Enjoying Family Life https://theresasreviews.com Recipes, Entertainment, Family, and More! Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:35:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.1 https://i2.wp.com/theresasreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-Copy-of-Copy-of-Modern-Abstract-Shapes-Hand-Drawn-Lady-Line-Logo.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Enjoying Family Life https://theresasreviews.com 32 32 71358961 Acorn-Inspired Popcorn Snacks https://theresasreviews.com/acorn-inspired-popcorn-snacks/ https://theresasreviews.com/acorn-inspired-popcorn-snacks/#respond Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:35:13 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=42380 If you are looking for an acorn-inspired snack idea, you are in the right place! Featured today, I am sharing an acorn-inspired popcorn ball stuffed with peanut butter, covered in chocolate, and topped with nuts and a cookie stem. Ingredients 1 bag of popcorn 1/4 bag of jumbo marshmallows 1/4 stick of butter 1/4 cup of brown sugar Peanut butter Chocolate wafers Small pre-made cookies, cut into quarters Nut toppings Some tools you may want include parchment paper to handle […]

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If you are looking for an acorn-inspired snack idea, you are in the right place! Featured today, I am sharing an acorn-inspired popcorn ball stuffed with peanut butter, covered in chocolate, and topped with nuts and a cookie stem.Acorn-Inspired Popcorn Snacks

Ingredients

  • 1 bag of popcorn
  • 1/4 bag of jumbo marshmallows
  • 1/4 stick of butter
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • Peanut butter
  • Chocolate wafers
  • Small pre-made cookies, cut into quarters
  • Nut toppings

Some tools you may want include parchment paper to handle the popcorn and to set it on while the chocolate dries. You may also want a melon baller or cookie scoop to scoop out the peanut butter.

Acorn-Inspired Popcorn SnacksDirections

Place the popcorn bag in the microwave, pop, and set aside in a bowl. On the stovetop, use low heat to melt the marshmallows, butter, and brown sugar. Stir well until the mixture is combined.

Separate the popped popcorn from any kernels that did not pop. Pour the popcorn into the marshmallow mixture. Stir with a large spoon.

While you are doing these steps, you can also be microwaving the chocolate wafers 30 seconds at a time, stirring, and microwaving until completely melted.

Next, I use parchment paper as a sort of glove to handle the popcorn at this point so it does not stick to me. The parchment paper helps you to roll it into the correct shape.

Take a large spoonful of the popcorn, and flatten it into the parchment paper. Use the melon baller or cookie scoop, and drop one scoop of peanut butter inside. Roll the popcorn around the peanut butter to form an acorn shape. You can add more popcorn at this point if you need to.

Dip the end of the popcorn into the chocolate. Sprinkle the nut toppings on top. Place the 1/4 piece of a pre-made cookie on top as the stem.

Serve, and enjoy! These are fun for themed movie nights, woodland creature-themed parties, and more.

Acorn-Inspired Popcorn Snacks

Personally, I was inspired by the release of Flora & Ulysses on Disney+ on February 19, 2021. Our family enjoys themed movie snacks to celebrate movie premieres. These will be a nice treat to make it a special weekend celebration.

Acorn-Inspired Popcorn SnacksFor more recipe ideas, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on InstagramTwitterFacebookPinterest, and YouTube.

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3 Ways to Serve Watermelon on Valentine’s Day https://theresasreviews.com/3-ways-to-serve-watermelon-on-valentines-day/ https://theresasreviews.com/3-ways-to-serve-watermelon-on-valentines-day/#respond Mon, 08 Feb 2021 21:00:17 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=42363 Are you looking for nutritious Valentine’s Day treats? If so, you are in the right place! Featured today, I’m sharing three fun and festive ways you can serve watermelon for Valentine’s Day. Although watermelon might not be the typical fruit you think of for this holiday, this refreshing treat can make snack time special. All the recipes require heart-shaped cookie cutters. You can re-use them later in the year to make the shape of leaves, Rudolf, and more. Watermelon Pizza […]

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Are you looking for nutritious Valentine’s Day treats? If so, you are in the right place! Featured today, I’m sharing three fun and festive ways you can serve watermelon for Valentine’s Day.

Although watermelon might not be the typical fruit you think of for this holiday, this refreshing treat can make snack time special.

All the recipes require heart-shaped cookie cutters. You can re-use them later in the year to make the shape of leaves, Rudolf, and more.

