Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

The boys and I were super excited to get a sneak peak preview for Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. This is the 4th movie in the Hotel Transylvania series, and it’s just as entertaining as the first 3. We made a big, buttery bowl of popcorn, put our PJs on, and settled in to watch the fun unfold!

What would happen if a mysterious invention turned Drac into a human and Johnny into a monster? Check out the the movie on Prime Video on the 14th to see the trouble they get in! The two team up and race across the world to find a cure before it’s too late (and before they drive each other crazy). It’s another big name cast with Brian Hull, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kathryn Han, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Keegan-Michael Key, Fran Drescher, Brad Abrell and Asher Blinkoff.

Check out the trailer here. Hotel Transylvania: Transformania premieres on Prime Video January 14th. I can’t wait for everyone to see it….let me know what you think of the movie in the comments below!

*This post is sponsored by Review Wire Media for Amazon Studios & Sony Pictures Animation

6 Last Minute Self Care Gift Ideas

Need some last minute ideas for self care gifts for family or friends? Or even better, for yourself? Here are my ideas that can be delivered fast (and in most cases instantly!):

Milan Laser gift card – Give the gift of smooth! I can tell you firsthand laser hair removal WORKS. I’ve had both my bikini and lower legs treated. I absolutely love not having to shave every day. Laser hair removal not only saves me time from shaving, I also don’t have to stress about razor burn or irritation. Milan Laser Hair Removal has a lifetime guarantee, meaning, you get as many treatments as you need for one price (it’s what they refer to as their Unlimited Package). If you have a Milan near you (they have over 155 locations — 10 of which are in Michigan!) and want to find out more, you can book a free consultation. And, if you decide to purchase, you can use my custom discount code ‘Angela60’ for 60% off ANY body area (discount cannot be used on Full Body purchase)! They also sell gift cards!

Lapcos masks – I love these masks and they sell through Amazon with 2-day shipping as an option. I’ve tried all of them in the Variety pack and loved them. I have sensitive skin and had no problems with them. These make great stocking stuffers!

Olive & June Manicure or Pedicure System – You can shop online but if you’re in a pinch for timing they also sell gift cards that are uber cute and ship overnight! I love the full manicure system but if I had to choose my favorite products I’d pick their Dry Drops, Super Glossy Topcoat, and Clean Up Brush for perfecting my manicures. Doing my own nails has become very therapeutic for me. Check out my review of their manicure system here. Use code ‘XOAngela20’ for 20% off a manicure, pedicure or press-on system!

Wellness Journal – I love a good journal! My daily planner incorporates a weekly gratitude section, but I think keeping a wellness specific journal would be great for selfcare in 2022.

Weighted Blanket – I purchased these for my parents last year and they were a hit! There are several options on Amazon that can ship fast. Or if you can make it to the store Bed, Bath & Beyond & Walmart have several to choose from. Weighted blankets can help with stress and anxiety, and also provide a better nights sleep. Just curling up with one and a good book sound amazing to me!

Deep Tissue Massage – We have one of these massagers at home and we love it. I like to use it after a tough workout. The different attachments are awesome to test out.

The Delicious Michigan Advent Calendar

If you love Michigan as much as I do, or need a gift idea for someone who loves all things Michigan, I have you covered. The Delicious Michigan Advent Calendar will treat you to a fun, Michigan gifts, throughout the month of December.

Behind each door you’ll find 24 mini versions of some of the most beloved products throughout the state of Michigan. Some of the brands include Zingerman’s, Sayklly’s, Dave’s Sweet Tooth and Mindo Chocolate. Some of the snacks include popcorn, carmels, hot chocolate, dried fruit and more.

The physical box is fairly large (21 inches x 14 inches) and all items are non-perishable. They also have boxes for Wisconsin, Illinois, Marquette University, Chicago and Minnesota. Some boxes are smaller and include 12 items instead of 24.

My boys can’t wait until December 1 so they can start opening the little doors. I’m going to post our items to an Instagram Story as we open them.

I can think of so many cool ideas for gifting this calendar….do you have friends or family that moved out of state and are missing home? Want to welcome someone back to Michigan? Have friends who just LOVE the Great Lake state? Or just to treat yourself and family! Start shopping – there are less than 100 calendars left!

*I received a Michigan Advent Calendar as a gift, but all opinions are my own

Holiday Gift Guide 2021 – Top STEM Toys

I was fortunate enough to get invited to The Toy Insider Holiday Gift preview in NYC. Anyone who knows me knows I jump at any chance to visit NYC. I’ll be doing ‘top toy/gift round-ups’ leading up to Cyber weekend.

