Tag Archives: family movie night

Sep21

Fall Family Fun

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Fall Family Fun

Hello!! I am a fall girl through and through. The weather, the fashion, the holidays – it is just the best! Fall is when your favorite elder emo couple thrives because we do not do well in the hot weather whatsoever. Johnny and I both get burned to a crisp and I always end up feeling nauseous from being in the heat too long (medication side effects). As soon as that brisk weather hits, we are ready for all of the activities and it’s even more fun with our families and sweet nieces in tow. Here are some of the outings I hope to have as well as some other ideas too:

Apple Picking:

Apple picking is SO obvious but it needs to be said as it is quite possibly my favorite autumn activity. It truly is a fall staple and there are so many gorgeous orchards in my neck of the woods. Apple picking is such a wholesome outing and there is nothing better than taking a leisurely stroll amongst the trees. If the orchards in your area are similar to mine, there are also sure to be lots of kid friendly attractions too – hay rides, petting zoos, crafts, games, etc. These extra bonuses will make for a day that your whole family, young and old, can enjoy together.

Glass Blowing:

There are several glass blowing studios nearby to me and it is something that I have always wanted to try! Now, especially, because I have seen countless ads on Facebook from said studios offering classes for glass blown pumpkins. While this isn’t an ideal activity for younger kiddos, it would be great for teens or a date night. Johnny and I already have countless pumpkin related Halloween decor but nothing handmade by us so I would love to get a class scheduled and learn something new.

Movie Night:

Johnny and I try to watch as many scary movies as humanly possible during spooky season and we both really look forward to it. Movie nights are simple, yes, but they can be as extra as you wish. You could set up twinkling orange and purple lights and a blanket fort and make all of the treats! A caramel apple station with a variety of topping options will be sure to please. You can also find recipes for mocktails that will look like a bubbling brew and serve them in potion bottles for the full effect. Revisit Disney channel movie classics for younger kiddos or cool claymation flicks like Coraline or Paranorman for your teens!

Decorate:

Mine and Johnny’s main qualm with apartment living is that we don’t have a yard to decorate for Halloween, so please decorate in our honor. This is something that the whole family can pitch in on. Littles could make paper chains, paper bag owls, and paint pictures for the indoors. Older helpers can work outside to create Halloween magic! Set a budget per person, visit local discount stores, and see what you can come up with. Who knows, your house just might be the best decorated one on the block.

Scavenger Hunt:

Speaking of decorations, if your neighborhood or surrounding areas boasts well decorated homes – turn it into a scavenger hunt. Make a list of what you are looking for, grab some travel mugs of hot apple cider, and hit the road to see what you can see. And play the Monster Mash on repeat, obvi! This is the perfect activity for when you just feel like getting out of the house on a chilly night. After your drive, take a superlative style vote for best decorated, scariest, and silliest. You also might get some inspiration for your own home’s decor!

Johnny and I have emerged from our coffins and are ready to enjoy a fun and full fall together and with our families. It really is the happiest time of the year!

What is your favorite fall activity? What are you dressing up as for Halloween? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov17

Fun Activities To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

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Fun Activities To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

Hello! Whether snow falls in your neck of the woods or not, there is no denying that the holiday season is approaching quickly. Now is the perfect time to finish up your holiday shopping and do some fun activities to help get yourself and family into the winter spirit. No matter the weather where you are, these ideas will always be a hit:

Have A Holiday Card Drive:

Sadly, many people celebrate the holiday season alone but there are a lot of different ways to include them in the holiday season too. How about organizing a holiday card drive for your local senior living center? An abundance of season’s greetings to open on their celebrated holiday is sure to put a smile on their face. You could also select a family in need to cook a holiday meal for or donate presents to. Don’t forget local homeless and women’s shelters or soup kitchens that you could donate or lend a helping hand to. Part of the holiday season is spreading joy to others and these ideas will help you do just that.

