Travel

Disney’s ‘Moana’ is a Music-Filled Gem with an Empowering Message

November 25, 2016

There’s no denying the power of Disney movies.

From “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to “Finding Dory,” Disney’s animated films transport audiences to a magical world that’s typically filled with music, valuable lessons and of course courageous, strong characters—leaving you feeling happy, empowered and optimistic. That winning formula remains in place with the new release of “Moana.”

Last week, my kids and I were invited to a special preview screening hosted by The Moms and sponsored by Subway. Thanks to the “eat fresh” fast-food chain, the kids had a healthy sandwich, fresh fruit and juice to enjoy before the movie. After noshing on the tasty bites, they were excited to finally see the animated film on the big screen. Admittedly, I was looking forward to it too since I had learned about the movie earlier this year at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.

And we were in for a treat!

The movie opened with an adorable baby Moana, the lead and title character. Disney has a knack for creating lovable younger versions of characters that grow into the strong protagonists.

Disney

Moana is indeed a strong girl. Voiced by actress Auli’i Cravalho, she is an iron-willed leader determined to expand her horizons despite her father’s well-intentioned reservations. Without spoiling the story, she goes on a quest to help her village, which requires her to go on a dangerous voyage beyond the ocean’s shore. While on her journey, she encounters a friendly former demigod named Maui, played by actor Dwayne Johnson aka “The Rock.”

Together they take viewers on a fun, action-packed musical adventure that explores ancestry, bravery, friendship, and self-exploration.

These coconut pirate action figures and charm bracelets are a few of the Moana-inspired toys that come with Subway’s Fresh Fit for Kids meals.

The story was inspiring and I especially loved that Moana was a young girl of color that children can look up to. I applaud Disney for showcasing more diversity in their animated series and feature films. It’s so important that they see positive and dynamic characters that look like them on screens, big and small. My daughter is now obsessed with Moana and has added a few Moana-inspired items to her Christmas list! Oh, and I haven’t been able to get the catchy tune, “You’re Welcome,” out of my head since seeing the movie. It’s an ear-worm that I welcome!

If you’re looking for a feel-good, inspiring movie for your kids (especially daughters) this is a can’t-miss film!

“Moana” is now showing in theaters nationwide.

What’s your favorite animated Disney movie?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment

Kids Will Go Crazy for This Easy Thanksgiving Dessert

November 23, 2016

If you’ve got the beans, greens, potatoes and tomatoes ready for Thanksgiving, but are still stumped on what to serve the kids for dessert don’t fret; I’ve got you covered!

Why not whip up a batch of yummy Apple Pumpkin Spice muffins made with GoGo squeeZ’s seasonal (Apple Pumpkin Spice) applesauce? These sweet and cinnamon-y pastries are the perfect alternative for the sugar-laden treats that are typically presented during the holidays.

The recipe is easy, tasty and most importantly—healthy. The all-natural applesauce is a hit for moms because it’s made with real fruit and doesn’t have any of those unpronounceable ingredients or artificial flavors.

GoGo squeeZ Apple Pumpkin Spice Applesauce available here, prices may vary.

Plus, if your kids are like mine, simply mentioning the popular fruit-filled pouches will make them jump for joy. So, imagine their delight when they learn that their favorite snack will serve as the main ingredient for a delicious dessert. Trust me, you’re going to score major points for adding these muffins to the menu.

My kids are excited to prepare (and gobble) this simple recipe on dinner’s biggest day and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Below, find the foolproof recipe:

GoGo squeeZ Apple Pumpkin Spice Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups oats
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup water
3 pouches of GoGo squeeZ Apple Pumpkin Spice
Oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

*Preheat oven to 350°F.

*Grease muffin pans (24 total muffins).

*Mix all dry ingredients (except for nuts).

*Mix wet ingredients and slowly add to dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly.

*Fill muffin cups 2/3-3/4 full.

*Bake for approximately 25 minutes.

