#grown ups
The more Taylor, the more better. Check him out on the Red Carpet for Grown Ups 2. Now Playing.
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Going to see Grown Ups at a house show in Alexandria with Matt on Sunday. Since I just got my iPhone, I plan on taking a ton of pictures in Instagram and then posting them here. It’s gonna be so hip, right? Right. But no really, the show should be sick. I’ve never been to a house show that wasn’t for a local band in high school. If this were 2004, I’d say I’m getting major scene points for this. But it’s not, so I won’t.
I am one of the biggest Sandler apologists you will find, but this film was just not very funny, even when compared to the first film. If you saw the trailer, then you pretty much saw the funniest parts of the film condensed into 2 minutes and 30 seconds. It kind of bummed me out that Rob Schneider was not a part of this film, especially since this film is just basically Sandler and his best friends getting paid loads of money to goof off. I love all of the rotating actors he features in his films, but this might be the first film where he actually tried to cram every single one of them into the picture (except of course Schneider), and it definitely gave it a bloated vibe with everyone just waiting their turn to say something stupid and wink into the camera. Not very funny, not at all inspired, and basically just kind of a drag when you walk out realizing you wasted good money and time to see everyone just phone it in for an easy pay day.
GRADE
Freeform’s schedule for January 24-30.
Thursday is the midseason premiere of grown-ish, also new Single Drunk Female. Fri is one night special encore of the new ABC drama, Promised Land. Also, there are Freeform premieres of Little (2019), The Angry Birds Movie (2016), and 2 (2019).
cuddling boyfriends
they look quite mature, right?
here, take it, now stop spamming my inbox you evil shippers
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Can we talk about Salma Hayekoutfits?!
POPULAR Encode and decode secret messages with this highly-rated, laser-engraved wooden encryption machine by Creative Crafthouse:Mexican Army Cipher Disks. It was “state of the art during the time of conflict between Mexico and the USA shortly before World War I. It uses 5 disks that convert letters into 2 digit numbers based on a key that is used to initially set the wheels.” Comes with instructions.
Note: Don’t confuse it with another one of our favorite recommendations: The Safecracker 40 Puzzle and the Safecracker 50 Puzzle.
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Made in Oregon and highly rated, this “Create Your Own Reel Viewer” is a red, blue, black, or white view master-style viewer with a code in the package that lets you create your own reel of 7 images. You can also order an additional code for an additional reel. Baby photos, wedding photos, kid photos, birthday photos, graduation photos, grandparent photos. Pick a fun event, a vacation, a loved one, or give it to a kid or a teen to fill it with photos of whatever they’d like. Super affordable. I love this gift for all ages.
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NEW⬆️Horizontal Parenting: How to Entertain Your Kid While Lying Down. I laughed out loud when I saw this title for a book by former Lifehacker Parenting Editor Michelle Woo, and then was charmed by the book’s inventiveness once I started reading.
With illustrations by Dasha Tolstikova, this delightful book for exhausted parents is also a seriously useful resource that shares 50 imaginative games / parenting hacks that you can play with toddlers and kids — quality time spent together while you get. some. needed. rest. “No batteries, screens, or endless supply lists needed!”
A perfect gift for new parents and tired not-so-new parents, as well as those of us who aren’t as mobile.
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NEW ⬆️ When my kids were young, we listened to different mindfulness audio tracks from Sitting Still Like a Frog at bedtime a few times a week. It helped us slow down and recenter after busy days. It also aided with upsetting, overtiring, or anxiety-inducing days. I had it on my phone and played it over their bedroom speaker, and it really worked for us, but this delivery system made me the gatekeeper.
Over the last year, I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews from parents about Zenimals, a portable and screenless ‘turtle’ with buttons that play nine guided meditations. I like that it’s a dedicated, kid-friendly device, durable and washable with a silicone cover and a micro-USB charger… and that there are additional audio collections available. You can check out some of the meditations here.
Screenless, for me, is key. There’s also a geode-shaped version for teens and grown ups.
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For teens (and grown ups) who are exploring more logic and critical thinking, as well as spending time with nuances that are seldom discussed, check out these two books by MIT and Carnegie Mellon alum Ali Almossawi, with Wonderland-style illustrations by Alejandro Giraldo: The new An Illustrated Book of Loaded Language: Learn to Hear What’s Left Unsaid and 2014′s An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments. Having read a lot of samples online, I’m looking forward to reading more of them, too. Fascinating, illuminating, and useful for evaluating information.
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POPULAR “Molecule formation, acids and bases, chemical reactions, even advanced concepts like secondary oxidation states…“ and it’s all learned through experience as you play Science Ninjas: Valence, a highly-rated card game created by a rocket scientist, an alternative energy expert, and a New York Times best-selling cartoonist. Great for at home or in class for ages 6+. (They also have a Periodic Table Poster.)
Advanced Chemistry + Simple Rules + Ninjas! = On our list this year. Easy to learn and super fun.
Add more molecules, more chemical reactions, and four new elements to learn more with Valence Plus for ages 8+. I definitely recommend this one if you have older kids or are playing with adults.
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The stunning illustrations of Keymaster Games’ PARKS make this hiking board game a scenic standout. The game components, all in the theme of the United States’ National Parks, are also impressive and high quality. Every design detail is elegant and shows care, including the packaging. And through gameplay, player awareness and appreciation of these national treasures will grow. I mean, yowza, look at the 59 Parks artwork that they use.
A successful Kickstarter, PARKS is a worker placement game and like some of our favorite games in this guide, focuses on resource management. Gather memories and photos as you travel through the seasons. Strategic and tactical, yet it’s also described as ‘casual’ and 'meditative’.
Our family is in the game’s recommended age range of 9+ this year, so PARKS is the gift that I’m personally most excited about opening this holiday season. And I’m sure it will inspire a few in-person NPS hikes, too.
Look for it in your local game shop, at Keymaster Games, or on Amazon.
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It’s SO rare to find puzzles that fit together with non-jigsaw-style pieces. Designed in France, this 299 Cats and a Dog puzzle is a cluster puzzle with adorable cats and one dog. Can you find it?
Click here if you’re buying a gift for a dog person.
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POPULAR Admittedly, I have a weakness for all-the-Japan-things, but this Kuretake Gansai Tambi 36 watercolor set is stunning and the super high rating and effusive reviews have pushed me over the edge. A really special gift for teens and adults. My 10-year-old has her eye on this, too.
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One of the side effects of returning to school after over a year of remote learning has been our kids’ deep appreciation of spending time with friends in person. No doubt related, my youngest asked for a Polarioid camera that she can take to school to take photos with her friends, so I’m excited about this retro Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera.
I love the shareability of Polaroid for kids, as well as the limits that come with film, forcing more thought and value into a snap than your average digital camera or phone requires. This camera works with the same Instax film that I use for our smartphone photo printer. Or go for the rainboworblack mini contact sheet instant film.
Find it at B&H,Amazon, or Target.
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The photo above looks too good to be true, but (with the exception of that particular bird species), this is what has happened when we put this sturdy Window Bird Feeder House on the outside of one of our north-facing windows. So far, we’ve seen some energetic house finches and California towhees (I think). It was a major upgrade for our family as we worked and schooled from home, and it continues to be a delight.
Easy to clean and refill. It’s less expensive at Amazon, but you can also buy it directly from Nature’s Hangout. Or find it at a local shop that needs the business. This gem is an amazing gift for every age.
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NEW ⬆️ I grew up roller skating around our neighborhood so I’m really happy to see the sport’s recent popularity. These asphalt black Moxi Rainbow Riders caught my eye immediately, and they’re listed at an awesome price for beginners or casual roller skaters. They’re now back in stock at Moxi, or you can find them on Amazon (they should be around $109, not more) or at your local skatewear shop. Call them and ask! Rainbow Riders come in pink and yellow, too.
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NEW ⬆️ I feel like maybe I don’t have to say much about this beautifully put together DK Smithsonian book about very small things. Look at that cover. The only thing I’ll add is that it’s a wonderfully heavy book, too.
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For crafty preteens, teens, and adults who are interested in exploring natural dyes, this Natural Dye Kit Bundle for beginners is a wonderful introduction. Star Etsy seller The Love of Colours includes one indigo kit, one natural dye kit, and one indigo blockprinting kit.
Or keep it simple and start with the indigo kit to create your own totes, tees, sweatshirts, hats, onesies, pillow covers, and more. Either way, these kits make it easy to jumpstart a new hobby or spend time learning and making together.
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Putting a puzzle together is also an opportunity to spend time with facts that, when you stare at them long enough—literally puzzling them together—become easy to remember. I call it puzzle osmosis. This lovely Galison Edible Flowers 1000 piece puzzle is on my list this year so the kids learn these lovely and useful blooms. Find it at Bookshop.org or get it directly from Galison.
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POPULARKinderfeet’s wobble board is a beautiful balancing toy that can hold up to 220kg/485lbs. Impressive! And fun for all ages. Made with sturdy Beech plywood. Balance, rock, make a bridge or a little stool… kids will have lots of ideas, perfect for rainy days and sunny days alike. We all want this.
It sold out on their site during the pandemic last year but it’s back on their siteandon Amazon. You can also ask for it at your local toy shop.
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