3 Ways to Serve Watermelon on Valentine's Day

Watermelon Pizza

You will need:

  • Watermelon
  • Whipped Cream
  • Blueberries
  • 2 different sizes of heart-shaped cutters

Directions:

Slice watermelon, and cut it with the heart-shaped cutters. The larger heart-shaped slice goes on the bottom. Spread whipped cream on top. Then place the smaller heart-shaped slice in the middle. Place blueberries on the outer edges. Serve, and enjoy.

3 Ways to Serve Watermelon on Valentine's Day

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Use a small heart-shaped cutter to cut out the watermelon from a large slice. Place each piece on a skewer.

On the stovetop, mix together white chocolate and and shortening, and lightly heat them until they melt. Use a spoon to coat the chocolate onto the watermelon. Add a dash of red sprinkles. Serve, and enjoy.

3 Ways to Serve Watermelon on Valentine's Day

Cupid’s Watermelon Arrows

Cut the hearts with a small heart-shaped cutter. Set to the side.

Slice a grapefruit or orange, whichever you prefer. Some should be the size of a half-moon, and some should be the shape of a small pizza slice.

First, place the large piece of grapefruit on the skewer. Then add the watermelon. Finally, add the smaller piece of grapefruit. Enjoy!

For more festive recipe ideas, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on InstagramTwitterFacebookPinterest, and YouTube.

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Go, Dog. Go! Now Streaming on Netflix https://theresasreviews.com/go-dog-go-now-streaming-on-netflix/ https://theresasreviews.com/go-dog-go-now-streaming-on-netflix/#respond Tue, 26 Jan 2021 21:45:09 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=42359 Welcome to Pawston! Go, Dog. Go! Zooms on to Netflix today. Based on the best-selling children’s book by PD Eastman, 9 all-new paw-some episodes are now available to stream. For the first time, my daughter joined me for a press junket! After watching all the new episodes, we interviewed Executive Producer Adam Peltzman (Odd Squad, Wallykazam!). Check it out below. Based on PD Eastman’s beloved, classic children’s book (over 8 million copies sold!), Go, Dog. Go! follows 6-year-old Tag Barker on her […]

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Welcome to Pawston! Go, Dog. Go! Zooms on to Netflix today. Based on the best-selling children’s book by PD Eastman, 9 all-new paw-some episodes are now available to stream.

For the first time, my daughter joined me for a press junket! After watching all the new episodes, we interviewed Executive Producer Adam Peltzman (Odd Squad, Wallykazam!). Check it out below.

Based on PD Eastman’s beloved, classic children’s book (over 8 million copies sold!), Go, Dog. Go! follows 6-year-old Tag Barker on her adventures in the city of Pawston, a fun-loving community of dogs on the go.

Tag is a skilled mechanic and loves anything that goes. With her ingenuity and creativity, Tag can go as far as any plan will take her with her best friend Scooch Pooch by her side. Check out two paw-fect clips below from the season premiere of the ulti-mutt extravaganza of, you guessed it, dogs, dogs and more dogs in Go, Dog. Go!.

The cast includes Michaela Luci as Tag Barker, Callum Shoniker as Scooch Pooch, Katie Griffin as Ma Barker, Martin Roach as Paw Barker, Lyon Smith as Spike Barker and Gilber Barker, Tajja Isen  as Cheddar Biscuit, Judy Marshank as Grandma Barker, and Patrick McKenna as Grandpaw Barker.

Are you looking for puppy-themed snacks to enjoy while watching the show? Check out these puppy pizza snacks!

For more entertainment news, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on InstagramTwitterFacebookPinterest, and YouTube.

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Kira’s Ultimate Collection Arrives & Doll Giveaway! https://theresasreviews.com/kiras-ultimate-collection-doll-giveaway/ https://theresasreviews.com/kiras-ultimate-collection-doll-giveaway/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2021 19:35:28 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=42332 From this past summer in my American Girl Writing & Acting 5-Day Class to today, almost 500 students and I have speculated about what the GOTY 2021 would be like. I heard many predictions of a doll who lived through the pandemic, and I enjoyed hearing several stories about a doll who travels, but none were quite like Kira’s incredible adventures in Australia set sometime after March of 2021. Recently, my children and I received GOTY 2021 Kira’s Ultimate Collection. […]

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From this past summer in my American Girl Writing & Acting 5-Day Class to today, almost 500 students and I have speculated about what the GOTY 2021 would be like. I heard many predictions of a doll who lived through the pandemic, and I enjoyed hearing several stories about a doll who travels, but none were quite like Kira’s incredible adventures in Australia set sometime after March of 2021.