Whether you are volunteering in your local area or traveling abroad to a location like Bali to volunteer, you are going to Make a difference on your next holiday. The holiday season is a reminder that it is more important to give than it is to get. This is something that is true all year round, though, and volunteering can help shift your mindset to always give and do what you can. It really will change your life!

Movie Night:

If holiday movies are your favorite, why not make an event of it? Invite your friends and family over for a Hallmark marathon or a screening of Elf and let the good times roll. You could do a gift swap, decorate cookies, and set up a hot chocolate bar for everyone to enjoy. If you want to make a boozy time of it, you could play the classic holiday game of setting up a Santa hat on the corner of your TV and taking a drink every time an actor ends up “wearing” it. I, myself, have never participated in this but I think it’s hilarious lol.

Holiday Lights Tour:

Grown ups and children alike love seeing holiday lights so take a tour in the evening. Go for a drive and scope out all of the wonderful decorations that different houses have set up. Bring something warm to drink, crank the carols, and experience holiday magic from the comfort of your car. You could even leave a small gift on the doorstep of whichever home was your favorite to commend them for their hard work.

Get Crafty:

I had so much fun participating in a holiday themed paint night with some of my girlfriends a couple of years ago and would love to do something like it again. Have one of your artistically inclined friends walk all of you through how to paint a winter scene or you could find a YouTube video to instruct you how. No matter if you’re the next Picasso or not, it will be a great activity to do all together. Afterwards, you can take a vote and hand out awards for the best creation, honorable mentions, and not so muches!

Bake Off:

Decorating cookies is always a hoot so how about taking it the next step further and hosting a bake off? You and your guests can make an afternoon of baking (and eating) your favorite holiday desserts together. Cakes, pies, chocolate, and an assortment of cookies can be shared and it will give you new recipe inspiration for your own holiday dinner. While the treats are baking, you can decorate a tote or goodie bag to store the sweets in for your ride home.

The holiday season is such an exciting time and the ideas above will provide you with lasting memories for years to come. Happy holidays to all!

How do you celebrate the holiday season? What is your favorite thing about the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb10

4 Steps For The Perfect Movie Marathon

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4 Steps For The Perfect Movie Marathon

When you’re in lock down, you have to constantly think of new ways to entertain yourself. Many people have taken up new hobbies, such as baking, gardening, or arts and crafts. These are excellent ways to keep your creative juices flowing and take your mind away from the harsh realities of the global situation.

But if none of these activities appeals to you, nothing beats the simple pleasure of watching a good film. An excellent way to keep your household entertained in lock down is to throw a family movie night. A chance to recreate the currently inaccessible cinematic experience in your own home, watching film after film with the lights off and surrounded by endless buckets of popcorn.

Anyone can have a movie marathon; you don’t need a 75-inch TV screen or a home cinema. As long as you have a selection of films and something to watch them on, you’re all set. To get your night off to a good start, here are the four steps of planning the perfect movie marathon.

Figure out your set-up:

The very first thing you need to do is set up the technology required. What will you be using to watch the film? The bigger the screen you use, the better the experience will be, so opt for a TV over a laptop or tablet if possible. If you have the budget for it, you could enlist electrical contractor services to help you install a home entertainment system and surround-sound speakers, but it’s not essential. You can make do with what you have.

Pick the movies:

The crucial decision for your movie marathon is deciding what to watch. Although you can choose anything you like, the best movie marathons follow a theme: a common element linking each one of the movies you pick. This could be watching all the films in a series, such as the Lord Of The Rings movies or the Twilight saga. Alternatively, it could feature films by a single director. If you are watching with the whole family, it’s hard to find something for everyone, so you could keep all viewers happy by getting each person to pick one of the films.

Get some snacks:

It’s not a movie marathon without something to munch on while you watch. Popcorn is a must-have and you’ll need some fizzy drinks too. If you’re planning on going through the night, you might need some caffeinated beverages on standby! Make sure there is something for everyone and you’ve covered all dietary requirements. You should try to refrain from including noisy foods like potato chips, as these will distract from the film.