*Enjoy delicious, scrumptious Apple Pumpkin Spice Muffins!

What are some of your Thanksgiving dessert staples?

Category: Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Farm Fresh Festival Promotes Healthy Lifestyle for Kids

September 21, 2016

This past weekend, my family and I had the pleasure of attending the first Farm Fresh Festival for Kids here in New York City. Held at South Street Seaport, the event was created to inspire healthy habits, featuring farm-to-table foods. The one-day celebration was the perfect way to usher in the new school year.

Organized by the Generation Fresh Foundation, Howard Hughes Corporation, Fresh Kids and a host of community volunteers, entertainers, authors and small business owners, the event was a smorgasbord of fun.

Packed with tons of interactive and experiential discovery zones, kids were able to explore how their food is grown to actually making their very own healthy snacks. From small farm animals to hands-on cooking demos, children in attendance were treated to a ton of engaging activities that promoted a healthy and happy lifestyle. Throughout the space, children (and adults!) were able to snack on Fresh Kids pretzels, popcorn and veggie straws – my kids’ favorites.

These tasty nibbles were GMO-free and contained no artificial coloring or flavors – making them a win-win. The event also offered a sports zone where kids were encouraged to get moving. Not only did the festival promote the importance of being healthy and active, it also cultivated kids emotionally. Through the Kindness Corner, children were able to write notes to sick hospital patients, allowing them to show compassion for others.

Plus, the festival also served as a benefit to raise funds for non-profit organizations working in NYC to fight childhood obesity, hunger and poor nutrition.

My two little ones couldn’t get enough of petting the farm animals and playing games, but for me the highlight was meeting Haile Thomas, a bright young lady who is a health advocate for children. At just 15 years old, she’s also a vegan chef and founder of The Happy Organization, where she educates students about the importance of healthy eating and more.

The all-day affair was surely one that my kids and I won’t soon forget. We walked away with awesome tips on healthy eating, quick-and-easy recipe ideas and a wealth of knowledge about brands and vendors that offer healthier snacking options.

With so many children being inactive and glued to their tablets and eating unhealthy snacks, the event was a reminder that we have to fuel our children with the proper nutrition they need to succeed.

How do you keep your kids active and excited to eat healthy foods?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 1 Comment

Probiotics Keep Kids’ Tummies Happy

September 15, 2016

Now that school’s back in session, unfortunately those pesky germs that cling to kids are also making a comeback.

With classrooms being a cesspool for germs and viruses, it’s imperative that we moms protect our children as much as possible. The germ-ridden surfaces they encounter on a daily basis can wreak havoc on their immune systems. And reinforcing proper hand washing isn’t enough. Did you know that most sicknesses start in the gut? Yep, hand washing alone can’t prevent nasty bugs from entering their intestinal tract. That’s why we have to help build their systems from the inside—literally, in their tummies.

Bio-Kidz Probiotic Supplement available here.

One of the best and easiest ways to do this is by introducing probiotics into their diet. Probiotics have many benefits namely, serving as a stomach’s first defense to keep bacteria from finding its way into vulnerable immune systems. They can also help heal the damage that bad bacteria can cause.

And the really good news is that probiotics can be found in Bio-Kidz, a new beverage supplement that tastes good and protects tiny digestive systems. My daughter is a huge fan of the drinks and often asks for two at time. Available in a couple delicious flavors: strawberry and vanilla, the drinks are perfect for school lunch boxes and weekend playdates. Each bottle contains 12.5 billion bacteria – the good kind that will keep your child healthy and well all yearlong.

How do you keep your kids healthy during the school year?

Category: Baby, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

GIVEAWAY: Baby Magic Products to Keep Baby Fresh & Clean

September 12, 2016

There are scents that just stay with you. New car, fresh baked cookies and newborn babies are the first to come to mind. For many, the latter is a smell that we moms wish could linger forever. Unfortunately, infants grow up and no longer possess that unique scent.