Recently, my children and I received GOTY 2021 Kira’s Ultimate Collection. It comes with everything you need to get started with your Kira collection, including: the Kira doll and two chapter books, Kira’s accessories, Kira’s wildlife rescue set, Kira’s koala pajamas, Kira’s casual outfit, and Kira’s koala.

Check out our video of Kira arriving! Watching, liking, and subscribing will also count towards the Kira doll giveaway. Make sure to read to the end to get credit for your entry.

One amazing thing about every GOTY doll is that they share an inspiring message. Like others before her, Kira has a cause that she is passionate about: wildlife! This is especially relevant because in 2019-2020, billions of animals were killed or displaced in Australia’s wildfires.

Kira's Ultimate Collection

Kira’s Ultimate Collection comes with the casual outfit: a white tee with Australia graphics, a tie-dye skirt, a headband, and fabric sandals.Kira's Ultimate CollectionNext, check out the adorable koala pajamas! These come in girls’ sizes too so you can match your doll. The doll koala slippers are soft and fuzzy!

The outfit matches her plush koala. This koala is larger than the joey that comes with Kira’s Animal Exam Table. It stands about 1/3 the size of the doll.
Kira's Ultimate CollectionShe arrives wearing a pink and purple tie-dye tank top, a green pleated skirt, a pair of brown lace-up boots and purple socks, and sparkly purple bracelet.

You can set the scene for her outdoor adventures with the accessories, which include an outdoor backpack, a koala keychain, a brown hat, two Australia postcards, and two photos of animals.

To show Kira’s love of animals, play with the wagon, animal carrier, a plush wombat, a pair of binoculars, a blanket, a walkie talkie, and a bandage.

Kira's Ultimate Collection

One of the best parts of American Girl GOTY dolls is getting to know their story. I highly suggest reading all three books in Kira’s collection. They include two fiction chapter books: Kira Down Under and Kira’s Animal Rescue, and a non-fiction book about climate change Love the Earth.

The Sammie and Georgie Show is putting together a collection of environmental drawings, posters, and videos to help raise awareness. You can send a photo or video that shows your best effort to help the environment to agenvironmentalhelpers@gmail.com. Make sure to include your preferred name and age if you want it included.

Join me to socialize about Kira. Children and tweens can join me for an American Girl Kira Bailey Book Chat! Come having read at least some of one of the books so you can share your favorite parts.

Kira's Ultimate Collection

Another exciting way to celebrate the release of Kira is to check out the fun, free Kira-themed games. Girly Gamer shared her reaction below! Watching, liking, and subscribing is another entry in the doll giveaway.

Isn’t Kira super fun to play with? My kids are already including her in their stop motion videos. Here’s one that counts as another entry!

Kira Doll Giveaway

You can enter to win a Kira doll!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more doll news, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on InstagramTwitterFacebookPinterest, and YouTube.

Kira's Ultimate Collection

Disclosure: I received a free item, but it in no way influenced my opinion.

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Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2 Interview & New Clips https://theresasreviews.com/jurassic-world-camp-cretaceous-season-2-interview-new-clips/ https://theresasreviews.com/jurassic-world-camp-cretaceous-season-2-interview-new-clips/#respond Fri, 22 Jan 2021 14:50:33 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=42324 Dinosaur fans, I’ve got the show for you! Netflix released Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2. I was excited to find a kid-friendly animated show that my 10 year old enjoys. When we watched it together, we both enjoyed the adventure, the fantastic visuals, and the interesting plot twists. In season 2, it’s all about survival while the kids are isolated together. When the kids stick together, they can get through anything! The timing for this message couldn’t have been […]

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Dinosaur fans, I’ve got the show for you! Netflix released Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2. I was excited to find a kid-friendly animated show that my 10 year old enjoys. When we watched it together, we both enjoyed the adventure, the fantastic visuals, and the interesting plot twists.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2 Interview & New Clips

In season 2, it’s all about survival while the kids are isolated together. When the kids stick together, they can get through anything!

The timing for this message couldn’t have been more ideal for today’s tweens. As they deal with isolation, the news can be as terrifying as a T-Rex. With current events becoming very relevant to our daily lives, they are as unignorable as a dinosaur’s roar.

