Disclaimer: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Charmin. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All content and thoughts are my own. #TweetFromTheSeat

Isn't summer entertaining the best? It's much more carefree and laid-back!  That being said, there are some things that can still stress you out during a party: making the food, buying groceries, cleaning, etc.  The last thing you want to worry about is an embarrassing clogged toilet.  Did you know that Charmin is septic safe? They've got your behind covered! (Pun intended!)

Road Trip! Our Mini-Vacation to Mackinaw City #PureMichigan

 

Last year, we took a road trip to Mackinaw City with my parents.  Michigan has so many beautiful places to visit, it's nice that we can travel only 4 hours to a whole new world.  Since Ricky is a newbie Michigander, we had to check out Mackinac Island and the area surrounding it.  Be warned: I have a lot of photos!

Time for a quick history lesson for all of you who aren't native to Michigan: we have a lower and upper peninsula, which are connected by a 5 MILE Mackinac bridge.  We stayed in Mackinaw City (yes, it's spelled differently) which is in the lower peninsula.  To visit Mackinac Island, you have to take a quick ferry across the lake to the island.  The area has so much fascinating history and it's very remote, for being such a large tourist town. On Mackinac Island, there are NO motor vehicles aside from a few emergency vehicles--everyone gets around by foot, bikes or on horses.  How cool is that?

To see the whole post, head over to my new site: Dash of Evans. 

BBQ Favorites: Creamy Ranch Potato Salad

Nothing says summer like potato salad! It's perfect with burgers, ribs, sandwiches...anything! Everyone has their own style that they love.  Do you keep the skins on or peel the potatoes? Eggs or no eggs? Mayo, mustard or yogurt?

Aldi Haul: What I Bought For $50! [Video]

You all know by now that I LOVE ALDI. I've been shopping there for years--even before I had kids. It's a budget shoppers dream store and you can really find some gems there.  Their season section is always fun to browse.  Like I always say: you can get MOST of your groceries there, but not all.  I like to go there first to knock of most of my list before heading to Meijer or Costco.

Movie Review: #Disney Inside Out

Disclaimer: We received movie passes to facilitate this review, but all opinions are my own.

I'm really not sure who was more exited to see Inside Out between my kids and I.  Being a huge fan of the voices (Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling, especially), I couldn't wait to see what their comedy chops could add to a Disney movie.  Originally, the twins had t-ball and it was going to be a Mommy date with Gabby.  The stars aligned for the twins and upcoming storms canceled their t-ball game and they were able to come along, also.

Going to the theater is a BIG DEAL for the family.  It's quite expensive to take the whole family to the local cinema, especially with popcorn and snacks.  We'd never seen a 3D movie, so this was even more exciting.

Movie Basics:

This story is about Riley, an 11 year old, and her emotions in her head.  There is a main headquarters and 5 main emotions that run it: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger.  The story is told from the perspective of the emotions in the headquarters--they watch what is happening in her life and help her react to it, with Joy being the leader.

Thoughts:

We really enjoyed this movie.  My daughters (6 year old twins and 3) sat through the entire movie and laughed along with the different characters.  Nothing was overly scary and they only covered their eyes once or twice.  The 3D aspect was really cool, but I don't find it necessary for the extra money.  No matter which way you see it, you'll get a great movie.  

I will warn you that there is a slight ominous tone to the movie.  They mostly went over my kids' heads, but really hit home with me.  A lot of the movie deals with different memories from childhood and the emotions tied to them.  There is a point in the movie where the old memories are being stored in a "long-term" space and some were being erased--I started wondering how many memories I'd long forgotten about!  

They also touched on innocence and really made you remember how fleeting it is.  Many of Riley's memories were from when she was younger and you meet her Imaginary Friend.  In the beginning, everything has a touch of Joy and happiness, but as things change in the movie you'll see different emotions creating her feelings.  Disney touches on the idea of how you want everything to be through rose-colored glasses, but life is about ups and downs.  (Cue: Facts of Life theme song)

I like that Inside Out opens the door for conversations about emotions as a family. 

About the PG Rating:

I think this is the perfect rating and I don't think there was anything overly scary in this movie.  It isn't quite as light and fluffy as I expected, though. My 3 year old loved the movie and was laughing quite a bit.  I know many other Disney movies rated PG that she finds way to scary to watch (Brave, especially).  There are jokes for parents, as usual, which are really funny.  We all enjoyed the movie and it will be one that we purchase on DVD later.  

Have you seen Inside Out? What were your thoughts?

Cook Once, Eat Twice: BBQ Meatballs #SweetSwaps

Disclaimer: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the SPLENDA^® Brand. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions and reviews are my own.

Lately, I feel like there isn't enough time in the day.  With so much going on, there is barely time for ME time, let alone time with my friends.  Sometimes a gal needs some adult conversation....and wine!  It seems many of my friends have the same situation: busy schedules that are impossible to sync up.  When my friend Becca suggest an outdoor Zumba class, I was in!  What's more fun than making a fool of yourself with your friends?

Our First Year of School: What We've Learned

The school year FLEW by and my twins are officially be FIRST GRADERS. What?! Where did time go? I am not gonna lie: this summer is going to be a rough one...but I'm ready!  Library here we come!