5 Tips for National Laundry Day!

April 15th marks National Laundry Day, a day dedicated to tackling the piles of laundry that seem to magically accumulate throughout our homes. For moms everywhere, this day offers the perfect opportunity to rally the troops and engage the whole family in some much-needed spring cleaning. And what better way to celebrate than with Dropps, America's first-ever laundry pod, designed with both efficacy and sustainability in mind. In today's post, I'll share 5 of my favorite laundry tips and then tell you about my favorite brand of laundry pods - dropps!

Let's start with laundry tips!

Top 5 Laundry Tips for National Laundry Day

1. Opt for Unscented Products: Especially if you or your family members have sensitive skin, choose unscented laundry products like Dropps sensitive skin pods to avoid irritation.
2. Tackle Stains with Spray-On Dish Soap: For stubborn stains like grease or oil, try using a spray-on dish soap before laundering to break down the oils effectively.
3. Sort Smartly: Save time and energy by sorting your laundry as you go. Keep separate baskets for lights, darks, and delicates to streamline the process on laundry day.
4. Maximize Dryer Efficiency: To save energy and reduce drying time, toss a clean, dry towel into the dryer with your wet clothes. The towel will absorb excess moisture, helping your laundry dry faster.
5. Establish a Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to staying on top of laundry. Set a designated laundry day each week and involve the whole family in the process to lighten the load.

Now that I've shared my favorite laundry tips, let me tell you more about dropps!

Meet dropps: The Eco-Friendly Laundry Solution

Behold, dropps – the revolutionary laundry pod that has been winning hearts and stains across the nation. Crafted with as few as seven ingredients, dropps offers a waste-free clean that moms can feel good about. Here's why dropps has become a household favorite:

1. Stain & Odor Solutions for Every Need: Whether it's stubborn stains, lingering odors, or sensitive skin concerns, Dropps has you covered with their range of stain & odor, active wash, and sensitive skin residue-free pods.

2. Environmentally Conscious Formulas: As a B-Corp and Leaping Bunny Certified brand, dropps takes pride in their vegan formulas that are free from phthalates, phosphates, sulfates, and parabens. Moms can trust that their laundry routine is not only effective but also eco-friendly.

3. Hassle-Free Compatibility: dropps pods are compatible with all machines and temperatures, ensuring a hassle-free laundry day for moms on the go.

4. Fresh and Unscented Options: Whether you prefer a burst of freshness or a fragrance-free experience, Dropps offers both options to cater to your preferences. Plus, you can easily find them on dropps.com and Amazon, making stocking up a breeze.

5. Affordable and Convenient: Starting at just $14.50 for a 32-count pack and available in subscription packages for added convenience and savings, Dropps makes it easy to keep your laundry routine on track without breaking the bank.

This National Laundry Day, embrace the opportunity to refresh your home and revamp your laundry routine with dropps. With their eco-friendly formulas and hassle-free approach, moms can reclaim laundry day as a time for efficiency, sustainability, and maybe even a little bit of fun. Happy laundering!

Read more »

Enjoy the Total Solar Eclipse in Grapevine on April 8th!

In today's post, I'm excited to tell you about a once-in-a-lifetime event to celebrate the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Grapevine, TX! On Monday, April 8, 2024, Grapevine, Texas, is gearing up to host a celestial spectacle of a lifetime—the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse! Set against the backdrop of Grapevine's rich history and vibrant atmosphere, this event promises an experience like no other.

Here is the info to paste into your calendar:

• What: VIP Solar Eclipse Watch Party
• When: April 8, 2024 - get there early, but Witness the entire eclipse on Peace Plaza from 12:23 p.m. to 3:02 p.m., with the Total Solar Eclipse occurring from 1:41 p.m. to 1:43 p.m.
• Where: Peace Plaza in Grapevine
• More details: Get the VIP Solar Package for $275 which Includes a 2024 Eclipse Gift Tote filled with commemorative items and a $60 food and beverage voucher redeemable at Harvest Hall, a European-style dining hall connected to Peace Plaza OR get the Lunar Package for $100 which offers a 2024 Eclipse Gift Tote with limited commemorative items and optional add-ons at checkout!