Today, children are learning to stick together to make it through these times, even if it is virtually through Zoom calls. With supporting one another mattering right now to this age group, the show is relevant and inspiring.

Are you wondering what goes on behind the scenes to create such a visually impressive and interesting animated cartoon? I had the awesome opportunity to be able to interview the executive producer Scott Kreamer.

Scott Kreamer is the Emmy nominated executive producer of the highly anticipated Netflix original series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous from DreamWorks Animation, inspired by the multi-billion dollar Jurassic World franchise from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.

Prior to Jurassic World, Kreamer served as co-executive producer and story editor of DreamWorks Cleopatra in Space, now streaming on Peacock.

Previously he was an executive producer and story editor of Nickelodeon’s Pinky Malinky and co-executive producer of DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness. Additional credits include Disney’s Doug, Warner Bros. Animation’s Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain and Universal Animation’s Casper. He currently resides in Los Angeles.

Check out these exciting new clips from Season 2! First, discover what happens when the kids get a sign of hope, only to have it taken away.

Next, the T-Rex is about to attack! See how the team works together to solve this problem.

Dinosaurs are attacking! Setting the stegosauruses free might help.

Water matters to everyone’s survival. How will they make sure they have enough?

From DreamWorks Animation, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous returns for a second season! Now stranded on an abandoned Isla Nublar, the campers struggle to survive among the wreckage of Jurassic World.

As the T.Rex takes over Main Street, forcing the kids deeper into the jungle, the discovery that they may not be alone not only threatens their rescue but may uncover something more sinister. Inspired by the Jurassic World franchise, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous follows six teenagers chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Camp Cretaceous, a new adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar, must work together to survive when dinosaurs wreak havoc across the island.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2 is now available! Check it out on Netflix.

For more entertainment news, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on InstagramTwitterFacebookPinterest, and YouTube.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2 Interview & New Clips

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American Girl Outfits for Tweens & Children https://theresasreviews.com/american-girl-outfits-tweens-children/ https://theresasreviews.com/american-girl-outfits-tweens-children/#respond Tue, 19 Jan 2021 19:23:50 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=42306 Help avoid a mid-year learning slump! Motivate your children to stay focused on their schoolwork. Something that helps my children maintain an interest in their virtual learning is new clothes. Updating their wardrobe helps make the morning more special. American Girl outfits for girls are comfortable and stylish. Over the years, I’ve received several comments asking to buy our old outfits because the company retires them. Willa’s gardening outfit and Luciana’s dress for girls are two that are in high […]

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Help avoid a mid-year learning slump! Motivate your children to stay focused on their schoolwork. Something that helps my children maintain an interest in their virtual learning is new clothes. Updating their wardrobe helps make the morning more special. American Girl outfits for girls are comfortable and stylish.

Over the years, I’ve received several comments asking to buy our old outfits because the company retires them. Willa’s gardening outfit and Luciana’s dress for girls are two that are in high demand, but we adore them too much to sell them at this time.

If you love any of these outfits — and they’re still available — you should make sure to get them quickly. This isn’t a sponsored article. I’m sharing because we found most of these at a great price in the Year-End sale. That makes me wonder whether they could be retired soon.

American Girl Truly Me Mixed Print Dress and Moto Jacket - American Girl Outfits for Tweens & Children - Enjoying Family Life

Two years after getting the Truly Me dolls that look like my daughters, we finally have the matching outfits! Even though my daughter has gone from being a child to a tween, her interest in American Girl dolls has only grown more in this time.

With a fun blue mesh trim on the skirt, the Mixed-Print Dress is brightly colored and perfect for springtime. Match your Truly Me doll with the bright blue Moto Jacket. American Girl Truly Me Moto Jacket and Stay True to the Real You Tee - American Girl Outfits for Tweens & Children - Enjoying Family Life

Made with comfortable French terry knit material, the Moto jacket is as comfortable as a hoodie. It has a stylish sipper and collar, and it looks great paired with tee shirts too.

With an empowering message, the Stay True to the Real You tee has bright pink and blue colors. While it’s cozy for class, it also works for athletic activities.

American Girl Z's Camera T-Shirt - Enjoying Family Life

My tween daughter works hard to balance her creative goals along with school work. Inspire creativity and give a reminder to stay positive with this Smile tee-shirt. Along with Z’s Camera T-Shirt, you might also check out Z’s Media Kit  that comes with a real mini green screen, director’s megaphone, movie award, and more.

