Brown Girl Gumbo

Don’t Wait Until ‘Pigs Fly’ to Plan a Family Game Night

September 17, 2019

Before there were video games, there were board games.

For centuries, playing games has been a fun bonding experience for families around the globe.

Sure, video games garner a lot of attention with their incredible graphics and action-packed themes, but they’re no match for gathering with family over a good, old-fashioned interactive game.

In fact, my kids can’t get enough of the new Flying Pigs game by Cra-Z-Art. As little plastic pigs whirl around a clear, motorized globe, players try to help the farmer get his piggies back to the barn. By using colorful wands, players try to catch as many flying pigs as they can.

The Flying Pigs game is suitable for children ages 4+ and is available here, for $20.

Not only is the game fun for the whole family, it also helps with hand-eye coordination for young children who are still mastering those skills. While catching plenty of piggies is the name of the game, don’t catch the white one! If you do, all your piggies get placed back into the globe putting you in a not-so-good position. The player with the most piggies/points at the end is the winner!

My son absolutely loves this game. He’s got this piggy catching thing down pat! As a parent, it’s such a pleasure watching my kids enjoy the simple things in life. With all the tablets, gadgets and digital technology that bombard children today, it’s refreshing to just go back to the basics.

This non-tech game is a prime of example of classic fun that creates lasting memories for the entire family. Oh, and who ever said pigs don’t fly?

What is your family’s favorite board game? How often do you plan game nights?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Google Photos Adds New Features to Make ‘Memories’ Even Sweeter

September 12, 2019

If you know me, you know there are few things I love more than photos. In fact, I take thousands every year. When I’m not snapping selfies or shots of my two kids on my camera phone, I’m taking a digital trip down memory lane looking through all the wonderful moments I’ve captured over the years.

Today, Google Photos made my photo-loving life even better. Honestly, I didn’t think the already innovative app could get any better, but it has. The Silicon Valley-based tech powerhouse rolled out three game-changing features that will make reminiscing easier and creating tangible memories simpler.

Memories made easy

Like I mentioned, I love sifting through old photos. However, due to the large volume of pictures in my gallery, it’s nearly impossible to sort through them all. Therefore, a ton go into an imaginary photo graveyard likely to never be viewed again. That’s where Memories come in. Now, users can see their photos from previous years that were taken around the same time period. For instance, photos that were taken five years ago this week, can be seen at the top of the home screen. These photos are pooled into “stories” similar to social media, highlighting some of your best shots from that timeframe.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Turn memories into masterpieces

What parent doesn’t have a ton of frame-worthy shots of their children? Well, thanks to Google Photos’ new canvas prints, moms and dads can up their ante and turn their favorite pictures into canvas masterpieces! It’s so easy, even the most tech-challenged can seamlessly navigate and purchase. Starting at only $19.99 and in three different sizes (8×8, 11×14 and 16×20), this makes an affordable and perfect gift for grandparents. Plus, is there a better way to decorate your place than with the faces of your loved ones?

Courtesy of Google Photos

Take memories into your own hands

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get used to looking at things on screens. Photos are no exception. However, special pictures have an even more powerful impact when we can hold and feel them in our hands. There’s something magical about seeing a memory figuratively come to life. With Google Photos’ photo prints, you can take your best shots and display them in albums, stick them on the fridge or put them in a frame – the options are endless.

Courtesy of Google Photos

And the cost is the cherry on top. There’s not much you can get for under a dollar, but these high-quality prints are only a quarter each! Talk about affordable. Plus, the process is virtually seamless. Select your photos, swipe up, check out and they will be available to purchase at your local Walmart or CVS. In fact, CVS, which offers same-day pickup at more than 7,400 stores, are all supported by Kodak Moments Prints partner program. Nothing says quality quite like Kodak.

Innovation + nostalgia

What’s more? The brilliant minds behind Google Photos have even developed a way to search photos by text. Confused? Don’t be. For example, say you’re looking for a book you snapped in the bookstore, but can’t remember the full title? Simply type the part of the title you remember into the search field and the photo should instantly appear.

In the coming months, Google Photos is also making it easier to share and send photos with family and friends. Now, your favorite photos will be added to a private conversation, making it easy to access all the photos you’ve shared with each other without leaving the app.

What will they think of next?

Do you use Google Photos? What’s your favorite feature?

Event Recap: Back-to-School with Nintendo

August 22, 2019

Nothing says nostalgia like Nintendo.