Nestled conveniently between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine offers the perfect vantage point to witness the awe-inspiring eclipse. To make this celestial event even more special, Trendy Mom Reviews invites you to elevate your viewing experience with our exclusive VIP Solar Eclipse Watch Party in Grapevine's Historic Main Street District.

What to Expect at the VIP Solar Eclipse Watch Party:

• Live musical entertainment featuring the Joshua Ingram Band and D.J. Mike B from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mingle with artist Marisa Jean as she captures the essence of the day on canvas.
• Snap photos with captivating Moon and Sun stilt walkers.
• Enjoy vintage arcade games and other delightful activities.
• Witness the entire eclipse on Peace Plaza from 12:23 p.m. to 3:02 p.m., with the Total Solar Eclipse occurring from 1:41 p.m. to 1:43 p.m.

You'll want to book your tickets asap since space is limited for this unforgettable celestial journey! Again, these are the great options:

• VIP Solar Package: $275 - Includes a 2024 Eclipse Gift Tote filled with commemorative items and a $60 food and beverage voucher redeemable at Harvest Hall, a European-style dining hall connected to Peace Plaza.
• Lunar Package: $100 - Offers a 2024 Eclipse Gift Tote with limited commemorative items and optional add-ons at checkout.

In addition to this event, there are many other things to experience in Grapevine! While you're in Grapevine, immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture:

• Explore Historic Nash Farm and learn how to make a pinhole camera on April 5.
• Visit Settlement to City Museums for insights into Grapevine's heritage.
• Step aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a nostalgic one-hour excursion.
• Experience the tranquility of Peace Circle at Peace Plaza, a tribute to Native American history.

Personally, I visited the Grapevine Vintage Railroad with my children over spring break. We had an incredible time!  It was much more than a train ride because employees from Historic Nash Farm dressed in period clothing and taught my children to send a telegraph, weigh and label luggage using old-time scales, and more. My kids also loved having snacks and drinks on the train. It was an added bonus that our train went through an area of Grapevine and Colleyville that we drive through regularly. Seeing the same area from the train was a special experience!  

While spring break is over, you may still enjoy family-friendly train rides on weekends! We recommend the Cotton Belt Route. Click here to learn more!

Grapevine isn't just a destination; it's a journey through time. With its charming Historic Main Street District, modern amenities, and diverse attractions—including the Grapevine Urban Wine Trail and Meow Wolf Grapevine—there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Book your stay at one of Grapevine's fabulous hotels, including Gaylord Texan Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Hotel Vin, or Hilton DFW Lakes, and plan your celestial adventure today at GrapevineTexasUSA.com.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the magic of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Grapevine, Texas! 

Read more »

Visit Circus Vazquez in Frisco, TX for an Unforgettable Experience!

In today's post, I'll tell you about a fun event that is sure to be part of many children's happy childhood memories! We enthusiastically recommend that you seize the opportunity to visit Circus Vazquez while it graces Frisco, TX, for an unforgettable experience! Circus Vazquez, America’s largest family-owned big top circus, has brought its new 2024 production to Frisco, Texas, from March 15 to April 1 at Riders Field (7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco, TX). This circus seamlessly blends the modern with the traditional, showcasing a fresh cast of extraordinary circus superstars, promising entertainment that is bound to thrill audiences of all ages. Plus, don't miss out on experiencing its distinctive climate-controlled blue and white tent, currently the largest of its kind touring the U.S.

For over 55 years, Circus Vazquez has delighted generations of families with its awe-inspiring, death-defying, hilarious, authentic, and affordable circus experiences. This year's show continues that legacy and is truly not to be missed.