American Girl Courtney Moore's Care Bear Pajamas - Enjoying Family Life

Stay cozy in this knee-length fleece nightshirt. Courtney Moore’s Care Bear Pajamas come with an adorable 1980’s Care Bears™ graphic on the front.

Bonjour Fashion Tee for Girls - Flower Market Skirt for Girls - the World Traveler in France & French Souvenir Set for 18-inch Dolls - American Girl Outfits for Tweens & Children - Enjoying Family Life

Dress up to travel to Paris! The Bonjour Fashion Tee for Girls has a glittery “Bonjour et Au Revoir” Eiffel Tower graphic and adorable bow sleeves. It looks delightful when paired with the bright, bold-colored Flower Market Skirt for Girls.

If you like French fashion and food, you also might check out the latest release in the Dream Destinations sets, the World Traveler in France & French Souvenir Set for 18-inch Dolls.

Bonjour Fashion Tee for Girls - Flower Market Skirt for Girls - the World Traveler in France & French Souvenir Set for 18-inch Dolls - Enjoying Family Life

Coming back from a long, relaxing Winter Break, these American Girl outfits helped inspire my daughters to care more about their school work. Having beautiful, bright new outfits reminds them how special it is to be a student.

For more doll news, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on InstagramTwitterFacebookPinterest, and YouTube.

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‘Unboxing’ Gabby’s Dollhouse with an Interview with Creators and FREE Craft and Recipe Ideas https://theresasreviews.com/unboxing-gabbys-dollhouse-with-an-interview-with-creators-and-free-craft-and-recipe-ideas/ https://theresasreviews.com/unboxing-gabbys-dollhouse-with-an-interview-with-creators-and-free-craft-and-recipe-ideas/#respond Fri, 08 Jan 2021 18:36:19 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=42276 If you love kittens, hug attacks and cupcake sprinkle parties, the new Dreamworks show Gabby’s Dollhouse is for you. The show is about a girl named Gabby, played by Laila Lockhart Kraner, who hugs her stuffed cat and magically transforms into an animated character in her own dollhouse. The show has an adorable concept of diving into a dollhouse, and it teaches a valuable lesson about growth mindset. For Gabby, learning is a process that doesn’t mean getting it right […]

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If you love kittens, hug attacks and cupcake sprinkle parties, the new Dreamworks show Gabby’s Dollhouse is for you. The show is about a girl named Gabby, played by Laila Lockhart Kraner, who hugs her stuffed cat and magically transforms into an animated character in her own dollhouse.

The show has an adorable concept of diving into a dollhouse, and it teaches a valuable lesson about growth mindset. For Gabby, learning is a process that doesn’t mean getting it right every single time she tries.

Each episode begins with Gabby getting mail from her bright neon purple mail chute. The box looks different each time to hint at the adventure of the day. In the first episode, the mail arrives in a black box decorated with sparkly space stickers. The second episode has a new adventure to unbox with a red and white striped box decorated with music note stickers.

In this beginning mail scene, I could see a similarity to Blues Clues, which creators Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey worked on. Traci Paige Johnson created Blues Clues, and Jennifer Twomey produced and wrote it. While Blues Clues is one of my favorite preschool shows, Gabby’s Dollhouse has a modern appeal with the color scheme and unboxing concept.

When I learned that I would be interviewing creators Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, I was excited. I teach a class that shows students how to make a movie either with live action video or stop motion featuring their American Girl dolls. My students create an original story, and they act it out with their dolls as they picture themselves diving into their doll’s world, just like Gabby does in this show.

I thought it was interesting to ask the creators about mixed media animation and developing strong scripts. They gave helpful tips and ideas. You can also see pop-in appearances from each of my daughters and our puppy. Check out my interview below.

Check out these fun craft and recipe ideas.

Celebrate the space theme in episode 1 of season 1! Make a space chain using simple materials. Only pipe cleaners are needed.Create delicious Sticky Cat Paws to enjoy while watching the show.

Season 1 of Gabby’s Dollhouse is currently available on Netflix. Season 2 premiering on January 26th.

