Hippity Hop! The Best Easter Toys for Curious Kids

Easter baskets are the perfect place to surprise kids with toys that spark creativity, laughter, and a little bit of friendly competition. Whether your child loves building, crafting, collecting, puzzles, or silly games that get the whole family giggling, these fun finds are perfect for curious kids this spring.

From creative egg decorating tools to collectible surprises and laugh-out-loud family games, these toys make fantastic Easter basket stuffers and springtime gifts.

PLAYMOBIL Icon Cars

(PLAYMOBIL | MSRP: $19.99 | Ages 5-99 | Available at Playmobil.com & Amazon)

PLAYMOBIL’s latest and funkiest collectible car collection! Featuring legendary models like the Volkswagen T1 Camper, Ferrari 250 GTO, Ford F-150 Raptor, and Porsche Carrera GT. Each vehicle is packed with classic PLAYMOBIL attention to detail and is a perfect gift for both kids and adults!

In my personal experience: Kids absolutely love vehicles they can play with and collect, and the surprise element makes this even more exciting. PLAYMOBIL always does such a great job with the details, and these iconic cars are the perfect size for imaginative play or display. Car-loving kids will enjoy zooming them around the house and comparing which model they got with friends.

EggMazing EggMini Egg Decorator

(Hey Buddy Hey Pal | MSRP: $14.97 | Ages 3+ | Available at Walmart  and Amazon)

The EggMazing Egg Mini Decorator is an egg decorating must-have! The viral decorator holds and spins hard-boiled or wooden eggs, while you use the included markers to decorate your eggs! It’s all the fun without the mess.

In my personal experience: This is such a fun twist on traditional egg decorating. Kids love watching the egg spin while they add colorful designs, and it feels almost magical seeing the patterns appear. Best of all, it eliminates the messy dyes and spills that usually come with decorating eggs, making it a huge win for parents too.

Sticki Rolls BFFs

(Sky Castle | MSRP: $4.99 | Ages 5+ | Available at Target)

Get ready for the ultimate bestie collectible! This all-new Sticki Rolls line brings signature characters to life through adorable pairings, friendship-driven storytelling, and a fresh wave of collectible surprises! Each roll highlights a unique friendship between iconic Sticki characters, plus all-new BFF duos for fans to discover. With 300 new stickers to collect, trade, and share, this limited edition drop is a can’t-miss moment for Sticki fans everywhere!

In my personal experience: Kids absolutely adore collectible toys, and stickers are always a huge hit. These are especially fun because they encourage sharing and trading with friends. The adorable characters and friendship themes make them feel special, and kids love seeing which duo they get and adding new stickers to their collection.

Pass the Pandas

(Ultra PRO | MSRP: $14.99 | Ages: 6+ | Amazon and ultrapro.com)

This exciting, easy-to-learn dice rolling game is pure “Panda”-monium! Be the first to get rid of all of your dice by rolling pandas, bamboo, or water drops. But be careful, if you roll a blank, you must keep that dice to roll again on the next turn.

In my personal experience: Quick, simple games like this are perfect for family game nights or when kids have friends over. The panda theme is adorable, and the gameplay is easy enough for younger kids to understand quickly while still being exciting. It’s the kind of game where everyone ends up cheering, groaning, and laughing together.

Fart Yoga

(GOLDEN BEAR TOYS | MSRP: $19.99 | Ages 4+ | Available Now at Target)

Fart Yoga promotes accessible yoga for the whole family to have fun and get active! To play, secure Sammy the Sloth around your waist and get ready for a burst of laughter. Follow the yoga poses on the Fart Yoga cards and win points along the way. Sammy Sloth will do his flatulent best to catch you out while his fart sound effects are sure to guarantee giggles. Although not just a game of laughs, Fart Yoga encourages kids to move, stretch, and balance, promoting healthy physical activity. Fart Yoga is a surefire way to bring joy and giggles to any gathering!

In my personal experience: Kids think this game is absolutely hilarious. The silly sound effects immediately get everyone laughing, and before you know it the whole family is trying the yoga poses together. It’s a great way to get kids moving while still feeling like they’re just playing a goofy game.