In assembling the stellar cast for the 2024 Tour, the Vazquez family scoured the globe to bring together a lineup of international talent. The award-winning clown, comedian, and acrobat Boris Nikishkin will make his American debut, fulfilling a long-held dream. The Bone Breakers quartet from Guinea, Africa, showcase unbelievable body-bending flexibility that must be seen to be believed. Daredevils Ricardo and Alejandro, known as Duo Vanegas from Colombia, defy gravity on the Wheel of Wonder, a thrilling circus act reaching over 30 feet in height. Featuring Olympian Natalia Kapitonova, the Liazeed Angels, a unique troupe of athletes, bring high-quality gymnastics to the circus ring in their Circus Vazquez debut. From Brazil, Duo Marruffo presents an athletic display of handbalancing and strength. The Bingo Troupe from Kiev, Ukraine, delivers a distinct high-energy mix of dance and acrobatics. And let's not forget the fourth-generation Vazquez family members stepping into the spotlight: Jose Alberto Vazquez, a true juggling virtuoso, and siblings Jan & Carolina Vazquez, thrilling audiences with their juggling and balance on the rolla bolla, a traditional circus apparatus that takes years to master. Plus, the magnificent Circus Vazquez Band provides a scintillating soundtrack to each act. After the show, the audience is invited to meet some of the circus stars.



We were lucky to visit Circus Vazquez in Frisco this past weekend. I think that everyone should visit a circus at least once and Circus Vazquez has been my all-time favorite! My children were in awe during the show. I won't spoil surprises for you, but I will share that it is an experience that I think they will always remember!  

For tickets and additional information, please visit www.CircusVazquez.com. Tickets start at $30.00 for children and $50.00 for adults, with senior, military, and handicap rates available. Tickets will also be available in person at the box office beginning on opening day in each town. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories with your family!

Read more »

DIY Bunnies and Chicks with Wonderful Halos!

Our family has a tradition of including Wonderful Halos in our children's Easter baskets. In today's post, I'll point you to a fun DIY craft to decorate up your Halos as adorable bunnies and chicks!

Wonderful Halos mandarins are a healthy alternative to candy, delivering 45 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C in about 50 calories.  These sweet, seedless and easy to peel snacks are currently in season and are great for snacks.  They are fun to hide on their own, inside of jumbo size Easter eggs, or to dress up as bunnies or chicks!

We love following the Wonderful Halos blog for fun DIY crafts to dress up our Halos!  The crafts below are from their fabulous blog.  The first is a little Halos Bunny Pouch.

For each pouch, you’ll need:

– one Wonderful Halos mandarin
– a 9” x 9” square of white felt
– some pink felt
– scissors
– rubber bands
– ribbon
– glue
– small pom poms
– large pom poms
– googly eyes

You will find the step-by step instructions here.  This adorable bunny is easy to make and will liven up your sweet Halos for Easter morning!

The second is an Easter chick. 

For each craft, you’ll need:

– one Wonderful Halos mandarin
– our template (download here)
– yellow card stock
– orange card stock
– googly eyes
– glue
– white felt
– double-sided tape
– scissors
– pencil

You will find the step-by step instructions here. This festive little chick is another fun way to brighten your Easter morning!

I hope that you enjoyed this glimpse into our festive treats for Easter morning.  Again, Wonderful Halos are in season (Nov. through May), so stock up on these sweet and juicy treats while they are here!

Read more »

🎬 Experience the Magic of Faith and Family: Forty-Seven Days with Jesus! #47DaysWithJesusMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Are you ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey that will touch your heart and soul? Get your tickets today to witness the powerful story of Forty-Seven Days with Jesus in theaters exclusively on March 11, 12, and 14!

As Easter approaches, what better way to prepare than by immersing yourself in a film that beautifully portrays the essence of faith, hope, and family unity? This captivating movie offers a fresh perspective on the final days of Jesus Christ's earthly journey, weaving together a tale of redemption, love, and spiritual awakening.

Synopsis:

In Forty-Seven Days with Jesus, a family struggling with disconnection and turmoil finds renewed hope and unity as they are drawn into the profound narrative of Jesus' last 47 days on Earth. Led by acclaimed actors Yoshi Barrigas and Catherine Lidstone, known for their remarkable performances in The Chosen, this film promises to deliver an authentic and moving portrayal of the Easter story.