For more doll news, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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Meet American Girl GOTY 2021 Kira Bailey https://theresasreviews.com/meet-american-girl-goty-2021-kira-bailey/ https://theresasreviews.com/meet-american-girl-goty-2021-kira-bailey/#comments Fri, 01 Jan 2021 03:05:49 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=42255 American Girl has introduced its brand new Girl of the Year 2021, Kira Bailey! My children and I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this year’s doll, and we can’t wait to add her to our collection. Her story shares a positive, inspiring, and kind message that will encourage girls to make a difference. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking, I will receive payment. Kira is one of the few dolls to […]

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American Girl has introduced its brand new Girl of the Year 2021, Kira Bailey! My children and I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this year’s doll, and we can’t wait to add her to our collection. Her story shares a positive, inspiring, and kind message that will encourage girls to make a difference.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking, I will receive payment.

Kira is one of the few dolls to feature another country in her accessories, along with Grace who travels to Paris. With an adorable line of koala bears and kangaroo accessories, Kira travels to Australia where she aims to help the environment and animals.

Meet American Girl GOTY 2021 Kira BaileyWhether she’s caring for an orphaned koala joey or facing a bushfire that’s threatening her great-aunts’ wildlife sanctuary in Australia, Kira confronts critical ecological issues, such as wildlife protection and the threat of climate change, that are more relevant to our planet than ever.

“As American Girl kicks off its 35th year, Kira joins our lineup of diverse and purposeful characters who star in stories that reflect the realities of the times—whether it’s historical or modern-day,” says Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “As we all witnessed the bushfires rage in Australia last year and start up again this September, and the devastating wildfires in the western United States, we knew it was important to focus Kira’s story on the major conservation and climate challenges facing our planet today—causes that are extremely important to today’s youth. Through Kira, we hope our fans will learn that we all have a part to play in taking positive action for our planet.” Meet American Girl GOTY 2021 Kira Bailey

To further support Kira’s message, American Girl is partnering with NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, Inc. (WIRES), Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for sick, injured, and orphaned animals, including those impacted by bushfires and drought. Today through December 30, 2021, American Girl is supporting the organization’s mission to rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife by matching customer donations dollar for dollar up to a maximum of $25,000. To learn more about how American Girl is helping WIRES, click here.

Check out all the amazing outfits and accessories you can get in her gift trunk!

Meet American Girl GOTY 2021 Kira Bailey

Another beautiful Kira accessory is her Comfy Platform Tent. With the mosquito netting, bug spray, and ‘G’day, Mate!’ sign, these items will transport your child to the Outback.

Meet American Girl GOTY 2021 Kira Bailey

“Last year, Australia’s fire season was unlike anything previously experienced in terms of scale and severity, with fires destroying millions of hectares of land—much of which was threatened-species habitat,” says Kyla Shelley, Chief Operating Officer for WIRES.

“Wild species worldwide are facing enormous challenges—including extinction—mainly due to habitat loss, natural disasters, and climate change. Just like Kira discovers, everyone can get involved in wildlife rescue and protection, and it’s not too late to make a difference wherever you live.”

Meet American Girl GOTY 2021 Kira Bailey

To create Kira, American Girl worked hand in hand with author Erin Teagan, who holds a master’s degree in science and traveled to Australia to gain a deeper understanding of Kira’s experiences. Other consultants specializing in Australian wildlife and culture reviewed all aspects of Kira’s world—from manuscripts to products—to help ensure every detail was rooted in real practices and science, with the following two experts playing an integral role:

  • Alison Bee — Veterinarian, owner and manager of Magnetic Island Animal Hospital, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas in North Queensland, Australia. 
  • Tassin Barnard — Owner and manager of the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park, a wildlife preserve on the central coast of New South Wales.Meet American Girl GOTY 2021 Kira Bailey

In the two-book series, Kira is excited to leave her home state of Michigan and spend her summer abroad at her great-aunts’ Mamie and Lynette’s wildlife sanctuary and vet clinic in Queensland, Australia. There she learns to care for injured or orphaned animals with her new friend Alexis. But when a roving predator and a raging bushfire threaten the sanctuary, Kira must rise to the challenge to protect her family and the animals she loves. In the end, Kira learns you can’t let the fear of the worst keep you from living your best.

Bringing the stories to life is a beautiful 18-inch Kira doll, featuring green eyes and long, wavy blonde hair, that comes dressed in a tie-dye tank, sporty skirt, and lace-up boots perfect for bushwalking. Kira’s signature accessories include an outdoor backpack with koala keychain and a wide-brimmed hat to protect her from the Australian sun. Girls can choose from several other Australian-inspired outfits, including Kira’s girl-and-doll koala PJs, as well as adorable plush animals like a kangaroo and joey, koala, and a wombat (part of Kira’s Wildlife Rescue Set). To extend the play further, there’s Kira’s Animal Exam Table and Comfy Platform Tent—both with over 20 authentic accessories—to fuel girls’ imaginations.

