmas

One of my favorite times of the year has to definitely be Christmas.  It is the time of year that for some reason the air, the sounds, and even our homes are different.

This is a compensated post in collaboration with AtHome Stores and MomSelect.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

The air is already different and not because the seasons are changing but because of all the things happening.  Everyone needs a little family, lots of laughter, and an open door.  This is why I am prepping my house early so I can start hosting our friends and family.  I want to spread cheer, so everyone will leave grinning from ear to ear.  As I start thinking where to start, the first room that comes to mind is the restroom.  Sometimes, this is the room that is last to get some love.

But this is the room that everyone visits just as much as the kitchen.  I figure if I start with one room at a time, I won't be so overwhelmed either.  Plus it is the smallest room too.

First, take everything you do not need in the room.  Start with a clean slate.  This is also the perfect time to check to see if you need to get rid of some things.  Cleansing is good for the soul.

Second, think our your color scheme.  My favorite color is blue but by my restroom is green.  When I think about Christmas, I see lots of red, white, and green.

Third, think about your favorite things and use them as your inspiration.  I love stars, earthy one with nature decor, and purposeful things.

Lastly, you may not be crazy about Christmas colors.  Some people hate all things red.  But just a little pop of color can make a big difference.

Combine all these things to help you transition your space from everyday to holiday!

You can find the Christmas Hoedown collection and many more at your nearest AtHome store.

Fitness Friday-How Strong is Your Trot #HOUTurkeyTrot

Can you believe that this year is almost over?  Where did it go?  Who is ready for some turkey? 

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with BakerRipley.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

When you hear the word turkey, what do you think about?  I think about Thanksgiving, traditions, and the trot.  These three go hand in hand with one another in our family.  The Houston TXU Energy BarkeyRipley Turkey Trot has become a family tradition.

Did you know that the trot was my very first race?  It was.  I did not prepare at all for it but I was up for the challenge.  Here are some tips for you:

1)  Trot-Start getting some mileage in everyday.  This will help you get across the finish line.  Whether you run, jog, or trot, it is the best feeling when you cross the finish line.

2)  Tennis shoes-Break your shoes in.  Do not buy new shoes to wear the day of the race.  Make sure you have comfortable shoes.  Good shoes will make a big difference.

3)  Tradition-Make this a part of your tradition.  The trot is a family friendly event.  Grab the entire family and help celebrate the 25 years of Trot. 

4)  Time-Make sure you register before the price increased on November 18th. 

5)  Turkey-BarkerRipley serves more than half a million people across the Houston area.  Serving the community with community centers, charter schools, Headstart programs, senior services and career centers.  This is a way for you to give back.  Then you can go home and have some turkey! 

Currently the prices are as follows:

10K Untimed - $30

10K Timed - $35

10K Wheelchair - $35

Phillips 66 5K Untimed - $30

Phillips 66 5K Timed - $35

Phillips 66 5K Wheelchair - $35

Kids Run - $15

Register now to take advantage of these prices!  Save $5 off your registration by using this code:  17INDEPENDENT

Shopkins: World Vacation Premiere Party

When it comes to being friendly my daughter takes the cake?  She loves to include and invite everyone to every event, party, or occasion she can think of. 

This post is a sponsored post in collaboration with Moose Toys and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I think it is in our blood to love to host parties.  We love movies too.  So when we were offered the chance to host a Shopkins: World Vacation premiere party, no arms had to be twisted.  Planning the party is the fun part.

Here are our tips to hosting your party:

Invitations-You do not have to buy invitations.  Get creative.  Get your kiddos involved.  My daughter's favorite Shopkins is Lippy Lips.  I decided to get blank cards for her to decorate.  You can cut white paper in half to make your own cards.  Then have your kiddo draw or cut designs on them.

Food-Finger foods are always recommended when kids are involved.  I like self-serve, buffet, ready to go food.  This way you don't have to be standing around serving people the entire party.  Also, you can't forget to have sweet treats.

Entertainment-I scream, you scream, we all scream from Shopkins!  You can go to: www.WorldVacationPremiere.com to download your own Shopkins at home premiere package for all your guests to enjoy.  Join the largest simultaneous screening of the movie on October 19th at 4pm PT / 7pm ET.

For the grand finale, pop in Shopkins: World Vacation.  It is now available on DVD. 

Synopsis:  Grab your boarding pass and come on a worldwide ride with our favorite Shoppies and Shopkins.  Vacation with the gang as they meet crazy bandits and go on even crazier adventures!  When Kooky Cookie gets caught up in a diamond heist and goes missing, the Shoppies must go on a wild chase around the world to find her and help bring back the ‘Shop Diamond’ to its royal owner.  Watch as they attempt amazing challenges and face Kooky fans to try and clear her name.  Fasten your seat belt for a world vacation you’ll never forget!

And don't forget the swag. 

Little Free Library Scavenger Hunt

Do you know what a little library is?  It is a free book exchange.  Imagine books available all the time, all over the world.

Our local news station covered a story on little libraries.  A couple of months ago we happened to be invited to a birthday party at a park and we happen to come across a little library.  We found a book that was age appropriate for our daughter.  She loves this book.  Lil Bit is now in Kinder and our goal is for her to be reading by the end of this school year.  After Open House and meeting her teacher, we are so excited to support our daughter in achieving her educational goals this year.  So after learning about littlefreelibrary.org website, we decided to use the map locator to search our area for a nearby little library.

The first location, which was at a park, we came to had no children's book.  So that's when our impromptu scavenger hunt began.  We then headed to the next location that was not too far.  The little library was at someone's house.

It was kinda weird walking up to someone's driveway to look in but my daughter had no shame in her game.  She was ready to find a book.  She found Pete the Cat.  It is a My First I Can Read Book series.  My First is ideal for sharing with emergent readers which is perfect for my daughter.  We were given a list of 100 high frequency words she needs to know by January.  So were successful for my daughter but not for my son.  At this point, he was excited to find a book for himself.  So we were off to find the next little library.  I am so amazed at how many little libraries are available.

Guess, who found another book she just had to have?  This little library was running low on books.  Someone left a dictionary but nothing appeal my college student.  I am a proud parent when both of my kids want to find books to read.  Patting my back, pat-pat.

 Jackpot.  This little library was overflowing.  It was kid friendly with so many choices for all ages.  On our way home we noticed one more library at a local hospital.  What a great idea to have a little library in a hospital waiting area.  It was closed as it was Sunday.  But check it out, a phone booth.

It was such a fun experience.  Both of my kids found books that they wanted to read.  We will be grabbing books from our home library to sprinkle around into these little libraries.  Can't wait to see what we find next time.