Here’s a list of this season’s top 10 STEM gifts:

  • The Young Scientist Club Future Veterinarian set (5+) – This hands-on science kit includes 10+ engaging activities that will teach little learners the ins and outs of veterinary science.
  • HEXBUG HEXMODS Pro Series Elite Raceway (14+) – Adults and children can work together to create their own scale model vehicles for road play.
  • Arcade Game Maker Lab Candy Claw Machine (6+ w/ adult help) – Cranks, gears, and belts work together to move the claw arm left, right, forward, and backward. Hydraulic levers move the claw up and down, open and shut. A spring-loaded trap door launches your prizes at you when you win.
  • Osmo Math Wizard and the Secrets of the Dragons Game (6-8) – Learn measurement & estimation through hands-on play on a 1st & 2nd grade math adventure!
  • Crayola Paper Butterfly Science Kit (7+) – This science kit features everything needed to make 12 Wicking Paper Butterflies, as well as a guide with step-by-step instructions. Kids can learn about capillary action as they use physics to create colorful, one-of-a-kind paper butterflies!
  • Artie Max the Coding, Drawing Robot (8+) – Perfect for coders-in-training and robot pros alike, Artie Max teaches the artistic side of coding with five built-in languages (Blockley, Snap, JavaScipt, Python, and C++) allowing kids to level-up their STEM skills while creating frame-worthy works of art. Through safe built-in Wi-Fi, Artie speaks directly to your connected device—no internet needed.
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Magnetic Marble Run (8+) – With its innovative magnetic connectors, kids and adults alike can build, create and explore engineering on any magnetic surface.
  • Learning Resources Coding Critters MagiCoders: Blazer (4+) – Meet Blazer the Dragon, your magical coding friend! Your Preschoolers will discover the magic of 100% screen-free coding with this Learning Resources Coding Critters MagiCoders: Blazer.
  • Game Builder Garage – Nintendo Switch – Kids can learn how to make their own games with guided lessons created by Nintendo. From a simple game of tag to a run-and-jump obstacle course, each lesson is broken down into multiple, manageable segments that let kids go at their own pace—and have fun in the process.
  • Just Play Ada Twist, Scientist On-The-Go Lab Set with Experiment Cards (3+) – Parents and children can work together to create fun pre-school level experiments. Gather the needed tools and additional home supplies (not included) then follow the instructions on the experiment card. Just like Ada, aspiring scientists can formulate a hypothesis, test it, and observe the results!

*This post contains affiliate links

7 Tips for Stress Free School Year

One of my favorite sayings is “a failure to plan is a plan to fail.” Since my husband and I both work full time, back to school time takes a little bit of extra planning. I try to streamline our routines so we don’t get overwhelmed. Our kids don’t go back until after Labor Day, but I know a lot of school districts are already back in session. Here are a few things we did last year to help streamline our school days:

1 – Use a house planner or shared digital calendar. My husband and I both use Google Calendar and I put every school event, family committment, etc. on our calendars before school even starts. We also have a paper planner that we use with our nanny for vacation time, school events to prep for, etc.

2 – Create a daily checklist and hang or tape it inside a cabinet or closet near the door. Our school morning checklist is simple: 1) backpack, 2) lunch box, 3) two snacks and 4) a water bottle. For younger kids you can use pictures for your list instead of words, so they can ‘read’ the checklist themselves. Have kids look at this on the way out the door to double check they have everything for the day!

3 – Dinner can be the cause of a ton of stress in the school year (or anytime of year, really). A local service like Small Potatoes in Milford, MI has been a life saver for us. They create delicious, made from scratch meals that you can have delivered to your door. If you’re local to the Ann Arbor, MI area, I highly recommend checking them out! And if you’re not local, search for something similar close to you. I love that they are fully cookied and we don’t have to prep anything. I also try to prep 1-2 meals on the weekend as well.

4 – We ‘theme’ weekly breakfasts. For example, for a full week the boys will have pancakes for breakfast, then the next week it’s eggs and toast, etc. This helps to prevent from being a short order cook first thing in the AM. They know what to expect on the breakfast ‘menu’ each week.

5 – I was floored when I saw how many drawings, worksheets and journal entries Max brought home his first year of school. I would need 100 refrigerators to display them all! Instead of cluttering our fridge, I took pictures of his school work and art work at the end of each week and then threw them away. It sounds awful, I know, but at the end of the year I created a printed Shutterfly album with pictures of school work, art projects, report cards and pictures of him and his friends. I can’t believe how cute the album turned out, and Max was so pumped look through it! I plan on doing this for each boy every school year.

6 – Pack lunches the night before. I know, easier said than done. I found that even when I just set out the snacks and had them ready to go it made the mornings a little bit easier.

7 – Keep a running grocery list. I have a small note pad I leave on the kitchen counter so I can quickly jot down an itme I’m running low on. I know some people like to use a grocery list app on Alexa or Google Home devices as well. If I don’t keep a list of things throughout the week I never remember what I need when it comes time to grocery shop!

Do you have some ‘must-have’ back to school tips for keeping life less hectic for school? I wanna hear about them! Please comment below and share your tricks!

Beyond Van Gogh: Immersive Experience in Detroit

If you are into Van Gogh or even just art in general, I’d highly recommend the Beyond Van Gogh exhibit that is currently running in Detroit. The hour long immersive art exhibit is extremely unique and insightful into Van Gogh’s life and art – if you’re a fan of art, you won’t be disappointed.