But that's not all! Prepare to be mesmerized by the unforgettable original music that accompanies this cinematic masterpiece. From soul-stirring melodies to uplifting anthems, the soundtrack of Forty-Seven Days with Jesus will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

This is not just a movie; it's an experience—a journey of faith and discovery that reminds us of the enduring impact of The Gospel. Whether you're seeking inspiration, connection, or simply a moment of reflection, this film promises to deliver on every level.

Here are some videos to check out! This one has a lot of traction already:

Here's another great one:

Let me share one more!

Don't miss out! Gather your loved ones, friends, and neighbors, and secure your tickets now for Forty-Seven Days with Jesus. Let's come together in theaters to celebrate the spirit of Easter and the timeless message of love and salvation.

🎟️  Buy tickets today to see Forty-Seven Days with Jesus in theaters ONLY on March 11, 12, and 14! See you at the movies! 🎟️

Win it!
One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The winner should have a U.S. address. The gift card will be emailed directly to the winner from our sponsor. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Learn More

Website: LINK Buy Tickets: LINK Trailer: LINK 

Social Pages: IG: LINK FB: LINK 

Production Company websites: LINK and LINK 

Read more »

CVS has the Viral PEEPS EggMazing Egg Decorator! #ad #CVSPartner #CVSBudgetEaster

If you've been trying to score the viral PEEPS Eggmazing Egg Decorator, I have good news! You'll find it at CVS! Act quick in case it runs out! This is such a fun item to create happy childhood memories! The PEEPS Eggmazing Egg Decorator will help your kids to decorate eggs that look professional! 

If you love PEEPS, here are some of my other favorite PEEPS products to pick up at CVS while you are there:

• PEEPS Marshmallow-Scented Bunny
• PEEPS Plush in a Mug
• PEEPS Lip Balm
• PEEPS DIY Stamper
• PEEPS Suncatcher Activity Set
• PEEPS Easter Basket

Get it here! 

Read more »

The 2024 List of Best Easter Gifts for Kids!

Easter is just a hop away!  This is one of my favorite times of year. For the past several years, I've featured a variety of Easter Egg Hunt ideas. Some of my favorites have been the Nerf Easter Egg Hunt where we stuffed Easter eggs with Nerf darts; an outer space Easter Egg Hunt with glow-in-the-dark alien eggs and more; a pirate themed Easter egg hunt were I made a cannon to shoot pirates booty snacks and hid sea life shaped eggs; a construction themed Easter egg hunt with a bulldozer tent and ball pit; and more.  Now that my oldest claims to have outgrown Easter Egg Hunts, he is helping me to plan one for my youngest son.  He wants to plan a traditional Easter Egg Hunt with fun kids toys!  We are working on our plan. In the meantime, I have the list of 2024 List of Best Easter Gifts for Kids! Spoiler alert - the toys come from some of our favorite toymakers - PLAYMOBIL, Hey Buddy Hey Pal and Vango Toys!

Let's get started!

PEEPS® EggMazing Egg Decorator (Hey Buddy Hey Pal): PEEPS® joins the EggMazing family with the new PEEPS® EggMazing Egg Decorator! Just like the other decorators, this bunny-shaped one holds and spins hard-boiled eggs while you use the included PEEPS® markers to decorate! Available in the iconic PEEPS® Bunny Pink and PEEPS Bunny Yellow! 
Available at Amazon or CVS (MSRP: $27.99; Ages 3+)

Personally, my son cherished this toy! From the moment he received it, he couldn't contain his excitement. It became his constant companion, bringing him endless joy and sparking his imagination. Watching him play with it, seeing his face light up with delight, filled my heart with happiness. Those moments of pure childhood bliss will always be cherished and remembered fondly.