To celebrate Kira’s debut, fans can participate in the following activities and events:

  • Tune in to American Girl’s first-ever Virtual 2021 Girl of the Year Event on December 31 at 3 p.m. ET and be among the first to see Kira’s products, watch Kira videos, check out real wildlife in care in Australia, and other fun activities.
  • Visit American Girl retail stores on December 31–January 3 to explore and shop Kira’s world, where kids will receive a free tote bag with a kangaroo joey design and a koala craft while supplies last.
  • Watch Kira-inspired videos on American Girl’s popular YouTube and YouTube Kids Channel, including a six-week “Meet Kira stop-motion series, plus Kira music videos, DIY crafts, and other Kira-inspired content throughout the year.
  • Learn more from the experts involved in Kira’s development and other amazing girls who are making a positive difference for our planet by tuning into our “Making of Kira” video and reading about “Why Kira Matters.”
  • Have fun on Kira’s free dedicated play site and explore her wildlife sanctuary and play Kira-themed games.

As a companion to Kira’s stories, American Girl is also introducing a nonfiction advice book, Love the Earth, for readers 8 and up. The fully illustrated guide helps readers understand climate change and offers tips and tools for living an earth-friendly life. Available January 1, the book is a great choice for emerging environmentalists who want to speak up for climate change solutions. More climate-related events and partnerships will launch in April 2021.

The Kira collection is available December 31, 2020, at americangirl.com and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide and, starting January 1, 2021, at American Girl specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ locations in Canada and online at Indigo.ca. The Kira doll and book retails for $110 and the Kira books ($7.99 each) can also be purchased through retail and online booksellers.

In a time when our family won’t be traveling anytime soon, Kira will bring us many incredible adventures!

For more doll news, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Meet American Girl GOTY 2021 Kira Bailey

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Kid’s Movies I’m Looking Forward to in 2021 https://theresasreviews.com/kids-movies-im-looking-forward-to-in-2021/ https://theresasreviews.com/kids-movies-im-looking-forward-to-in-2021/#respond Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:48:32 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=41769 Entertainment has become a lifeline connecting us with others. It offers a conversation piece when not much is new that is good. This has been a year of adjusting or even lowering expectations for many things: education, shopping, and productivity to name a few. However, creative and incredible movies are one part of our old normal that we haven’t lowered expectations for in 2020. Although there have been vast changes to the entertainment experience — pushing back release dates and […]

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Entertainment has become a lifeline connecting us with others. It offers a conversation piece when not much is new that is good.

This has been a year of adjusting or even lowering expectations for many things: education, shopping, and productivity to name a few. However, creative and incredible movies are one part of our old normal that we haven’t lowered expectations for in 2020.

Although there have been vast changes to the entertainment experience — pushing back release dates and movies being released straight to homes — the movies themselves are as entertaining as ever. With more movies being consumed than ever before, they’re delivering the comedic relief, cinematic escape, and action-packed adventures that we all need.

Featured today on Theresa’s Reviews, I’m sharing the movies I look forward to enjoying with my family in 2021. We can’t wait to come up with creative ways to celebrate each and every movie in our home.

Jungle Cruise

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021Jungle Cruise is an action adventure comedy film from Disney that is expected to release in July 2021. The timing is perfect — in summertime when the weather is hot and we’re all dreaming of adventures.

The movie is based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles but with a supernatural element.

Seeing the epic riverboat attraction come to life seems epic, especially when we can’t visit the ride ourselves. The movie stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.

Paddington 3

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021

One of the most heartwarming children’s movies is the Paddington Bear franchise. Not much is known yet about the new movie featuring the marmalade-loving bear in Paddington 3, but whatever silly adventures the bear is getting into, I’ll be there to see.

The Bad Guys

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021

Based on the hysterical, popular graphic novel series written by Aaron Blabey, the movie features Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula as they hatch a plot to pull off the ultimate heist.

I’ve really liked that this book series encourages my children to read more often, and I look forward to having them compare the books to the movie.

The Addams Family 2

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021

This sequel to the 2019 film The Addams Family is expected to release in time for Halloween 2021. The movie features a star-studded cast that includes Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Bette Midler to name a few.

