

The Little Mermaid (2023)
Disney's live action The Little Mermaid (2023) hits theaters this week. Keep reading for my family-focused review. In a world of remakes, sequels, and reimaginings, it can sometimes be difficult to get excited about new movie releases. I admit that I only begrudgingly attended a media screening … [Read More...]


2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Disclaimer: I am a lucky girl because I get to drive Toyota vehicles from time to time as part of a media partnership. All opinions on the Highlander Hybrid are my own. #ToyotaPartner If you have read my past reviews, you know the Highlander is at home on the highway and on a dirt road. The SUV … [Read More...]


The Woman King
The Woman King tells the story of the Agojie, female warriors who protected the Kingdom of Dahomey in Africa during the 1800s. Keep reading for my family-focused review. As a history teacher, I am always a little skeptical when I watch movies based on real events. Hollywood has a bit of a … [Read More...]


Thor: Love and Thunder
It has been nearly five years since Thor: Ragnarok was released and three years since Thor joined up with the Guardians of the Galaxy at the end of Avengers: Endgame. MCU fans might be wondering what Thor has been up to for all these years. Thor: Love and Thunder catches up the story, but is it an … [Read More...]


5 Family-Friendly Places To Experience the Old West in Arizona
Arizona is well known for its western heritage but it can be easy to get lost in suburbia and urban life as we go about our day-to-day routines. Sometimes it can be rewarding to put on your boots, let your hair down, and kick back. But don't take my word for it. Check out these five family-friendly … [Read More...]


Top Gun: Maverick
The original Top Gun movie debuted in theaters when I was in fifth grade and I saw it at the drive-in theaters with my family. As you know, it was a huge hit and immediately became part of popular culture. Roughly 36 years have passed since then, so one has to wonder if a Top Gun sequel is something … [Read More...]


Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (Arizona)
As an Arizona native I have a love for the desert that just comes naturally. But there is something inside of me that loves greenery, water, colorful flowers, and shade. I cannot always hop in the car and drive up north so I am comforted by the fact that just 30 minutes east of Apache Junction lies … [Read More...]


Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
The latest installment of the Fantastic Beasts series is out with even more allusions to the Harry Potter series. But is Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore appropriate for younger kids? Read this family-focused review to decide for yourself. The third installment of the Fantastic … [Read More...]
Family Fun and Activities


Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (Arizona)
As an Arizona native I have a love for the desert that just comes naturally. But there is something inside of me that loves greenery, water, colorful flowers, and shade. I cannot always hop in the car and drive up north so I am comforted by the fact … [Read More...]


Monster Jam 2022
I remember going to watch monster trucks battle it out when I was a kid. It was some real rip-roaring excitement and was always fun. Today I enjoy taking my family out to Monster Jam events. Monster Jam is coming to the Phoenix area where I live, but … [Read More...]


40 Things to Do If You Are Bored
Several years ago my kids really started zoning out on technology and before I knew it they had one serious bad habit on their hands. So I took action by giving each kiddo a screen time punch card. I also posted 40 Things to Do If You Are Bored on … [Read More...]
Kid Friendly Crafts


Easy DIY Water Bottle Holder
The Arizona sun beats down in a very intense way almost … [Read More...]


Fun and Crafty Uses for Newspaper
As the old joke goes, what is black and white and read … [Read More...]
Recipes and Food


Patriotic Desserts for Independence Day
I love Independence Day. It is one of my favorite … [Read More...]