Counter Ball

(GOLDEN BEAR TOYS | MSRP: $22.99 | Ages 6+ | Available at Target)

Counter Ball is the second product within Golden Bear’s Strikesphere range and the latest innovation in soccer kick-up counting. As the first of its kind on the market, players can challenge themselves and their teammates to see who can achieve more tricks up to 100 kicks! With each key milestone reached, the Counter Ball speaks words of encouragement from its built-in speaker system to keep players motivated and challenged for nonstop competitive gameplay. Plus, train with your whole body and watch the ball light up each time it makes contact with anything but the ground!

In my personal experience: Active kids will absolutely love this one. It turns practicing soccer tricks into a fun challenge and adds motivation with lights and encouraging messages. Kids enjoy trying to beat their personal record or competing with friends to see who can keep the ball going the longest.

SmartGames Jump In’

(Smart Toys & Games | MSRP $19.99 | Ages 7+ | Available on Amazon)

A portable, bunny-themed travel puzzle game! Help the rabbits reach their holes by hopping over mushrooms and navigating sliding foxes. Each move encourages strategy, patience, and forward planning. Features 60 progressive challenges, keeping players motivated and engaged as their skills grow.

In my personal experience: Puzzle games like this are fantastic for quiet play and travel. The bunny theme feels perfect for Easter, and kids really enjoy the challenge of figuring out each level. It’s one of those toys that keeps kids thinking and trying new strategies, making it both fun and educational.

Whether you're filling Easter baskets or looking for a fun spring surprise, these toys are sure to delight curious kids. From creative crafts and collectible surprises to laugh-out-loud games and brain-boosting puzzles, each one brings its own kind of fun to the season.

 

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FlowMo Plumbing Review: My Personal Experience With the Best Plumber in Southlake & Flower Mound, TX

If you're looking for a reliable plumber in Southlake or Flower Mound, TX, I wanted to share my personal experience with FlowMo Plumbing — because after going through this whole ordeal, I completely understand why so many people in the Southlake Moms Facebook group recommend them.The Dripping Faucet That Started It All

Our outdoor frost-free faucet had developed a constant drip. No matter how much I tightened it, it just wouldn’t stop. 

During the last ice storm, the faucet cover was filled with ice, a giant icicle hung under the faucet, and even after the ice melted, the faucet continued to drip. I took a photo — it was wild! I knew it was time to call in a professional.

My First Stop: Home Depot

I started at Home Depot, looking for someone from their provider list. They assigned a landscaper, and I asked if she was sure it wasn’t a plumber who should handle it. She said she was certain because outdoor plumbing is usually handled by landscapers.

Unfortunately, the landscaper wasn’t licensed for plumbing. Then I tried another landscaper who initially thought he could handle it, but once he arrived, he also told me we needed to replace the frost-free hose bib, and we really needed a plumber. At that point, I knew this was officially a plumbing job.

Getting Plumbing Quotes

I started researching the average cost for frost-free hose bib repair in DFW and gathered a few quotes.

The first plumbing company told me it was probably just a gasket replacement. What they didn’t explain upfront was that this was only the best-case scenario — if the stem or other components were damaged, the price could change once they started work, leaving me partway into billable hours. That kind of uncertainty makes a homeowner nervous.

The second plumbing company wouldn’t give a quote over the phone for different scenarios. After they arrived, I asked for a breakdown of parts and labor. Their part prices were about double what I saw estimated on Google for the repair in the DFW metro, and their labor was also higher than the next company’s quote. Combined with the high-pressure approach, it didn’t feel like they were looking out for me.

Finding FlowMo Plumbing

Around that time, I visited the Southlake Moms Facebook group and noticed that several people recommended FlowMo Plumbing. After seeing their name over and over, I decided to reach out.

From the very first conversation, they were different. Instead of rushing, they asked thoughtful questions and carefully reviewed the symptoms I described, crossed with the photos I texted. They explained that with frost-free hose bibs and the symptoms I described, there are usually three possible scenarios. They gave pricing ranges for the first two, and the third scenario — where everything goes wrong and they’d have to access the plumbing through interior drywall — thankfully didn’t apply to our situation.

That kind of transparency made me feel calm and confident before they even arrived.  As wonderful as they were over the phone, they were similarly amazing in-person!

Watching the Repair — Plumbing Sorcery

When FlowMo Plumbing arrived, it turned out we were in scenario number two: a worn gasket and a damaged stem requiring a full replacement. If you look closely at the photo below, the gasket is worn and the stem has divots.  I thanked the part for its service over the past 15 years, and then we replaced it!