When you first arrive you slowly walk through several rows of illuminated signs that tell the story of Van Gogh’s life through letters between him and his brother. Then you enter to a large room with music and ceiling to floor, wall to wall, projections of Van Gogh’s art. Some come alive (winking eyes, moving water) and some have quotes. You are truly immersed into his artwork and life for a brief period. The entire experience is about one hour and afterwards there’s a tiny little gift shop for Van Gogh swag.

Beyond Van Gogh is a great date night idea. Visit the exhibit and then try one of the many fabulous restaurants in Detroit right now. We went to Besa afterwards and it was delicious!

You could make this a family night out, however, just make sure kids are old enough to enjoy it. My two boys are 3 and 6, and personally, I would not take them. They would be bored and disruptive to folks trying to enjoy the exhibit.

Beyond Van Gogh will be at the TCF Center (formerly Cobo Hall) in Detroit through August 15th. Ticket start at 32.99 for adults (16+) and and $23.99 for kids (ages 5-15). You can buy your tickets here – if you really want to go, don’t wait, the best times are selling out fast! If you already went in Detroit or another city, please comment below – I want to know what you thought about the experience!

Detroit Dino Safari Giveaway

If driving through a Dino Safari is on your summer bucket list – I just so happen to have you covered! The Dino Safari animatronic dinosaur phenomenon, will be in Detroit at the Suburban Collection from June 11 through July 5 – and I have a ticket to giveaway! Keep reading…

The Dino Safari features a Covid safe drive-thru adventure. Through this adventure, you’ll get up close and personal with more than 40 animatronic, life-like dinosaurs! This visiting exhibit has English and Spanish audio guides and informative signage making this educational and entertaining!

Lucky for you, I’ve partnered with Dino Safari and they want to give one lucky XO, Angela reader a free ticket! The ticket admits one vehicle through the safari. Enter the giveaway below and I’ll select a winner Tuesday, June 22. Once I email the winner they will have 24 hours to respond before I choose another winner. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bookroo Giveaway

The weather is finally getting warmer in Michigan – hooray! Remember a few weeks ago I posted a review of Bookroo, a subscription book service? Well I have fun news – Bookroo is going to sponsor a giveaway for a free one month subscription of one lucky reader’s choice!

Use THIS LINK to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a Bookroo box for your littles! The winner will have the opportunity to choose between a board, picture or chapter book. Good luck!!

You must be 18+ and have a US mailing address to enter. Contest ends on May 13th. Once I select a winner they will have 48 hours to get back to me with their mailing address and book selection. If they do not, I will select another winner.

Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas

I love Halloween & Easter, but geez, I don’t like the amount of candy my kids get! For Easter specifically, I know they will be getting a ton of candy between baskets and Easter Egg hunts, so I never include candy in their basket. Here are some non-candy gift ideas (mostly geared towards boys since I’m a boy mom for life!).

Squishmallows

My kids are stuffed animal obsessed. Squishmallows are the squishiest stuffed animals you can find, hence the name, and my kids love them. They come in the fun colors and over 800+ characters (my current favorite is the Avocado), and usually have a new line out each season. Each has a name, but of my course my kids like to rename them the most ridiculous things. They come in a ton of different sizes, from 8 to 20 inches, there’s a size for every kid (or big kid adult :). They are sold in 40+ countries, and you can find them online at http://www.Squishmallows.com and Amazon.com. You can find them in store at Target, Claires, Five Below, Meijer, and around the holiday at Costco (and usually the really large ones the size of a bean bag!).

Legos

My oldest son is really getting into Legos and can finally do the sets by himself (within reason). It keeps him busy for hours and he’s so proud of his creations afterwards. I was never a Lego kid growing up but as an adult I love to build with my boys! They have such a large range of kit sizes it’s easy to find the perfect one for an Easter Basket.

Beyblades

My boys are so obsessed with Bakugans and Beyblades. I don’t mind them because they are small and don’t take up a ton of room. Beyblades are geared towards a little bit older kids (around 8) but my 3 year old has the hang of them and loves to play with them. This is a good option for them to play together too (they battle each other).

Smashers

Is it weird that I love these things? I would totally have been into them as a kid. Smashables are little eggs (appropritie for EAster!) that you smash open (they are plastic, don’t worry!) and there’s a little figurine inside. They also have giant eggs that have several smaller eggs and activities inside them. Usually all of the activities go together to create a dinosaur or some kind of creature.

Swim gear

Because we live in the Midwest, the weather usually starts to warm up around Easter time, and it gets us all excited for Summer. I always get the boys swim shorts and rashgauards for their Easter baskets, and they are usually matching (I’m going to match them until they fight me on it :). Goggles, dive toys, sand toys and pool floats are also good options! Old Navy has the cutest boy swim trunks right now!

I would love to hear any other ideas for non-candy Easter Basket stuffers! Please comment below!