The Original EggMazing Egg Decorator (Hey Buddy Hey Pal): The #1 selling toy on Amazon leading up to the holiday, this line of mess-free egg decorators let kids become part of the decorating process instead of just “watching and waiting” for traditional messy dyes to work! This egg-shaped decorator holds and spins hard-boiled eggs while you use the included markers to create stripes, lines and other fun designs! 
Available at Amazon (MSRP: $27.99; Ages 3+)

My son absolutely adored this innovative egg decorator, which quickly became his favorite toy. As the #1 selling toy on Amazon leading up to the holidays, it offered him a unique and interactive way to partake in the decorating process. With its mess-free design, he could unleash his creativity without the hassle of traditional messy dyes. The egg-shaped decorator's ability to hold and spin hard-boiled eggs while he used the included markers to craft vibrant designs brought him immense joy and endless entertainment.

BIZYBOO’s Easter Egg Busy Bag Scavenger Hunt (Vango Toys): These Hide ’N’ Seek Busy Bags are the perfect mess-free, on-the-go, and low-fuss companion! Using both written and visual prompts found on an attached card, children will have a blast prodding and shifting the beads around, seeking out the Easter objects! Not only do they keep little ones engaged, but these bags also foster learning and motor skill development and encourage independence. 
Available on Amazon (MSRP: $9.99; Ages 2+)

My son was captivated by the BIZYBOO’s Easter Egg Busy Bag Scavenger Hunt from Vango Toys. It quickly became his favorite on-the-go companion, providing endless entertainment without any mess or fuss. With written and visual prompts on an attached card, he loved prodding and shifting the beads around, eagerly seeking out the hidden Easter objects. Not only did these busy bags keep him engaged for hours, but they also fostered his learning and motor skill development, encouraging his independence in play.



PLAYMOBIL’s Horses of Waterfall- Feeding Time with Ellie & Sawdust:  Join Ellie and her horse, Sawdust, as they train for western riding! Yea Haw! With this PLAYMOBIL eco-friendly product line, it consists of, on average, more than 80% sustainable materials! It allows children to embark on exciting horse-riding adventures!
Available on playmobil.com  (MSRP: $9.99; Ages: 5- 12)
 
PLAYMOBIL Color & Crayola- Motorbike:  PLAYMOBIL is celebrating the comeback of its classic PLAYMOBIL Color series after a 45-year hiatus with five new sets released in collaboration with creativity powerhouse, CRAYOLA. It's a colorful world with the Motorbike! Design your motorbike and rider using your own sense of style by using the two included Crayola markers to color the motorbike and rider's outfit as you wish! When you are ready for a change easily wipe the ink off and start all over again! How cool!!!
Available on playmobil.com and Amazon (MSRP: $16.99; Ages 5- 12)

Children will love joining Ellie and her horse, Sawdust, for feeding time and western riding adventures with PLAYMOBIL’s Horses of Waterfall set. Made with over 80% sustainable materials, this eco-friendly product line encourages imaginative play while promoting environmental consciousness. For those craving creativity, the PLAYMOBIL Color & Crayola Motorbike offers endless design possibilities. With two Crayola markers included, kids can personalize their motorbike and rider, creating colorful masterpieces that can be wiped clean for a fresh canvas whenever inspiration strikes.




Bumpas™- New Tie-Dye Colors! (Good Soul Brands): Who doesn’t love a good comfort hug? Bumpas™ are lovable plush toy friends who you can play and cuddle with. This huggable friend is weighted to provide a sense of comfort and security when you need it most! Bumpas’™ arms are perfectly sized to give realistic-feeling hugs. Now available in 2 NEW tie-dye colors! The pink tie-dye Bumpas™, Sprinx, and the blue tie-dye Bumpas™, Shloof, are the perfect friends to collect and to get in the spring mood! Available on Amazon (MSRP $45.99; Ages 3+)

My son adores his new Bumpas™ plush toy in the vibrant tie-dye colors! It's more than just a toy; it's a comforting hug whenever he needs it. The weighted design provides a sense of security, and its perfectly sized arms give him realistic-feeling hugs, bringing him comfort and joy. Sprinx and Shloof have quickly become his favorite companions, adding a touch of springtime cheer to his playtime adventures.

I hope that you enjoyed this roundup of the 2024 Best Easter Gifts for Kids!  