This is the second part that encased the part above. It was ready for replacement!

The entire repair took about 20 minutes, with the longest part being turning off the water and draining the pipes. I was bracing for brick damage, expecting drilling or chiseling. Instead, the technician simply placed a wrench on the old faucet, gave it a twist, and the faucet came right off the wall — no brick damage at all. He was clearly a pro, making it look effortless, like some kind of plumbing sorcerer in action.

The old part was damaged (which is why we needed to replace it), but to give you an idea, here is a photo of the replacement -- see how it's threaded for installation and removal? That's the secret for how a skilled plumber can work their sorcery to twist the faucet out of the wall without damage!

We had a good surprise when we removed it! The previous plumber put insulation around the pipe which is a best practice that not everyone follows like they should. This is obviously good because insulation helps with efficiency, but also allows the stem to slide in without getting scratched up.  If you have one removed, pay attention to see if your previous plumber took this step.

The replacement 4-inch stem was already in the truck. He threaded it by hand, noted the slight angle to help the water drain properly, gave it one final twist with the wrench, and turned the water back on.

Perfect flow.

No leaks.

FlowMo Plumbing is detail-oriented and thorough!

Why This Experience Meant So Much Personally

Watching FlowMo Plumbing work reminded me of my oldest son. Over the past few years, he’s gone on one-week mission trips repairing homes for people in need. Through those trips, he has discovered that he truly loves hands-on work that helps people.

Sometimes I’m not sure what he enjoys more — the sense of accomplishment from the work itself or seeing how grateful the people he helps are.

Seeing FlowMo Plumbing in action gave me a clear picture of the kind of business I hope my son might run one day: a company where he’s not only skilled and knowledgeable, but also kind, personable, generous, and trustworthy — taking care of people the same way FlowMo Plumbing takes care of their customers.

Final Thoughts

In my personal experience, FlowMo Plumbing stands out because they combine:

• Transparency and clear explanations over the phone, through texts, and in-person without pressure

• Fair, realistic pricing

• Fast, efficient, and clean workmanship that is warrantied for one year

• Genuine care and friendliness

After comparing multiple plumbers, going through confusing quotes, and experiencing FlowMo Plumbing firsthand, I can confidently say that if you’re searching for a trusted plumber in Southlake or Flower Mound, TX, they are absolutely worth calling.

A poor repair could have caused damage to our home. One landscaper was going to chisel away at my brick and mortar and then hesitated and told me to call a licensed plumber. Could you imagine?! There was no need for chiseling the brick and mortar. Also, an unclear quote could have turned into a stressful surprise.

Instead, we got honesty, transparency, excellent work, and a little bit of plumbing magic with FlowMo Plumbing.

I’m officially joining the long list of Southlake moms happily recommending FlowMo Plumbing — and I hope my son someday runs a business with that same combination of skill, heart, and generosity. 

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(Win it!) Go See He Calls Me Daughter in Theaters March 17–18: A Faith-Based Film About Healing and Identity #HeCallsMeDaughterMIN #HeCallsMeDaughter #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to He Calls Me Daughter for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

One of my favorite things to do here on Trendy Mom Reviews is share Christian movies and shows that inspire, encourage, and open up meaningful conversations for families. In today's post, I'll tell you about He Calls Me Daughter which is in theaters March 17–18, 2026.

Life moves fast. Between school, activities, work, and everyday responsibilities, it can be hard to slow down and talk about the things that really matter—our faith, our identity, and the way God sees us.

That’s one reason I love faith-based films so much. When we watch them together, they often create natural opportunities for deeper discussions. Sometimes it’s about forgiveness. Sometimes it’s about purpose. And sometimes it’s about healing from the past and remembering who we are in God’s eyes.

Recently I had the opportunity to learn about a powerful new film that touches on a topic many people quietly carry: the desire to feel seen, valued, and loved.

A Film About Identity, Healing, and the Love of a Heavenly Father

The new film He Calls Me Daughter is coming to theaters for a limited two-day release on March 17–18, and it explores something incredibly meaningful: the healing that can happen when we understand our identity as daughters of God.

Synopsis: HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing. HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw—One who offers peace, belonging, and restoration.

