10 Things that Made My Week Better

We just finished two weeks of Fall Break- two weeks of doing not a whole lot, since we just went to Disney World last month. Fortunately, my kids learned to play together again, and enjoy each other’s company. This is a shot I got of Punky performing on the ‘stage’ at Warner Park, with her biggest fan looking on. The show ended with a standing ovation.

That’s one good thing in my life right now. Here are eight more of them, just for you. And you. And you in the back… You, too.

Last week, I got an invitation to see a special Disney Second Screen viewing of  “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The kids were on Fall Break and we all love the movie, so we went- even though we had no idea of what to expect, beyond the fact that we would need our iPad. I am so glad we did- It was an awesome experience!

You download a special app for the performance (a video instructs you on how to do this before the movie begins) and the app syncs up with the movie. Throughout the film, we competed in games and singalongs on our iPads with other people in the audience. The movie has special dialogue and captions that go along with the games, so this is not a movie you want to go to if you’re not playing along. But the games are REALLY fun and appropriate for all ages, so I would definitely recommend the experience if you’re looking for something interactive to do with your family. Also, if you have more than one iPad, bring it- The three of us did fine with one, but my nine-year-old would probably have enjoyed the experience more if she didn’t have to share with her brother. Details on where the movie is playing can be found here.

 

Did you know you can shop TJ Maxx ONLINE now?! Y’all! This is HUGE! It’s mostly just women’s clothing and shoes and a very limited selection of housewares, but STILL! HUGE!

If you can make it to an actual TJ Maxx, my local store had some super-luxurious faux fur throws when I stopped in a few days ago for around $20 to $30 each. We bought three for the den so that everyone could snuggle underneath one when we watch movies together this fall and winter. (Dennis and I don’t mind sharing. The kids? Notsomuch.)  They are gorgeous, machine washable, and soooo soft. I’m in love.

 

I’m NOT a morning person and my kids hate cereal and oatmeal– NOT GOOD. But I finally tried this easy, quick Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie over fall break and suprise, surprise– They loved it! If you’re looking for something simple and healthy for your kids’ breakfasts, give it a try!

 

I’m a huge fan of This American Life, a weekly radio program on NPR. I’ve listened to it practically since it started airing 15 years ago and I’ve been catching up on missed episodes with the This American Life app. (The entire archive is also online.) Last week, one of the best TAL episodes I’ve ever heard aired- and my friend and business partner Demetria Kalodimos is in it! It’s called “Confessions,” and it’s definitely worth a listen.

 

David Sedaris’s sister, Tiffany, died several months ago and he wrote about it in the latest issue of The New Yorker. I’m a huge fan of his essays and since he’s written extensively about his family, reading of Tiffany’s death was especially poignant.

 

This just in from the kids — Scribblenauts is the new Minecraft. Both my six and nine year olds LOVE this app- and it’s only $.99 so I’m happy, too.

 

I try to workout just about every day, and the only way I can stay motivated is to have a great show to watch on my Kindle Fire while I’m at it. My current obsession? Parenthood. It is SOOOOOO GOOOOOOOD. I love it and heartily recommend it if you’re looking for something new to binge on.

 

Phineas and Ferb + Marvel Superheroes = My son’s BEST DAY EVER.

This miracle DVD is out now.

And finally?

This might be the best blog post I’ve ever read. Seriously. WOW.

Have a great weekend, everyone!