As a child growing up in ‘90s, I vividly recall playing video games for hours on end. From Super Mario Bros. to Paperboy to Castlevania, I have so many fond memories of playing a variety of games on the trailblazing system.

Fast forward to today and now my kids are getting a taste of that same fun. Although we don’t have any gaming consoles at home, both of them have had several opportunities to play and create their own video game memories.

For example, this past weekend we were invited to attend a back-to-school event with Nintendo at their flagship New York City store. In celebration of the upcoming school year, attendees were encouraged to design their own pencil cases using exclusive Nintendo stickers, glittering gems and other eye-catching accessories. In addition, kids got the opportunity to demo the interactive Nintendo Labo: VR kit, and of course, play video games like Super Mario Maker 2 and more! Plus, they even got to meet the main character behind the iconic brand, Mario!

Even though the event was obviously geared toward kids, we parents/bloggers weren’t left out. In fact, we heard from Nintendo reps and learned about the new VR kit, code-centric games and the new parental control offerings to keep our kiddies’ playing time in check.

While we don’t own a Nintendo system, I’m seriously considering purchasing one (they absolutely love Mario Kart!). Many of the games are educational, improves problem-solving skills and are downright fun! Thanks to the parental controls, I can monitor their screen time and ensure that they’re maintaining a healthy balance.

My childhood wouldn’t be the same without those countless days and nights playing the latest Nintendo games with my cousins. I’ll forever cherish those priceless memories and hope that one day my kids will do the same.

Check out more pics from the cool back-to-school event!

What are some of your favorite childhood video games? Do you use parental controls to monitor your child’s screen time?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Review: ‘Blue Man Group’ is Unspeakable Fun

August 20, 2019

When you think of Blue Man Group, you envision a few bald guys covered in blue paint with intense piercing eyes, right? Well, that’s true—but, there’s so much more to the award-winning show.

A unique blend of comedy, art, music, and technology, Blue Man Group has thrilled audiences for decades—without saying a word. In fact, I’ve wanted to see the unique ensemble since my high school days, but never did. My wait ended a couple weeks ago when I finally got to see if the show created by three guys (Chris Wink, Phil Stanton, and Matt Goldman) fresh out of college, was worth the hype. It was.

My family and I were mesmerized by the show, which has an ongoing run at Briar Street Theatre in Chicago. Simply put, Blue Man Group is one of the most unpredictable, quirkiest and unconventional shows I’ve ever seen. If you tend to nod off or lose interest during live performances, you’re in luck. This show is incredibly interactive and engages all of your senses. From the hard-hitting drums to the awe-inspiring tricks and stunts, the show is a rollercoaster ride of entertainment for people of all ages.

Blue Man Group Chicago introduced new content Nov. 8, 2018. Photo credit Eric Klein

Blue Man Group Chicago. Photo credit Eric Klein

The secret to their long-running success? The power of non-verbal human connection and endless creativity.

Although Blue Man Group started in 1991, the act remains fresh with new stories, custom instruments and innovative technological advances to keep theatergoers curious and surprised.

For example, this particular performance made subtle references to society’s addiction to social media and how it’s impacting real human connections. While they touched on this serious subject, the show remained lighthearted and fun throughout. My kids were completely enamored by the production and couldn’t stop talking about it on the ride home.

With its countless outlandish antics, the show isn’t like anything you’ve ever seen! But don’t take my word for it. Join 35 million others and go see this global phenomenon—I guarantee you won’t regret it. Blue Man Group currently has domestic residencies in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas and Orlando and an international residency in Berlin.

For tickets and more information, please visit Blue Man.

Have you ever seen Blue Man Group? If so, what are your thoughts?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

Review: ‘Dog Man: The Musical’ Takes a Bite Out of Off-Broadway

July 17, 2019

If you have kids between the ages of 6 and 10, chances are you’re pretty familiar with Dav Pilkey’s popular comic book series, “Dog Man.” Both of my children are fans of the book’s half-policeman, half-dog crime-fighting hero. In fact, my 9-year-old daughter has read all the books (the latest installment in the series comes out August 13^th!) while my 5-year-old enjoys drawing the lovable man-canine. So, you can imagine their delight when I told them they would get to see the character brought to life on stage thanks to the new theatrical adaptation: Dog Man: The Musical.

To say they were ecstatic would be an understatement.

My two kids posing after enjoying “Dog Man: The Musical” at Lucille Lortell Theatre on July 4th, 2019.