Here is the trailer:



One of the messages that stood out to me is this:

• True healing isn’t found in earthly relationships alone, but in a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
• That truth can be life-changing.
• So many people—women especially—carry deep questions about their worth, their identity, and whether they are truly loved. This film gently reminds viewers that God sees us, values us, and calls us His daughters.

Why Movies Like This Matter

Faith-based films like this can be incredibly impactful because they help us talk about topics we might not otherwise bring up. They can open the door to conversations about:

• Identity in Christ
• Healing from past hurts
• God’s unconditional love
• Finding peace and belonging

Even if the story isn’t exactly your own, hearing someone else’s journey can help us reflect on our own experiences and faith.

And sometimes, the right movie at the right time can be exactly what someone needs to hear.

When and Where to Watch

He Calls Me Daughter will be in theaters March 17–18 only, so it’s a limited opportunity to see it on the big screen. 

Buy tickets today to see He Calls Me Daughter in theaters March 17–18!

More resources

They created a very nice set of resources for a 6-week study! Get it here!

Win it!

One lucky reader will receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Enter using the Raffle widget below. The winner's info will be sent to our sponsor for fulfillment. Good luck!

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(Reserve Spring Break Tickets ASAP!) The Celebration of the Year Is Here! Join the 65th Anniversary Fun at Six Flags Over Texas!

This year, the excitement is bigger than ever as Six Flags kicks off its 65th anniversary season, and we were lucky enough to be there on opening day to experience all the magic! In my personal experience as a mom, there’s nothing quite like the joy of taking your kids to Six Flags Over Texas. From the rush of world-class roller coasters to little moments of laughter shared over a meal or sweet treat, the park has always been a special place for creating memories that last a lifetime.  This is one of the best times to visit because they recently reopened for their 65th anniversary celebration where they made some major upgrades to the park!

A Fresh Start at the Renovated Star Mall
Our day began at the recently renovated Star Mall, and it immediately set the tone for an incredible day. The updated space is bright, welcoming, and filled with the energy that only Six Flags can deliver. The Star Mall, where the Silver Star Carousel is located, has refreshed theming and restoration to its original signage.

 

Walking through the Star Mall, you can feel the multimillion-dollar reinvestment the park has made to enhance rides, food, entertainment venues, and the overall guest experience. It’s clear that this 65th anniversary isn’t just a celebration—it’s the start of a new era of Texas-sized fun for families.

One feature I especially love as a parent is the digital screens that display estimated wait times for each ride. On opening day, we truly lucked out — the weather was beautiful and breezy, and even better, we had our pick of rides without waiting in line when the park opened. Wait times stayed relatively short throughout the day, and it was so helpful to glance at the screens and plan our next stop accordingly.

We also highly recommend grabbing Fast Passes. Six Flags continues to offer family-friendly pricing on them, and they genuinely make the day even more enjoyable. Fast Passes simplify planning, keep the kids happy, and help you fit in as many rides as possible.

Cool Walkthroughs and Photo-Worthy Stops

One of our first stops was the Mr. Freeze attraction. This newly re-imagined ride is a hotspot at the park! Walking through the immersive, chilled environment was the perfect way to cool off and snap some fun photos. My kids loved exploring the frosty tunnels and taking silly pictures—it’s these little moments that turn a day at the park into lasting memories. I won't spoil any further details, but I will say that it was incredible!

The newly refreshed Pirate Spelunkers ride at Six Flags Over Texas has received impressive animatronic and scenic improvements that make the adventure feel more immersive than ever. I felt so much more depth to the experience. 

I don’t want to spoil too many surprises, but let’s just say it’s absolutely amazing and even more fun for families to experience together!

Southern Palace Theatre: A Showstopper
The Southern Palace Theatre has been fully renovated this year. With new seating, upgraded audio and lighting, and mechanical functions, it’s now a premier indoor performance venue in the park. From high-quality seasonal productions to brand-new shows, it’s a perfect spot to sit back and enjoy a break while still being immersed in park fun.

A Taste of Something New 

Food is a big part of the Six Flags experience, and this year it is better than ever. We sampled some of the new menu items created by Six Flags’ executive chef, and I have to say—it is nothing short of delicious! For instance, I learned that I am obsessed with funnel cake fries! 

My kids also love the NY style pizza!