Make it comfortable:

The final step is to make the room as comfortable and atmospheric as possible. Turn the lights down low, set the heating or air conditioning to a cozy temperature, and turn off phones and other distractions. Make sure there are plenty of blankets and pillows for everyone to find a comfortable position but don’t make it too comfy or you might not stay awake to the end!

You can’t go wrong with a movie night to help shake the boredom blues. Turn your living room into the movie theater and enjoy!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan5

Feel Good Sports Movies To Lift Your Spirits

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Feel Good Sports Movies To Lift Your Spirits

Feel-good sports movies are the ultimate pick me up when you’re feeling a little deflated. Tales of team spirit, fighting back from adversity, and overcoming odds have been a staple of cinema for decades. Here are some of the most uplifting sports movies to seek out on your streaming accounts:

A League Of Their Own (1992):

During World War II, baseball was shut down as men went off to fight in the war. In its place arose the first women’s only league. A League Of Their Own is part comedy, part feminist statement, and all sports movie. Featuring an all star cast with Gina Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna, and Tom Hanks.

Rudy (1993):

One of the sports movie classics. Based on the true story of Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger who dreamed of playing football for Notre Dame even though he did not have the grades, the money, or the physical stature to play. Against the football betting odds, he works tirelessly to turn his dreams into reality.

With a very young Sean Astin in the main role, Rudy will tug at your heartstrings and put you through the emotional wringer from beginning to end, but it is well worth it. This was named as one of the top 25 sports movies of all time.

Dodgeball – A True Underdog Story (2004):

Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge. Dodgeball is an out and out comedy that sees the ragtag team from Average Joe’s Gym compete against Ben Stiller’s super athletes from Globo Gym in order to stop Stiller’s character from bulldozing their beloved gym to the ground. It’s over the top and absolutely hilarious.

Mighty Ducks (1992):

Emilio Estevez plays Gordon Bombay, a lawyer forced to do community service by coaching the local kid’s ice hockey team, The Mighty Ducks. He gets to face some of his childhood demons from when he used to play while trying to whip a bunch of less than talented kids into a team. It’s a great film for the whole family and you probably have fond memories of it from when you were a kid.

Cool Runnings (1993):

John Candy plays the coach of the first Jamaican bobsleigh team as they head to compete in the 1988 winter Olympics. All the odds are against them, but the Jamaican team brings their own brand of happiness and style to the chilly climate. This move is guaranteed to make you smile.

The Blind Side (2009):

Another movie based on a true story, which just goes to show that there’s nothing more interesting than real life. Sandra Bullock bagged an Oscar for Best Actress as Leigh Anne Tuohy, whose family adopts Michael, a homeless African-American student. With their support, he begins to improve his grades and become a world-class football player. Heartwarming stuff.

Field Of Dreams (1989):

When a farmer (Kevin Costner), hears a voice whispering “if you build it, they will come”, he builds a full-size baseball diamond in his cornfield despite the protests of his friends and the locals. From then on, the ghosts of baseball’s greatest players begin to come out and play on the diamond.

Major League (1989):

A ruthless baseball team owner wants to move the Cleveland Indians to Miami, so she puts together the worst team she can find so that they will lose all of their games. Soon though, the players find out what she’s up to and begin to start winning just to derail her plans. Starring Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, Tom Berenger, and Dennis Haysbert, Major League is a classic feel-good sports film with lots of laughs.

This was a tough list to put together, as there are so many great movies out there. The eighties and nineties, in particular, were golden periods for sports films. It’s a movie genre that never loses its popularity and continues to inspire us to this day.

Featured Image By: JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Mar21

Movie Memories: The Devil Wears Prada

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Movie Memories: The Devil Wears Prada

Hellooo! One of my all time favorite chick flicks is easily The Devil Wears Prada. Starring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and designer clothing – this movie never gets old. In fact, I have this condition where I have to watch TDWP every time it’s on TV – which is fairly frequently!