Read more »

DIY Construction Truck Easter Egg Hunt

If you follow regularly, you know that we surprise our children with unique Easter Egg Hunts every year.  Some of my favorites include: Nerf Easter Egg Hunt, Pirate Easter Egg Hunt with a DIY Cannon to shoot Pirate's Booty snacks, Astronaut Easter Egg Hunt, Hard-to-Find Eggs Easter Egg Hunt, and Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt Ideas. Our posts for DIY Easter projects are popular too, including How to Make an Easter Egg Tree and How to Convert a Plastic Easter Basket to a Flower Pot.  We obviously LOVE Easter Egg Hunts!  In today's post, we'll share tips for a Construction Truck Easter Egg Hunt that is sure to create happy childhood memories.

We set up an Easter Construction Site for our son to find his Easter Eggs.  The theme was inspired by some whimsical products from Antsy Pants - the Construction Truck Play Tent and Ball Pit where we mixed Easter eggs with the balls. This is a fun activity for all ages, but is especially helpful for toddlers who are working on large motor skills.

Supplies

• One Antsy Pants Ball Pit
• Two bags of Antsy Pants Play Balls (100 count)
• One Antsy Pants Construction Truck Play Tent
• One pack of Yellow Easter Eggs
• One pack of Golden Easter Eggs
• Optional: A kids construction worker costume for each child
• Optional: Stackable garages
• Optional: An assortment of toy bulldozers, dump trucks, and/or Dinotrucks vehicles

The Antsy Pants Construction Truck Play Tent is the centerpiece of our Construction Truck themed Easter Egg Hunt.  This play tent is great for pretend play.  It's also nice because the kit is more versatile than you may realize from the outside. The pieces that you use to build it may be reconfigured and used with other covers or even sheets  for little ones with big imaginations. 

The Antsy Pants Ball Pit is the second most important part of our theme.  I think that 30-something and 40-something year old parents remember playing in ball pits as children. As children, we remember how much fun they were. It was a fun sensory experience. On the other hand, our parents recall how they cringed as they thought about all of the germs in those public ball pits.  This little ball pit is nice to have at home because it's only for our children and we don't have to worry about the germs from public settings.  We dumped two bags of the Antsy Pants Play Balls (100 count) into the ball pit because we wanted a moderate layer of balls that we could mix plastic Easter eggs for a fun toddler-level Easter Egg Hunt. If you have older children, it would be better to use four bags of the balls.   

We used a variety of plastic yellow, orange, and gold Easter Eggs to go with our construction truck theme.  



My favorite part was that we placed some eggs into the bucket of the Construction Truck Play Tent.

Here is another view.



We also hid some inside of it!  This was very exciting to our toddler. Even our 8-year old loved it.

The hidden eggs in the Ball Pit were also memorable and fun. They had to dig into the Easter Construction Site for the eggs!

We created a construction themed Easter basket.

We also placed eggs on dump trucks and construction trucks. Some were hidden around our house and outside too.

We ordered a construction worker costume for our toddler, but he is going through the terrible 2's and didn't want to wear it. If your child is easy going, I love the costume and think that it's great for memorable photos. However, even if you have a particular toddler, the entire Construction Truck Easter Egg Hunt still created perfect memories for our family even without the fun costume.   We also created little signs that you are welcome to print and use below.

PS - If your child is obsessed with other types of vehicles such as Fire Trucks, Ice Cream Trucks, School Buses, and more, visit Antsy Pants because they have many whimsical play tents that speak to many different childhood dreams.

Read more »

DIY Easter Basket Planter

DIY Easter Basket Planter
Supplies:

• One Plastic Easter Bucket (I bought these at the Dollar Tree store)
• One packet of seeds or bulbs
• Soil 

Directions
1. Carefully drill 4 holes into the bottom of the Easter bucket for drainage. We used a drill with a 1/2" drill bit.

2. Fill the bucket ¾ full with soil.

3. Plants seeds and/or bulbs as instructed.

4. Optional: Insert the trendy Easter Balloon and put the basket in a location that gets enough sunlight.

Here is our first update after three weeks. You'll notice that the seeds have sprouted and that we have healthy plants that are flourishing!

Read more »