From the hand-dipped Texas Corndogs to indulgent desserts at Smith Street Ice Cream Parlor, I could easily plan a trip just for the food alone. 

Roller Coasters, Classic Rides, and World Records
This season is packed with new thrills and refreshed classics. Classic attractions received updated theming and improved performance mechanics.  And the big news? Later this year, the park will debut Tormenta Rampaging Run, a giga dive coaster that will break six world records. It’s going to be epic, and I can already picture the pure excitement on my kids’ faces when they ride it. Here’s what makes it so special:
Tormenta Rampaging Run – Breaking Six World Records

1. Tallest Dive Coaster — 309 feet above the ground
2. Highest 95-Degree Beyond Vertical Drop — 285 feet
3. Fastest Dive Coaster — speeds up to 87 mph
4. Highest Immelmann Inversion — 218 feet
5. Tallest Vertical Coaster Loop — 179 feet
6. Longest Dive Coaster Track Length — 4,199 feet

This coaster is truly a game-changer for thrill-seekers and a must-experience attraction for families visiting in 2026.

 

Entertainment for Every Age
Six Flags is about more than just rides. This year, the park is debuting several new shows perfect for kids and families:

• Gazillion Bubbles Show – bubble artistry and upbeat music
• The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience – high-energy rescue dog stunts and family comedy
• Western Daze – a marionette show inspired by classic western performances
• Celebrate! – a musical revue honoring six decades of park history
• Miss Cameo Kate’s Western Burle Q Revue – lively western musical fun
• Brad Ross International Star Illusionist – mesmerizing magic for kids and adults

These shows are perfect breaks between rides. My kids were completely captivated, and I loved enjoying a moment to watch them experience pure wonder.
Be Part of Six Flags History

Be Part of History
One of the coolest ways to celebrate the 65th anniversary is by being a part of park history. Guests can purchase name-engraved pavers, which will be placed near the Silver Star Carousel in Star Mall. Pavers start at $125 and serve as a permanent memento of your visit. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate a family trip, celebrate a special occasion, or simply leave your mark on this iconic Texas landmark.
Seasonal Festivals and Special Events

They also have fun 65th anniversary items in their shops. Here are a few of our favorites.

  
The 65th anniversary season is packed with seasonal events and festivals. We recommend buying season passes because (a) they provide family-friendly pricing and (b) there are great reasons to visit throughout the year! From Spring Break Week in March to Star Spangled Nights in July and the Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park celebrations, there’s always something exciting happening. Whether it’s a family day, a date night with your spouse, or a fun outing with friends, Six Flags Over Texas offers endless ways to escape everyday life and enjoy something special. 

 
Create Memories That Last
For me, the magic of Six Flags Over Texas is seeing my kids’ faces light up over a roller coaster, a show, or even a sweet treat. Laughter fills the air, families bond over shared thrills, and childhood memories are created in real time. With the renovated spaces, the new executive chef menu, the classic ride enhancements, and the upcoming Tormenta coaster breaking six world records, this season is shaping up to be one for the books.

Whether it’s a day of pure thrill, a casual stroll with photo ops, or a fun date night, Six Flags Over Texas is a place where fun, laughter, and family memories collide. Don’t miss out—join the 65th anniversary celebration and make your next trip a memory your family will cherish for years to come!

Learn More
Spring break is just around the corner. You'll want to get your passes asap before they sell out! Plan Your Visit and Get Tickets for Six Flags Over Texas!

 

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DIY Pirate Themed Easter Egg Hunt and DIY Treat Cannon

In today's post, we'll share ideas for a Pirate Themed Easter Egg Hunt! We start with an Easter basket that contains a treasure map, share a few fun ideas to include in the egg hunt, and end with a color-your-own pirate ship that contains a treasure chest full of treasure in the form of golden eggs and gem eggs.  We then share two DIY Cannon Projects - a DIY Large Snack Cannon and DIY Mini Candy Cannon.  

Project The Pirate Themed Easter Egg Hunt Supplies
I listed the item numbers for the Easter egg hunt items that are from Oriental Trading so that it's easy for you to find the exact items if you search on their website. 