Last week, my mom and I were able to snuggle up and watch The Devil Wears Prada together and it brought back such a happy memory. When this movie first came out, my mom, sister, grandma, and I all went to see an afternoon showing at the theaters together. It was such a fun day with just us gals and I can remember so vividly laughing in the theater and discussing which outfits we wanted as we walked out with the credits rolling.

Every time I see even snippets of The Devil Wears Prada, my mind always goes back to that day and the joy of spending time together at a matinee. As my mom and I watched the movie a few days ago and had the same conversations of “I want that, that, and that” that we have every time, it was impossible not to think of us four girls walking arm and arm out of the theater and gabbing about the exact same thing.

My grandma has since passed away, but she will always be one of the most well dressed women that I have ever known. Of course, who wouldn’t want to emulate the style of post make over Andy and Emily in The Devil Wears Prada? But, if I can channel my grandma’s classic fashion sense in my daily looks, I think that I’ll be doing just fine!

Which movies bring back happy memories for you? What is one of your must watch movies whenever it airs on TV? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: UVMBored

Mar20

Netflix Top Ten Picks Pt. 3

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Netflix Top Ten Picks Pt. 3

Helloooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Today, we are going to discuss ten more of my top choices on Netflix. With the always expanding amount of movies to choose from on Netflix, sometimes it can feel impossible to pick which flick to watch. Luckily, you can choose from some Lil Red Guaranteed films below for movie night made easy:

  1. Return To Sender: I have to say, I am not the biggest Rosamund Pike fan. I find that all of her characters are exactly the same and her performances are very flat. HOWEVER, I didn’t completely hate Return To Sender. It was a pretty intense tale of a seemingly level headed woman taking total control of seeking revenge against her recently released from jail rapist. 7/10
  2. The Imitation Game: If you have not seen this movie and are a Benedict Cumberbatch fan, then SHAME ON YOU. This is actually one of my favorite movies. A true story about the closeted Alan Turing who cracked Enigma during World War II. Bursting at the seams with emotion and a riveting story line, you can’t go wrong with this one.
  3. I Love You, Man: This movie is easily one of my favorite comedies. Featuring an all star cast Of Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones, you get to live through the cringe worthy moments of man dates as newly engaged and friendless Peter tries to find groomsmen for his wedding. Freaking hilarious and oddly heartwarming, I Love You, Man is a definite crowd pleaser.
  4. Meet The Parents: This used to be one of my favorites when I was younger. Early Ben Stiller and Robert DeNiro are a match made in funny movie heaven. There are definitely some cringey parts in this movie – like finding out that “Greg” is really named Gaylord Focker, but it’s a lot of fun with some early 2000’s flare.
  5. Sing Street: I LOVE THIS MOVIE. 10/10 WOULD WATCH SEVERAL TIMES. If you are a fan of Irish cinema, good music (The Cure, anyone?), and a heart wrenching tale of the younger boy falling for the mysterious older gal then, please do yourselves a favor, and watch this movie. You’ll thank me later.
  6. The Little Prince: This animated flick is nowhere near as good as the claymation one featuring Gene Wilder – I’m warning you now. But, The Little Prince is one of my favorite books and this sweet retelling still does it justice.
  7. The Prince Of Egypt: And, speaking of animated films, this is one of the BEST animated flicks of all time. Someone, please try and change my mind. I’m not even religious and I flipping LOVE this movie. A banging soundtrack, an interesting Bible story of Moses, and visually stunning, The Prince Of Egypt rules.
  8. Raw: Certainly not the best French movie I’ve ever seen, but definitely not the worst, either. A young vegetarian veterinarian hopeful discovers a taste for meat after a hazing event at school. Like I said, not the best but not the worst – but, I still enjoyed it. *Shrugs*
  9. Changeling: As a huge Angelina Jolie fan, this movie is pure perfection. In a too crazy to be true but based on a true story … I can’t give anything away! It is a longer movie than most, but if you’re looking for a sad, shocking, inspiring movie, then tuck in for the night with Changeling.
  10. Creep 1 & 2: Both the first and the second Creep movies were very good. I’ll call it a horror flick even though there’s nothing too “scary” about it in the something is going to pop out and kill you sense. Shot documentary style, a lonely man lures videographers to remote locations to film his wolf mask wearing weirdness. I wouldn’t call these movies scary – but, they are definitely creepy!