The hilarious 90-minute production takes young viewers on a fun, adventurous ride as Dog Man (who’s a result of an experiment gone wrong) tries to save the city from an evil robotic fish named Flippy and an intimidating trio of villainous buildings. The lively, energetic and incredibly talented cast is simply captivating. The entertaining ensemble includes L.R. Davidson as Li’l Petey, Jamie Laverdiere as Petey, Brian Owen as Dog Man, Dan Rosales as Harold, Crystal Sha’nae as Flippy, and Forest Vandyke as George. This gifted group didn’t miss a beat and brought endless enthusiasm to their characters.

Plus, the live performance takes scenes straight from the pages of the best-selling books, adding an element of familiarity that young audiences can appreciate.

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Days leading up to the show, my daughter re-read some excerpts from the books to my son so they could both get reacquainted with the plots and themes. When she saw them re-enacted on stage, she gave me a huge smile and said, “See, mommy, some parts are just like the book!”

Not only was the storytelling great, the music was phenomenal. The catchy songs were a major hit with my kids. They especially loved the “Evil ABC’s” rendition performed, by Petey the Cat, Dog Man’s main nemesis and his adorable offspring L’il Petey. During our walk home they were still humming the amusing show tunes.

From beginning to end, the comedy, singing, and impeccable set design made for a memorable experience that my kids won’t soon forget.

“Dog Man: The Musical” is currently showing at Lucille Lortell Theatre and runs through August 11, 2019. Be sure to visit TheaterWorks USA for tickets and more information.

Have your kids read any of the Dog Man books?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

This Classic Timepiece Will Take Your Style Back to the Future

July 16, 2019

It seems like Stranger Things has everyone reminiscing and wishing they could travel back in time to the mid-’80s, myself included. A sucker for nostalgic fashions, my latest obsession is an eye-catching watch from the Casio Vintage Collection. The digital timepiece is the perfect accessory to amp up any ensemble this summer and beyond.

For starters, the sleek, gold-tone stainless steel bracelet goes with just about everything. From a flirty sundress to a casual T-shirt and jeans look, it instantly elevates any outfit. Simply put, its versatility is unmatched. Not only is it a fashion must-have, it’s also exquisitely functional.

Casio Vintage Collection available here, $55.

With features including a daily alarm, stopwatch and an auto calendar, it’s sure to please those who second-guess the practicality of wristwatches. Oh, and did I mention this throwback classic is also water resistant? That’s perfect for those (read: me!) who tend to lose track of time while taking excessively long showers. Plus, the light function really harkens back to a different era before everything was automatically illuminated.

In the age of smartphones, some might question purchasing a fashionable timepiece. For me, it’s a no-brainer. This traditional timeless accessory will never go out of style. Don’t believe me? Just watch (pun intended).

If you’re on a hunt for a timepiece that will keep your style in check while serving major functionality, look no further than this classic collection.

Do you wear watches or do you get the time from your smartphones or other electronic devices?

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REVIEW: Let Measure & Made Upgrade Your Jean Game

July 11, 2019

If you have a hard time finding the perfect pair of jeans, you’re not alone.

It’s no secret that many women of all backgrounds and body types have trouble snagging jeans that fit in all the right places.

Well, thanks to Measure & Made, a women’s fashion brand that specializes in custom-like fits, your never-ending jean-shopping search might be over.

I recently attended a press event where I learned all about the innovative brand and their knack for designing nearly tailor-made denim duds. For starters, the jeans are powered by FITLOGIC®, a unique patented sizing system that identifies your size and shape based off a two-number decimal system. To put it simply, a short and easy quiz calculates the best fit based off your answers. For example, do you tend to gain weight all over or more in your midsection? Questions like these help the FITLOGIC ® system formulate a personalized fit.

Measure & Made jeans are available in variety of styles and rinses. Prices start at $79.

For someone who has difficulty finding jeans that fit in the waist while snuggly complementing my curves, I was beyond excited to give these jeans a try. Let me just say, I’ve never had jeans that accentuated my waist like these.

Unlike so many of my other jeans, there was no nagging gap in the back. This skinny style cinched my waist, hugged my behind and even gave my bum a bit of a lift. I loved the rinse, fit and overall style of these jeans. Plus, they’re comfortable and don’t feel constricting at all. Looks like my hunt for figure-flattering jeans has finally ended!

If you’re tired of the same run-of-the mill, ill-fitting jeans, Measure & Made just might be your perfect match!

What’s your favorite jean style: skinny, straight, boyfriend, wide-legged or distressed?

Category: Fashion | 3 Comments