• Toys
• Color Your Own Pirate Ship Playhouse 
• Supplies
• Colorful Masking Tape Set  
• 1 piece of paper to draw a treasure map
• Plastic Easter Eggs of Your Choice Here is what we used:
• Sea Creature Plastic Easter Eggs 
• Jumbo Diamond Plastic Easter Eggs 
• Metallic Golden Easter Eggs 
• Noah's Ark Plastic Easter Eggs 
• Snacks
• 2 cases of Pirate's Booty (Individual snack bags)

Directions
Step 1 - Create a Treasure Map and X's to mark the location of treasure

Create a treasure map that gives clues for your child to follow. Personally, our son is still learning the difference between left and right, so we added an educational component to our Easter treasure hunt by using colorful X's to mark spots that he then needed to take 3 steps to the left or 3 steps to the right to find treasure. The dashes indicate the bottom of the X. For instance, there are eggs on the other side of the couch here which required him to take 3 steps to the right below.

Step 2 - Set up a Pirate Ship Playhouse

We used the trendy Color Your Own Pirate Ship Playhouse from Oriental Trading.  It's super easy to set up and is sure to help create a wonderful childhood memory! 

Step 3 - Stuff and hide Pirate Themed Eggs 

We have a few pirate themed eggs in our collection.  

We placed the Sea Creature Plastic Easter Eggs around the Pirate Ship Playhouse so that we could pretend that the pirate ship and sea creatures were swimming.  We also placed some of the Noah's Ark Plastic Easter Eggs around the pirate ship.

We filled a treasure chest basket with the Metallic Golden Easter Eggs and the Jumbo Diamond Plastic Easter Eggs. We also randomly hid some of these golden eggs and gem eggs throughout the house.

Finally, we created a large snack cannon. This is an easy DIY project, but be sure to be very careful when you use them and to wear protective gear. Never leave children unsupervised with the cannon and don't shoot stuff out of it too hard.  Let me share the details.

Project: Large Snack Cannon (Sling shot style)

Supplies

• 1 concrete tube (This is made from cardboard. You will find these in the fencing section of most home improvement stores)
• 1 exercise resistance band
• 1 can of black spray paint
• 1 paper plate
• 1 roll of black masking tape
• 1 roll of white masking tape
• 1 pair of scissors
• 1 or more cases of Pirate's Booty to launch from the cannon

Directions
1. Drill two holes into the side of the cardboard tube. Drill two more holes directly across from the previous two.

2. Lace the resistance band through the holes and tie knots.

3. Paint the cardboard tube with the black spray paint and allow to dry. (We removed the resistance band before spray painting and then reinserted it after the paint dried.)


4. Cut the paper plate from one edge to the center and then form a cone that easily fits into the cardboard tube. Err on the side of it being slightly smaller in diameter so that it will fall out of the cannon easily.

5. Use the black masking tape on the edges of the cannon to make the edges look cleaner.

6. Create cardboard wheels and tape them to the side of the cannon.  

7. Fill the cannon with Pirate's Booty and then use the resistance band like a slingshot to launch the snacks! 

8. Be safe when using this cannon and never let children play with it. Here are some tips. Be sure that no one will be hit by anything that shoots out of the cannon, including the contents or the resistance band.  We have everyone wear protective gear and googles. We launch the snacks in the opposite direction of everyone and then let our children run to grab the snacks after the launch.  Only my husband and I operate the cannon; never children.  We are careful when launching items so that things do not fly too far and hit anything. We never pull too hard on the resistance band, since it could potentially rip or snap back. 

Enjoy your Easter Egg Hunt, Mates!

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(Review) The Husqvarna Automower is a Game Changer in the Texas Heat!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Husqvarna. All opinions are 100% mine.

This post is sponsored by Husqvarna. They recently sent us an Automower product to review.

My husband and I used to mow our own lawn. It's one of our least favorite chores, especially with the Texas heat and humidity.  Our first house together was almost an acre. We quickly learned that we did not like maintaining a large yard. When we had the opportunity to relocate for new jobs, we purchased a home on a smaller lot with .25 acres. We later realized that we would prefer an even smaller yard and we moved yet again to a villa where front yard maintenance is included in our HOA fee and we only have to maintain our small backyard that is hidden by fences. The space is approximately 1,000 square feet. We've mowed it for several years, but we finally decided that we have had enough and began researching alternatives such as artificial grass, hiring someone to help, or a robotic lawnmower. 