Until then, we can slather them in Baby Magic’s “Original Baby Scent” lotion – my favorite for after bath time. Somehow the legacy brand managed to bottle the elusive smell we moms crave and sold it to the masses. In fact, they’ve been in the business of making babies smell heavenly and clean since 1951! Oh, and course they accomplish this by infusing that fresh scent into many of their products including cleansers, shampoos and moisturizers.

Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion available here,

Baby Magic No-Rinse Wash click here for where to buy.

Baby Magic Hair & Baby Wash click here for where to buy.

The heritage brand has been in homes for generations and has definitely been a part of my son’s life. Not only do the products have an addictive aroma, but they also get the job done—without causing any skin irritations.

There’s a reason why it’s been around so long, quality products and that fresh baby scent keeps families coming back!

In celebration of the brand’s 65th anniversary, I’m partnering with them for a giveaway. I’ll be giving away three of my all-time favorite products to a lucky winner.

Simply leave a comment below or tweet me @BrownGirlGumbo letting me know how you make bath time fun. The contest ends on 9/19/16 at 11:59 EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email by 9/21/16.

How do you make bath time fun?

Category: Baby, Giveaway, Giveaways, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 42 Comments

Giving Back this Back-to-School Season

August 30, 2016

If your child hasn’t already returned to class, the countdown to back-to-school is now in full swing.

Shopping for crayons, Post-It notes, pocket folders and everything else in between can be a fun experience for kids and parents alike. Unfortunately, not every family can afford to provide their child with the proper supplies needed to succeed at school.

That’s why for the past 16 years, the Office Depot Foundation has been giving back-to-school sackpacks to those in need. Through the company’s National Backpack Program, colorful drawstrings bags are filled with basic essentials to ensure that all students have a thriving school year. Each one includes a zippered pouch containing a pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, six-inch ruler and four crayons. Plus, none of the sackpacks have any of the company’s branding or logos—an added bonus!

Since 2001, the program has donated over 4 million backpacks and sackpacks to children across the country. And they couldn’t be successful without other organizations’ assistance with getting the bags into the hands of students. This year, they’ve donated 200,000 sackpacks to nonprofit organizations, schools and agencies across the United States and internationally.

When it comes to shopping for school and office supplies, we have many choices – but when we can support a business that gives back, it makes that choice less difficult.

Disclosure: I was given several sackpacks, which I plan to donate to my daughter’s school—hopefully helping a child in need.

For more information about the National Backpack Program, please visit the Office Depot Foundation’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officedepotfoundation.

How do you give back during back-to-school season?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc., Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

On the Hook: Family Fishing with Macy’s + Prospect Park Alliance

August 29, 2016

Growing up in Chicago, fishing wasn’t something that my family did.

Amusement parks, zoos and backyard BBQs were our summer activities of choice. But, even for a city girl like me, I’ve always wanted to go fishing.

Thanks to Macy’s, a couple of weeks ago I was able to cross the leisure sport off my bucket list!

The brand invited my family and me to an afternoon of fishing at The Lake Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The pop-up catch-and-release class was a media-only event to celebrate the company’s partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance.

Since my husband had never gone fishing either, it was the perfect opportunity for us to learn the ins and outs of fishing as a family. The instructor showed us how to bait and hook, as well as provided us with tips on the best ways to catch an unsuspecting pumpkinseed sunfish or largemouth bass. My 6-year-old daughter and nearly 3-year-old son were excited because in their minds, they were going to catch “Nemo” and release him back into the ocean. After an hour or so of applying all of the tips and tricks the instructor gave us, we eventually decided to call it quits.

Although we were unsuccessful in finding “Nemo,” it was a wonderful family bonding moment that I’ll forever cherish. And now that I know that Prospect Park Alliance offers fishing, we’ll be sure to flex our fishing skills again next summer!

If you’re in the Brooklyn area, click here to see if they’re offering classes before summer’s end.

Have you and your family ever gone fishing? If so, please share any strategic tips!

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc., Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment