Six Flags Over Texas Offers an Enchanting Day Time Experience for Families with Tricks and Treats & Oktoberfest!

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year to visit Six Flags Over Texas—and not just because of the iconic Fright Fest! While the thrills and chills of Fright Fest draw crowds from all over, what I really love is how the park transforms into a fall-themed wonderland of kid-friendly fun to create whimsical childhood memories. In today's post, I will share highlights from my recent visit that was packed with magical moments for my children, including Tricks and Treats and Oktoberfest activities! These activities run on Saturdays and Sundays through November 2nd.

This past weekend, my children and I spent Saturday exploring all the park had to offer—from Tricks and Treats to Oktoberfest and our favorite rides—and it was absolutely magical. By the time we got home, my kids were sound asleep, exhausted from excitement, and my youngest son woke up the next morning with the biggest smile, telling me all about his dream of the Trick or Treat trail and the adorable little houses he explored! Moments like these are exactly why I recommend a family visit this fall.

Let's start with a question that I wondered myself - Can younger kids visit Six Flags Over Texas During Fright Fest? The answer is yes -- the park opens at noon and you can pack in 6 hours of fun before Fright Fest starts at 6pm. In fact, they cater to little ones during the day with the special Tricks and Treats activities and shows. Plus, everyone loves Oktoberfest food and activities! I took my own kids and we spent the day enjoying family-friendly fun from noon to 6, but anyone who wants to stick around is welcome to stay longer and can wear a No Boo necklace to skip the scary parts and keep the Halloween magic going! Of course, if you have teens, you will want to stay for Fright Fest. It still has the same iconic thrills with special attractions, actors, and more.  It's among the best haunted venues in the country!  However, daytime is for everyone -- even our little ones. Keep reading because my mom-heart loves that Six Flags clearly loves hosting little kids at this time of year!  

Tricks and Treats: A Whimsical Halloween Adventure

Tricks and Treats is located in the charming “France” section of Six Flags Over Texas, and it’s the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the magic of Halloween. While Fright Fest gets all the attention, the park’s family-friendly activities are equally spectacular—and designed to spark joy for kids of all ages. The Six Flags Over Texas team goes big with decorations, costumes, and interactive experiences that make this area feel like a storybook come to life.

Here’s a quick look at our favorite Tricks and Treats activities—all included in the price of admission!

• Spectral Sisters Show – Enjoy a whimsical, magical performance that will enchant kids and adults alike.

• Costume Contest – Kids ages 10 and under can show off their costumes and participate in the fun!

• Skelebration Dance Party – Dance along to festive music and enjoy lively entertainment with other children.

• Trick or Treat Trail – Wander through adorable, storybook-style houses and collect candy in provided bags.

• Pumpkin and Mask Painting – Decorate pumpkins and masks for free—an adorable keepsake to remember your visit.

All of the activities are a blast! Let me share my personal Top 3 favorites!

The Spectral Sisters are the embodiment of Halloween. They seem like characters straight out of a spellbinding story that dazzle with charm and mischief. This enchanting trio sings, dances, and provides a magical performance for kids and adults alike. We enjoyed sitting on decorative benches that looked like festive hay bales while we enjoyed the mesmerizing show!

The Trick or Treat trail is a whimsical collection of little houses that look like they were pulled directly out of a fairytale book. The kids are given a little bag to use for candy collection at the start of the trail. 

I only photographed one of the whimsical houses so that you have an idea of what to expect. I wanted to leave the rest as surprises for you They are magical!  My son loved walking up to each house to ring the doorbell or knock.  When he woke up the next morning, he had the sweetest smile and thanked me for taking him to Six Flags. I asked about his favorite part. He said that it was the Trick or Treat Trail and that he dreamed about it last night. My mom-heart loves that he felt the magic!

Rounding out our Top 3 favorite Tricks and Treats is the pumpkin and mask decorating. This is a really great time of year to visit Six Flags because the weather is cooling off, but it's also a particularly excellent value as this activity is also included in the price of admission. There is no extra cost for a pumpkin or mask.  I loved that they had regular and ghost pumpkins!

My little guy loved decorating his ghost pumpkin!

They also had fun masks to get you into the Halloween spirit!  It's also a nice chance to sit down and relax while the kids enjoy a craft.

This event left a big check mark for yet another Happy Childhood Memory!

For energetic little thrill-seekers, don’t miss Bugs Bunny Boom Town, the park’s area filled with exciting rides for younger children. There are also plenty of other kid-friendly rides throughout the park, including:

• Bat Wing

• Cloud Bouncer

• El Sombrero

• Mini Mine Train

• La Fiesta de las Tazas

• Pirates of Speelunker Cave

• Rodeo

• Go Karts

• Dino Offroad Adventure

• And more!

We are big fans of Bugs Bunny Boom Town! However, as a mom of two boys who have a large age gap, I am especially appreciative of how Six Flags Over Texas also wove over a dozen other child-friendly rides throughout the park so that we could enjoy walking around together and taking breaks where my older son goes on a thrill ride and my younger son can go on a ride geared toward younger kids like the Cloud Bouncer or Mini Mine Train!

Let me highlight some more festive fall features throughout the park. The entire park is meticulously decorated for Halloween, but I have to highlight the corn maze in front of Bugs Bunny Boom Town! My son loves fall mazes and the surprises around each corner.

Another hit with my kids was Casa Magnetica. This attraction is not haunted or scary, making it perfectly age-appropriate. The twisted halls, uneven floors, and befuddling furniture of this mesmerizing mansion will turn even the stablest of minds sideways. Get your world bent by this gravity-defying funhouse built of absurd angles, where physical objects seemingly disobey the laws of physics. Casa Magnetica invites you to question reality and embrace the extraordinary, making it a must-visit during Halloween and Dia de los Muertos! If you don't stay later for Fright Fest, you'll definitely want to visit this all-ages-appropriate spooky house for Halloween.

A very cool feature of the park is the No Bo Necklaces, which allow families with younger children to stay in the park past 6 PM when Fright Fest begins. These necklaces light up, letting actors know your little ones prefer to avoid scares. We ended up leaving shortly after 6 PM, but the necklace gave peace of mind after enjoying dinner and meandering our way through the park to the exit. (I’ll admit—I kind of wanted one myself! Fright Fest is seriously impressive and full of advanced-level scares, which explains its popularity.)

Oktoberfest: Festive Music, Activities, and Crave-Worthy Food

Simultaneously, Six Flags Over Texas transforms parts of the park for Oktoberfest, offering lively music, festive activities, and absolutely crave-worthy food. A pro-tip: if you have a dining wristband, it can be used for both Oktoberfest entrees and desserts! If you follow Six Flags regularly, you know they’ve hired professional chefs to revamp many of the menus, and I am a big fan.

For instance, check out our dinner in which all of the food items were redeemable with the food wristbands that you can purchase in advance (it's a great value!):

• Sausage on a pretzel roll with sauerkraut and mustard

• Chicken schnitzel (so good that I had it for both of my meals at the park!)

• Black Forest cake for dessert

They also have craft beer and German brews in festive steins!

The food, paired with festive music, makes Oktoberfest a highlight for the entire family. Extra bonus: I really have to share a photo of the chicken schnitzel—it was that good!

Some additional Oktoberfest highlights:

• Oompah Delics Show – Sit in the biergarten near the Aquaman ride and enjoy the band as they play festive music around the tables.

• Last Stein Standing – Test your strength and endurance by holding a stein filled with ice water as long as possible. (I gave it a try and lasted about 1.5 minutes. My son also tried and lasted just over 2 minutes.  It was fun as everyone cheered us on. We have goals for next year!)

• Meet the Oktoberfest Mayor – A fun, interactive experience for kids and adults alike.

Finally, if you have a teen or college-age child, they will love visiting the gift shops. My teen was thrilled about the t-shirt and hat below!  As a mom, I love the quality of everything that we've bought at the Six Flags Over Texas gift shops over the years. I see many teens at my son's school wearing the Fright Fest t-shirts. It's fun for the kids to bond and instantly have something to talk about when they see each other wearing their Six Flags Over Texas t-shirts.

Why You Should Visit This Month

Between Tricks and Treats and Oktoberfest, and a variety of rides for all ages, Six Flags Over Texas offers countless opportunities to create magical memories with your children. From laughter-filled Trick or Treat adventures to festive music, amazing food, and whimsical attractions, you’ll leave with your hearts full and your kids already dreaming about the next visit. Additionally, if you have older children who are teens or college-aged in DFW, they definitely need to experience Fright Fest! It's a right of passage!

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly outing this fall, Six Flags Over Texas is the perfect fall destination. Pack your smiles, costumes, and appetite—it’s time to make memories that your family will treasure forever.  

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Visit Six Flags Over Texas to pre-purchase your tickets, flash passes, meal passes, and parking permit. (Hot tip - check out the season passes where you will quickly come ahead on price even after just a few visits! They even offer season meal passes!)

Read more about Tricks and Treats, Oktoberfest, and Fright Fest!

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The Wilton x Snyder's of Hanover Collab for Sweet & Salty Halloween Treats -- Try our Sweet & Salty Chocolate Bundtlet Spider Idea!

If you follow me regularly, you know that I have a soft spot for desserts that combine sweet and salty flavors. There’s just something about that perfect balance that makes a treat feel indulgent yet satisfying. So when Wilton and Snyder’s of Hanover sent me a surprise box full of baking goodies, I couldn’t wait to open it and see what inspiration awaited me.

In my unboxing video, you’ll get a closer look at the impressive collection of Halloween baking supplies they sent. From sprinkles and cookie icing to themed candy eyes and mini pretzels, it’s everything you need to create festive, fun, and creative desserts this season.

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For my own creation, I made a Sweet & Salty Chocolate Bundlet Spider. The chocolate bundlet itself is rich and decadent, but it’s the Wilton and Snyder’s of Hanover details that really bring it to life. I decorated it with Wilton Cookie Icing, Candy Eyes, and Halloween-themed Sprinkles, giving the spider a playful and festive look. Then I added Snyder’s of Hanover mini pretzels for the eight spider legs, carefully snapping off small pieces to create the perfect shape. The combination of sweet chocolate, sugary decorations, and the salty crunch of pretzels is pure perfection — and it tastes as good as it looks.

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What I love most about this project is that it became a family activity. Once my spider was complete, my kids were able to use my design as inspiration to create their own versions. It was fun to see them experiment with colors, sprinkles, and pretzel legs, and it reminded me how much joy there is in simple, hands-on holiday baking.

If you love whimsical, seasonal desserts that combine sweet and salty flavors — and that double as a fun family project — I highly recommend following Wilton and Snyder’s of Hanover on Instagram for more inspiration. Their products make it easy to get creative, have fun in the kitchen, and bring a little extra magic to your holiday baking.

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(Win it!) Dot Conner: Webtective in theaters starting September 19! #DotConnerWebtectiveMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Huff Media Productions and Pangea Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

In today's post, I'm excited to tell you about a new movie that hits theaters on September 19th - Dot Conner: Webtective! We will also host a giveaway for one lucky winner to receive an Amazon gift card!

It’s not every day you find a movie that’s both edge-of-your-seat exciting and something you feel great about your kids watching — but this one delivers.

Dot Conner: Webtective is the kind of film I’ve been waiting for: adventurous, fun, meaningful, and rooted in faith. It’s rare to find a movie that entertains my family while also leaving us talking afterward about what really matters, but that’s exactly what this one does.

The story follows Dot Conner, an internet “webtective” who receives a mysterious phone call from her father right before her first day of high school. That call launches her into an unforgettable adventure, full of danger, clues, and a citywide treasure hunt with her friends. What begins as a search for her father turns into a much bigger mystery, revealing his ties to espionage. And in the midst of it all, Dot discovers the truth of Philippians 4:13 — that even in the darkest and most uncertain times, faith can light the way.

I love movies like this for my kids because they get all the action and suspense that keeps them on the edge of their seats, while I know the story is shaping their hearts in the right direction. Walking out of the theater, you don’t just feel entertained — you feel encouraged.

Dot Conner: Webtective is only in theaters starting September 19. Make plans now for a family night out — this is one you won’t want to miss. Buy your tickets here!

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One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The prize will be emailed directly to the winner by our sponsor. Good luck!

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Visit the Dot Conner: Webtective website, Facebook page, and Instagram page!

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(Win it!) From Seeds to Smiles: A Heartwarming Family Adventure in GROW! #GrowMovieMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Fall is officially here, and with it comes the cozy, heartwarming moments my family looks forward to every year. This season, we discovered the perfect way to celebrate: the enchanting new film GROW, in theaters October 17th.  In today's post, I'll tell you about this amazing movie and host a giveaway for one lucky winner to receive an Amazon gift card!

I have to say—my mom heart loves this movie, and my whole family was completely captivated. From the very first scene, we were laughing, cheering, and even a few happy tears were shed. It’s the kind of movie that makes you feel all the warmth and magic of the season.

At the heart of GROW is a story of love that grows in the most unexpected places. The film follows stoic farmer Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel) and her spirited niece Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell) as they navigate life in the Pumpkin Capital of the World. Charlie isn’t your ordinary child—she has a special knack for connecting with plants that mirrors her own longing to feel seen and loved. As Dinah begrudgingly takes Charlie in, their bond begins to blossom in ways that are touching, funny, and unforgettable.

And the characters—oh, the characters! From curmudgeonly farmers to over-the-top rivals, everyone in this movie feels like they’ve stepped right out of a cozy, autumnal fairy tale. Charlie’s pumpkin “Peter” is full of personality, but honestly, the whole town bursts with quirky charm that will keep your whole family entertained.

GROW is perfectly timed for the fall season. Whether you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly alternative to scary Halloween movies or simply want a cozy film that celebrates love and laughter, this is it. The movie is whimsical, funny, and heartwarming—exactly what you need to snuggle up with your loved ones on a crisp autumn day.

One of my favorite things about this film is how it brings “wild gardening” to life. Charlie’s love for plants is infectious, inspiring kids—and kids at heart—to care for the environment in a playful, magical way. It’s a subtle, yet meaningful message about connection, growth, and joy, woven seamlessly into a story that will leave everyone smiling.

The plot thickens as the town gears up for the annual pumpkin-growing contest. With quirky helper Arlo (Nick Frost) by her side, Charlie faces fierce competition from rival growers who will stop at nothing to win. But through the twists, turns, and laughs, the real prize emerges: the joy, laughter, and love that grows when a family comes together—even an unexpected one.

My family and I can’t recommend this movie enough. It’s one of those rare films that makes you feel cozy, entertained, and genuinely inspired all at once. If you’re looking for a fun fall outing, a movie night the whole family will love, or just a reason to smile this season, buy your tickets now and experience GROW in theaters starting October 17!

Win it!

One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Enter using the Raffle widget below. We will provide the name an email address to our sponsor for them to email the prize directly to the winner. Good luck!

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Visit the GROW website to learn more and buy tickets!

Try these fun GROW activities with your family

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(Win it!) Light of the World is Here! #LightoftheWorldMIN

 

Many thanks to Salvation Poem for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

An Uplifting Family Film You Don’t Want to Miss – Light of the World!

As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for shows and movies that I can feel good about watching with my family—stories that uplift, inspire, and remind us of what truly matters. That’s why I am so excited to share about the brand-new animated film Light of the World coming to theaters September 5, 2025!

Let me share a quick trailer that gives a nice overview:

This isn’t just any animated movie. Light of the World is a beautifully drawn film that tells the powerful story of Jesus through the eyes of His friend, the Apostle John. From His ministry to His resurrection, this heartfelt story will not only entertain your family but also strengthen your faith. Movieguide says it “stresses faith, family, and trusting in God’s plan” and is “beautifully animated and entertaining … based entirely on the Bible.” As a Christian mom, that makes my heart so happy!

Another reason I can’t wait for my family to see this movie is the incredible talent behind it. Director John Schafer, who produced the beloved Superbook series, and Tom Bancroft, a long-time Disney animator who worked on The Lion King, Mulan, and Beauty and the Beast, teamed up to bring this story to life. If you loved the golden era of 1990s 2D animation, you are going to LOVE this film.

But here’s the best part—it’s truly a movie for the whole family. Whether you’re a parent, a teen, or a little one, Light of the World is a meaningful and fun way to spend time together. And by supporting it opening weekend (September 4–7, with special early showings Thursday!), we can help spread the light of Jesus even further. (Tip: if you’ve got a group of 10 or more, group tickets are just $7.50 each!)

Watch the exclusive interview that I really enjoyed to hear more about the heart behind Light of the World:

If you’re ready for uplifting, Christ-centered entertainment your whole family will enjoy, make plans now to see Light of the World in theaters starting September 5, 2025. Let’s spread the word, take our families, and fill theaters with joy and faith!

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One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The prize will be emailed directly to the winner by our sponsor. Good luck!

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(Win it!) Homework Help & Math Confidence: Plus Check out the Limited Edition Peach Pi + Fractal Frost TI-84 Plus CE!

As an engineer and a mom, I love math! Today, I’m excited to share tips for encouraging kids to enjoy and feel confident in math. If you ever struggle when helping your child with math homework, I encourage you to follow the tips below to help shift kids' views, appreciation, and motivation to learn math topics. I’m also thrilled to highlight the recent release of the TI-84 CE Plus calculators in fun new colors—Peach Pi and Fractal Frost. These calculators are required at our local schools and many others. Having one in these latest colors has become a fun trend that kids are loving and are sure to create happy childhood memories! A positive attitude makes math homework much easier!  (Spoiler alert - Positive attitudes toward math are everything! Small habits and exercises help to shift kids' views of math over time!  It's never too late!)

One of my kids thinks math is “fine” while my younger one is basically a little human calculator. Despite their different personalities, I’ve always tried to make math something they can both enjoy, understand, and see value in. The key? Making math an integrated part of daily life so it feels applicable, interesting, and motivating. They will always have challenging math homework assignments, but with a positive attitude, it's much easier and more enjoyable!

Here are some of my favorite ways to spark math joy and confidence at home:

1. Pi Day is a party at our house. Every March 14th, we celebrate with our favorite pies and pizzas, measure them, and talk about radius, circumference, and area. It’s silly, tasty, and hands-on. More importantly, it’s something the kids look forward to every year—fun traditions like this create happy childhood memories where math is associated with joy.

2. Make math have real-world value. From a young age, kids should see math as useful. We measure furniture, windows, and rooms to calculate perimeter, area, and volume. We weigh ingredients while cooking and scale recipes up or down to work with fractions. At the grocery store, we estimate totals, calculate discounts, and compare unit prices. Math suddenly becomes a tool to solve real problems—and that makes it stick.

3. Laugh with math. Humor makes subjects less intimidating. We love math jokes, like:

• Why is the equal sign so humble? Because it knows it’s not less than or greater than anyone else.
• Why was the math book sad? It had too many problems.
• Parallel lines have so much in common—it’s a shame they’ll never meet.
• There are 3 types of mathematicians - those that can count and those that can't count.

Even the groan-worthy ones build positive associations.



4. Build calculator confidence early. One of my favorite tips is giving kids early exposure to a TI-84 CE Plus calculator before it’s required in school. It’s such a powerful tool, and getting comfortable with it in advance helps kids see it as approachable instead of intimidating. By the time they need it for algebra, calculus, or standardized tests, they already know their way around. That early familiarity builds confidence—and confidence is everything in math. 

5. Celebrate the fun side of math tools. I also love the spirit Texas Instruments brings to their calculators. The team clearly loves math as much as I do, and it shows in the details—like their recent color launches. Peach Pi and Fractal Frost aren’t just colors for calculators, they’re conversation starters. Kids notice when math tools feel fresh and personal. When something as iconic as the TI-84 gets a playful update, it reinforces that math isn’t dry—it can be fun and expressive too. This is a trend that you will want to hop on quickly, as these may be limited-edition colors!  For extra fun, if you have a Cricut, you may also create stickers to add to their calculators.

6. Encourage teaching. When kids explain math to others—whether it’s helping a sibling or tutoring younger students—they deepen their own understanding. Teaching builds confidence and helps them realize they can be leaders in learning.

7. Gamify math. Games turn math into play. We’ve set up a “store” at home with prices and pretend money so the kids can practice making change and tracking “profits.” Board games like Monopoly and Yahtzee, or card games like Rummy, sneak in strategy, probability, and mental math without it feeling like homework. You'll also love TI's Graphing Calculator Scavenger Hunt here!



8. Connect math to passions. If your child loves sports, talk about player stats, scores, and probabilities. If they love baking, lean into fractions and measurements. If they’re into art, explore patterns, symmetry, and geometry. When math connects to something they already enjoy, it feels relevant and exciting.

9. Take math outside. Nature is a giant math classroom. Measure shadows to estimate tree heights, time how long it takes a ball to roll down a hill, or pace out distances.  My youngest loves picking flowers, measuring them, and identifying patterns! Kids learn best when they’re moving, exploring, and playing.

10. Celebrate everyday math wins. Kids light up when you point out the math they’re already doing. Whether they figure out travel time, calculate a restaurant tip, or catch a mistake on a receipt, celebrate those moments. It teaches them that math has real-world impact.

11. Show the beauty of math in the world. Point out Fibonacci spirals in sunflowers, hexagons in honeycombs, and symmetry in snowflakes. When kids see math in nature, art, and architecture, they realize it’s not just numbers on paper—it’s the hidden language of the universe.

12. Tell your kids that they are good at math. I am a big believer in positive thoughts. My little one is truly my human calculator.  I've called him this many times since he was a preschooler and he loves it because he knows that he's good at math and soaks up the acknowledgement and praise.  One day, I was volunteering in his class and called him my human calculator. Other kids came over to tell me that they are human calculators too!  I told them how cool it was, asked them math questions, and praised them that they sure were human calculators!  Even years later, some of these kids smile and remind me and ask me for math questions. 

At the end of the day, the best way to build math confidence is to make it human, hands-on, and integrated into everyday life from the very beginning. Tools like the TI-84 CE Plus don’t just support learning—they help kids feel capable, curious, and excited about math. When we combine these tools with real-world experiences, games, and family traditions, we raise kids who don’t just “get through” math, but grow up seeing it as valuable, approachable, and even fun. Whether your child needs the TI-84 CE Plus now or in the future, stocking up on the fun Peach Pi and Fractal Frost colors is a great way for them to start practicing, explore its features, and gain confidence well before it’s required at school. If it is required, you can score one of the fun colors to add pizzazz and enjoy the fun color trends! They will always remember that they had a TI-84 Plus CE Calculator in a limited edition color!

Win it!

One lucky winner will receive a TI-84 Plus CE Calculator in the trendy Fractal Frost color! The calculator is provided by @TICalculators! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The winner must have a U.S. shipping address. Good luck! 

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Learn More

The mathematicians at TI have a fantastic TI-84 Plus CE Overview and Ti-84 Plus CE Tutorial.

You'll also find fun DIY Stickers, Posters and Coloring Sheets, and fun holiday ideas such as my favorite Valentine's Day Calculator Activities!

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(Win it!) A Week Away: The Series Is the Show My Teen and I Can’t Stop Talking About #AWeekAwaySeriesMIN

Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

In today's post, I'm excited to tell you about my latest obsession -- A Week Away: The Series which is streaming on Angel! We will also host a giveaway for one lucky winner to win an Amazon gift card! 

Okay, moms—have you ever been on the hunt for a show that you and your teen can actually enjoy together? I just found it, and I cannot wait to share it with you! It’s called A Week Away: The Series and it’s streaming now on Angel.

Think High School Musical or Camp Rock, but with a beautiful, faith-filled heartbeat that actually means something. The music is upbeat and contagious (yes, we’re already singing along in the kitchen), but the story digs deeper too. It’s about identity, healing, and the courage to open your heart—even when life has knocked you down.

The story follows a foster teen who gets dragged to church camp, determined not to connect. But over the course of campfire songs, goofy games, and real conversations, he discovers the healing power of friendship, family, and faith. As a mom, I love that this show doesn’t shy away from tough questions like “How can God be real in a cruel world?” or “Can I be healed from all this pain?”—but it does so in a way that is gentle, redemptive, and accessible for teens.

And can I just gush about the MUSIC for a second? 🎤 The songs come from the same incredible talent behind Camp Rock and High School Musical, and they’re every bit as catchy. My teen and I were literally dancing around the living room. It’s fun, it’s funny, and it’s filled with heart. Honestly, even if you’re not usually into musicals, this one will win you over.

Another thing I personally loved? It felt like reliving the magic of summer camp. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean we can’t soak up those campfire vibes, laughter, and late-night singalongs.

Most importantly, A Week Away: The Series offers a safe, joy-filled space to explore hope, healing, and what it means to belong. It’s family-friendly, faith-positive, and—let’s be real—so much more meaningful than half the shows teens usually binge.

So grab your teen, pop some popcorn, and watch A Week Away: The Series on Angel. It will have you laughing, singing, dancing, and maybe even tearing up together. And who knows? It might even inspire you to show love to someone in need.

Watch now: Click here

Pro tip: Join the Angel Guild to watch and support shows like this one!

Win it!

One lucky winner will receive a $10 gift card! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The prize will be emailed directly by our sponsor to the winner's email address submitted in the Rafflecopter. Good luck!

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Back to School Guide 2025: The Best Products for an Amazing School Year!

A new school year always feels like a fresh page — new routines, new goals, and a chance to set the tone for the months ahead. This year, I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favorite finds for staying organized, energized, and comfortable!

ASICS: Performance for Every Step of the Year
If there’s one thing I never skimp on, it’s shoes. The right pair gives a solid foundation for our bodies — and when your family loves to stay active, that foundation matters. In our house, physical fitness isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we do together. My oldest son wakes me up at 5 a.m. every morning so we can hit the gym before his wrestling practice — he lifts weights or does other training, and my youngest usually plays basketball or walks laps on the track with me. Yes, it’s early, but it’s honestly my favorite time of day with my kids. No matter what time your family is active, ASICS shoes are perfect for supporting those healthy habits, keeping us comfortable and moving strong from sunrise to bedtime.

Let me share our family's favorites!

• Gel-Kayano 32L: These are a dream for all-day wear. I’ve worn them during busy mornings, after-school activities, and everything in between — and my feet feel supported and energized. The cushioning makes a noticeable difference, especially if you’re on the go as much as I am.

• GT-1000 14: These are perfect for anyone who needs a mix of support and style. They’ve been great for everything from weekend hikes to running errands. 

• Contend 9 Grade School: These are perfection for energetic kids! They’re lightweight, comfortable, and ready to handle recess, sports practice, and the mad dash between classes. I’ve noticed they hold up really well, even when my kids put them through their paces.

ASICS doesn’t just make incredible shoes — their clothing is top-quality, too. Engineered for athletes, their clothing is designed to be breathable, comfortable, and long-lasting. Investing in a few versatile pieces — like the two classic black items below — makes getting dressed during busy school mornings so much easier. And if you love a pop of color, they offer plenty of bold, bright options to energize your wardrobe too!  Let me highlight a couple of staples that we love!

• Stretch Knit Jogger Pant: These have been my son's favorite — so soft, so comfortable, and versatile enough to go from early-morning drop-offs to weekend lounging.
• Road 2-N-1 3.5" Short: My go-to for workouts or even quick walks between tasks. I love the built-in liner — it’s one less thing to think about when I’m getting ready in the morning!

EPI: The Original School Supply Kit
A brand that we feature every year is EPI.  They’re actually the inventors of the school supply kit! Their pre-packaged kits are genius because they include exactly what your child’s teacher specified and wants, so there’s no guesswork.  Teachers work so hard for our kids and it's important for them to have everything that they need for their lessons and exercises.   We all know that it's a challenge to run around to stores searching for each specific type of notebook or folder, pen, and so on. Instead, EPI has done the legwork to track down all of the exact supplies!  You just visit EPI, enter your school's code, and order the school supply kits for your kids.  These complete kits are delivered to your doorstep! It's so easy and convenient. Everyone's happy! This means your kids can start the year prepared and confident, and you can enjoy a little peace of mind. You can check them out here: EPI School Supply Kits.

Naked Nutrition: Clean Fuel for Busy Days
When life gets busy, I like to keep my family’s nutrition simple and clean — and that’s exactly what I love about Naked Nutrition. Their products are made with minimal, high-quality ingredients and without unnecessary additives. I know exactly what we’re putting into our bodies, which makes it easy to support active lifestyles and keep energy levels steady all day long. Let me share a few of our favorite products: 

• Advanced Collagen Protein: My favorite for hair, skin, and joint support — plus, it mixes well into coffee, oatmeal, or a post-workout shake. I feel like I’m taking care of myself from the inside out.
• Creatine Monohydrate Powder: I’ve been adding this to my morning smoothies — it’s flavorless, blends perfectly, and I’ve noticed better endurance during workouts.
• Pre Workout in Fruit Punch: This has become my go-to for a quick energy boost before school drop-off and my workout. The flavor is bright and refreshing without being overly sweet.

Osmo offers expertly created educational games that combine technology and hands-on interactions. My oldest son used Osmo when he was in elementary school and absolutely loved it!  We had it at home, but then the PTO bought Osmo kits for the school, so he had a lot of exposure to Osmo.  It was a big part of his childhood!  We weren't surprised that Osmo's new Math Wizard series rocked my youngest son's world!  Our favorite game from this self-paced learning line is Math Wizard and the Amazing Airships. This whimsical game focuses on mathematical thinking, where kids join Rupert the robot mouse in building and designing airships for the many islands of Spellbarrow Port. Using math and Rupert’s magical wrench, kids deliver packages, balance objects so they can fly, and navigate challenges like thunderstorms and high winds. The box features two games and contains: 1 Magical Board; 16 Ship Pieces; 16 Cargo Pieces; 12 Balloon Pieces. For ages 6-8 years or Grades 1-2. Check out a video for it here. The retail price is $59.99.

Whiskware™ Snacking Containers are perfect for packing healthy snacks or lunches throughout the school year. We even use these versatile containers on road trips.  These trendy snacking containers feature three interlocking jars and a little carrying handle. They come in a variety of colors with fun designs, including funky animals, farm animals, robots, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Superman, and more!  They are reasonably priced at $12.99. You'll be able to wash and reuse them throughout the year. Personally, my youngest son loves the Superman and Yoda & Ewok snacking containers. My older son is a big fan of the Harry Potter and Darth Vader & Stormtrooper snacking containers. It's nice to send them for snack time since the three compartments allow me to include a few different items for a little buffet of options when snack time rolls around. Typical snacks that we send include fruit bars cut into bite size pieces, pretzels, cheese cubes, crackers, grapes, or veggie chips. We also use them for lunches. Typical lunch items that we put into the compartments include hummus, carrots, and sandwiches. I make a sandwich and cut it into quarters. I then split the sandwich between my two children by stacking two sandwich quarters into the bottom snacking container. Visit the Whiskware™ Snacking Containers website here to view all of the designs and to place an order.

The Dyson V11 Outsize is the most recent model in the popular line of Dyson cordless stick vacuums. If you follow regularly, you may already know that we are big Dyson fans. As a boy mom, I have to tell you that our previous Dyson cordless stick vacuum was a game changer for our family thanks to the lightweight and powerful design that made it easy to clean up after our energetic little boys and visitors.  We used it on hardwood flooring throughout the majority of our home, tile floors in the bathrooms, and carpeting in our children's bedrooms. The vacuum was incredibly versatile and effective despite any challenges that our children threw at it. It never slowed down despite the massive amount of stuff that our boys tracked into our house or dropped on the floor. When I received the opportunity to try out the Dyson V11 Outsize, I was thrilled because it provides 25% more floor coverage per pass, is more powerful with twice the suction power of competing cordless vacuums, comes with a larger bin, includes more attachments, has a longer battery life, and even comes with an extra charger. 

We hope that this roundup of our favorite products helps you too!  We are wishing all of you a wonderful school year ahead!

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