Many of our neighbors feel the same way about yard work. As I mentioned, we live in a villa where the HOA maintains our front yards and then we are responsible for our small backyards. The majority of our neighbors hire landscapers.  This is nice, but it's expensive and we don't like the idea of giving landscapers a key to our yard.  The typical cost of weekly mowing for our small backyard is $75 to $100/week.  We mow our lawn for approximately 7.5 months per year, so it's not trivial to spend over $3,000/year to hire landscapers to mow our backyard. As a Mom and an Engineer, I can't help but calculate the cost for multiple years and notice how quickly the expense accumulates. After five years, the cost adds up to around $15,000.

Several of our neighbors have artificial lawns. Some of them got together in small groups to negotiate a bulk discount, but it was still very expensive. An example of a neighbor's yard is shown below. It looks nice, but it was outside of the budget that we wanted to put toward our yard. Plus, with young children, we didn't want to worry about the cost of replacement down the road.

Only recently did we come across the Husqvarna Automower as an option to help mow our lawn. I wish that we would have known about it sooner. We looked into it and ran the numbers to figure out whether it could make sense for us.  Specifically, we looked into the Husqvarna 115H Automower that is priced at $1,599.99 with installation.  At this price, we felt like it was a cost effective solution to mowing our lawn that is cheaper than hiring landscapers to mow.  I searched for reviews and people seemed happy, so I reached out to the company to ask if it would be possible to collaborate and to send us review a unit.  They agreed! This was a highlight of my blogging year, especially if you consider the temperatures in Texas right now and how much we dread yard work. Of course, we were excited because the perks of this robotic lawn mower are amazing, but I also felt like it was a special opportunity to gain and share an experience that people are curious to know more about.

The process for ordering the Husqvarna Automower was nice because they ship the Automower in a package that arrives on your doorstep. They then connect you with an installation expert who sets everything up for you.  For instance, check out the photo below that shows my package on our front porch.  I took the photo from a distance so that you could notice that it's a large package, but still a reasonable size for me to carry on my own.

Here is a closer view of the package.

We were so excited about our new best friend that we couldn't help but to peek into the package to see it before the installation company arrived.  The package was comprehensive and included everything that I needed to get started.

The day before the installation company arrived, we mowed our lawn to the desired height.  This is something that you will want to do before your installation as part of the customization process.

Lambert's Landscape Company installed the boundary wire and charging station. In the Dallas area, we are very lucky because the pros at Lambert's know the ins and outs of the Husqvarna Automower. The Director of Fleet Services and Facilities installed our Automower. He manages a fleet of them and even runs two Automowers in his own yard. He is knowledgable about landscaping and Automowers. He was really nice about answering our questions and giving advice. The installation for our yard went by quickly. He installed the boundary wire with a machine that buries it rather seamlessly. I was relieved to know that the boundary wires would be buried so nicely, especially since I have energetic children who aren't even able to see the buried wires.  Here is a photo of him installing the boundary wire.

I also made a video and encourage you to watch it because you'll get a better idea of how quick and seamless it was for him to install the boundary wire.

After he installed the boundary wires, he finished setting up the charging station and updated the software. This is the home for our new best friend, the Automower! He also helped us to get the app which helps us to monitor the status of our Husqvarna Automower. For instance, here is a photo from when we set it up.

Here is another photo of the app which shows statistics about the number of hours that it has spent on our lawn.

The Husqvarna Automower is smart and able to adapt to many variables such as different yard sizes, slopes, grass types, and more. Personally, our yard is around 1,000 sq. ft. and relatively flat with only slight sloping around our French drains.  We have Bermuda grass which is a southern grass that grows in warm climates. It has a narrow leaf blade which I think is aesthetically pleasing. It grows quickly and is also quite resilient. You'll find it at many golf courses and athletic fields since it's relatively good for high traffic areas.  Our yard is a breeze for the Husqvarna Automower that quietly works its magic on our lawn.  

The Husqvarna Automower spent the first couple of days exploring our yard.  My family enjoyed watching our curious little friend move around to learn the lay of the land! 

After the initial exploration, the Automower used its advanced technology to mow our lawn on a more scheduled basis.  The technology is actually more interesting than we initially expected. Not only does this little robot mow our lawn, but it also improves the health of our lawn. That was an unexpected bonus for us!   We just wanted a break from yard work, so it was even cooler to realize that the Automower could further improve the health of our lawn too. The way that it works is different than our old process. We used to go through with a loud electric lawn mower.  The Husqvarna Automower is more advanced. It uses several blades to finely mulch the grass.  Instead of rushing through like we used to do with a lawn mower, the Automower takes slower and more frequent passes which provides a noticeable difference to the health of our lawn.

Another big difference between our old mower and the Automower is the noise level. Our old mower was loud.  Our Automower is pretty quiet. I tease my husband that it has such good manners with how quiet it is. It even runs past my bedroom at night while I am sleeping without me noticing.  I also appreciate that it has safety features to stop if it bumps into something unexpected. For instance, my youngest son dropped his teddy bear outside. The Automower skillfully avoided it which is an important feature that we appreciate since our children play in the yard and don't always clean up after themselves.

The Automower may be scheduled to run at any time. We prefer an evening schedule so that our children aren't outside. I would actually be okay with my boys around it since it has safety features, but my children sometimes play soccer or have water balloon battles, so I figured that evening runs were better. Plus, as I mentioned earlier the Automower is quiet enough that I don't even notice it when it goes by my bedroom windows in the evening.

Security is an important feature to me. There is one loud thing about the Automower. That's the alarm. If someone doesn't know the pin number and then picks it up and tries to run off with it, the Automower has a very loud alarm.  You need to enter your pin number to turn it off. Depending on the model, you may also have GPS tracking. 

We've used our Automower for a few months now. Let me share a quick list of questions that people have asked us with our personal answers.

1. Is it as loud as a traditional lawn mower?  Answer: It is MUCH quieter than our old traditional lawn mower. In fact, we run it in the evening and it mows outside of my bedroom window without waking me. 
2. Does it break if it rains?  Answer: We have left our Automower out during several rainstorms without any issues. I just wipe it down with a cloth after the rain. (For reference, I also wipe down our patio furniture and grill after rain.) We moved the Automower to our patio for one storm because there were severe weather warnings. During that particular storm, you wouldn't have even wanted to leave your car outside.
3. What if children leave toys in the yard? Answer: My children have stress tested this feature. They have a bad habit of leaving toys in the yard.  Fortunately, the Automower is quite advanced and has avoided every toy left in our yard over the past few months.  One of them was my youngest son's teddy bear, so I was grateful for the Automower's technology to avoid their toys.
4. Could someone pick it up and walk off with it? Answer: Yes, but there is an alarm system.  It makes an obnoxiously loud noise that would make it hard for someone to casually pick it up in our yard and walk off with it. We are able to hear the alarm noise in our house. We have a pin number to turn the alarm off. Some models also have a GPS security feature.
5. Do you like it? Answer: We absolutely love it!  If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop wasting time on mowing the lawn and to let an Automower take over the chore.  Seriously, the combination of Texas heat and humidity is the worst. The Automower is a total game changer that allows us to spend less time on chores and more time enjoying life.

Now that we have used the Husqvarna Automower for a while, we are very happy and wish that we would have adopted it sooner.  The time savings has been amazing. We no longer have to mow. We only have to do the edging. My husband has approximately 5 extra hours to spend with us every month. If you multiple this by 7.5 months, he has saved approximately 37.5 hours/year. That's almost an entire workweek out of the year for him! We have a small backyard that is under 1,000 square feet. I imagine that the time savings increases for Texans with bigger yards.

During the Coronavirus shutdown, the Automower was also a life saver because it mulches the grass into fine pieces and we do not have to bag and dispose debris. Our garbage collection company temporarily stopped the collection of lawn clippings.  Prior to the arrival of our Automower, we had garbage bags full of lawn clippings for weeks until they finally announced a special day when collection of lawn debris resumed.  I'm glad that we don't have to dispose of lawn debris after the Automower.  The mulching process is eco-friendly and convenient!

In summary, the Husqvarna Automower is an amazing application of technology that has improved the quality of our lives.  The experience has given us a healthier lawn, but more importantly, the gift of time. As busy parents, the ability to cross mowing the lawn off of our chore list was amazing! I know that we could have hired landscapers to mow weekly or invested in artificial grass, but those solutions were very expensive. The Husqvarna Automower is more cost effective for our situation. The Husqvarna design team deserves credit for the meticulous attention to detail that they put into the Automower!

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