The wacky and unexpected macabre antics of the Adams family are back! With the arrival of a new baby, they’re sure to offer a story that will leave us stork-raving-mad about the movie franchise.

Luca

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021

Disney has been committed to diversity with an effort to make films featuring different cultures and filmmakers who authentically represent that culture. Luca appears to continue in that tradition with a plot about a boy adventuring with sea monsters on the Italian Riviera with a directorial debut by Italian filmmaker Enrico Casarosa.

I’m hoping for a visually impressive movie that makes me feel as though I’m back in Italy in the summertime enjoying my own grandparent’s culture.

Peter Rabbit 2

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is expected to release by Easter 2021. In this silly, adorable movie, the lovably naughty, carrot-chomping, rogue Peter Rabbit is back in an all new adventure. Bored of life in the garden, Peter goes to the big city where he meets undesirable characters and needs to be rescued.

I’m sure we can all relate to Peter feeling a bit bored at home lately. It could be nice if there’s a message about not needing to travel far to be happy.

The Boss Baby: Family Business

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021

In this sequel to The Boss Baby franchise, the Templeton brothers have become adults and drifted apart. A new boss baby might inspire them to reunite and begin a family business. Stars in the cast include Amy Sedaris, James Marsden, Alec Baldwin, Lisa Kudrow, and more.

Talking babies — especially ones that become adults — sounds like the concept for a silly, entertaining film that can keep us distracted from more serious news stories. With a plot about sibling rivalry, it seems to have a meaningful, relevant theme in this time of family needing to come together to be there for one another.

Cruella

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021

We all know the puptastic story of 101 Dalmatians. Now we will be able to enjoy an all-new prequel that follows a young Cruella de Vil played by Emma Stone. Hopefully the origin story will offer an explanation for Cruella de Vil’s spotty behavior. It would be nice to come up with some reasons to have compassion towards the villain I’ve detested since my own childhood.

Pinocchio

Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021

Releasing in movie theaters on Christmas of 2020, Pinocchio won’t reach homes until 2021. The film claims to be a darker version of the classic children’s fairy tale. With visually stunning details, the trailer does look dark and ominous, yet it also appears interesting and captivating.

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Kid's Movies I'm Looking Forward to in 2021

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Snow Day Kid’s Activities to Do at Home https://theresasreviews.com/snow-day-kids-activities-home/ https://theresasreviews.com/snow-day-kids-activities-home/#respond Wed, 16 Dec 2020 23:45:33 +0000 https://theresasreviews.com/?p=41757 If you’re looking for snow day kid’s activities to do at home, you’re in the right place! Featured today on Theresa’s Reviews, I’m sharing the top-searched activities to do at home during the first nor’easter winter storm of the year. There are plenty of free printable activities, snack ideas, and more! Movie night snow-day celebration Since you’re most likely throwing on Disney+ or Netflix as soon as virtual school is done, make it a special celebration with these fun activities. […]

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If you’re looking for snow day kid’s activities to do at home, you’re in the right place! Featured today on Theresa’s Reviews, I’m sharing the top-searched activities to do at home during the first nor’easter winter storm of the year.

There are plenty of free printable activities, snack ideas, and more!

Snow Day Kid's Activities to Do at Home Movie night snow-day celebration

Since you’re most likely throwing on Disney+ or Netflix as soon as virtual school is done, make it a special celebration with these fun activities. Since these are simple and engaging, they help make sure you can get your work done, or find some Me Time and relax!

 
 
 

Snow Day Kid's Activities to Do at Home

Continue your children’s education

If you’re trying to advance your children’s education while at home, you can use this time to check their school work and catch up on assignments.

For more ideas, you can check out Online Educational Resources for Children Stuck at Home.

You also might enjoy reading How To Use IXL To Achieve Learning Goals.

Snow day snacks

Try these beautiful, delicious Frozen 2 Let It Snow Cookies and Academy Awards Party Golden Movie Star Popcorn.

Then, keep lunchtime or dinnertime simple by letting each person customize their own frozen pizza. After all, parents deserve a break on snow days too!

For more recipe inspiration, try this recipe for chocolate peppermint cake that is free of perishable ingredients. It’s perfect for a day when you’re snowed in and can’t run to the store.

How are you keeping your children entertained during snow days this year? Share in the comments!

For more ideas on how to enjoy life at home with the family, make sure to follow Enjoying Family Life on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Snow Day Kid's Activities to Do at Home

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