Your next movie night is a go, with my above top ten selections! Turn on Netflix, grab your popcorn and blankets, and enjoy!

What are some of your top picks on Netflix? Which of the above movies do you plan on watching next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar12

Monday Update: Forgotten Netflix Top Ten Picks Edition

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Monday Update: Forgotten Netflix Top Ten Picks Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to another week here on lifewithlilred! I am an avid fan of Netflix, and couldn’t believe that I had forgotten some of my must watches on my Top Ten Picks recent post. Netflix has really stepped up their game lately and I have deeply enjoyed these additional flicks:

  1. Welcome To Me: This movie is Kristen Wiig perfection. The part of a borderline personality disorder patient turned millionaire turned talk show host was made for her. It’s quirky, hilarious, and heartwarming all at the same time. I LOVE this movie.
  2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall: I finally watched this flick about a week ago and it was so funny! With an all star cast of Jason Segal, Mila Kunis, and the hunky Russell Brand, how can you go wrong? Throwing Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill in for good measure was just the cherry on top.
  3. Bedeviled: This cheeky horror flick was actually a lot of fun. It had the scare factor of a ghostly smartphone app with some very clever humor thrown in. It wasn’t the best, by any means, but it certainly wasn’t the worst, either.
  4. Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2: How could I forget this amazing series?! I watched these two Quintin Tarantino classics about a month ago for the first time and I was BLOWN AWAY. Is Uma Therman a badass or what?! Now how about a third one, please?
  5. The Polka King: This based on a true story Jack Black flick is a winner. It’s a humorous tale of just how far a man will go to chase his dreams of building an empire. Jack Black’s Polish accent is a trip and it is an all around great effort by all parties involved.
  6. Lion: I LOVE THIS MOVIE. Everything about this movie. The cast, the amazing true story, the cute as a button Sunny Pawar. Omg, what an absolutely mesmerizing tearjerker. I must read the book that Lion is based off of soon!
  7. V For Vendetta: One of my all time favorite movies and graphic novels. Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman are a match made in heaven and I could watch this movie on the daily. It’s an excellent pick for fans of The Matrix and justice. 😉
  8. To Kill A Mockingbird: An amazing book, an amazing movie. Gregory Peck is perfection. Need I say more?
  9. Dallas Buyers Club: Alright, alright, alright. A cast dreamed up by the movie gods, a true story, an inspiration. I loved this movie when it first came out and swept the award season and I still love it now. Definitely a tearjerker, but well worth the watch.
  10. Untraceable: It was crazy, because I watched this movie a month or so ago and a week later it was put on Netflix. This is a surprisingly gruesome mid-2000’s horror flick and I am a huge fan. And, hello, young Colin Hanks! Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for fans of Saw!

As you can see, I had no problem adding another ten movies to my Netflix must watch list. And, honestly, I could add a lot more – which I probably will! I have been nothing short of impressed with Netflix’s recent selections, and it deserves to be celebrated.

What is on your Netflix or Hulu must watch list? Shall I do another top ten post soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec21

3 Thoughts Everyone Has On Christmas Day

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3 Thoughts Everyone Has On Christmas Day

The big day is nearly upon us, a day that many of us have been counting down to for the last three months. Some of us have even been counting down for the past 12 months, such is our joy of Christmas and the festive fun and celebrations that it brings. Christmas is inherently unifying, and despite celebrating in many different ways, we can all find ourselves thinking surprisingly similar thoughts on Christmas Day itself. Which of these do you recognize?

“Can I sleep more?”

Christmas Day, without exception, makes everyone feel exhausted — even if you hadn’t done much. A quick pre-dinner nap is an essential… and an after-dinner one, too, if you can sneak it. It’s undeniable; for most of us, Christmas is about two things: sleeping and celebrating.

“I can’t possibly eat anything more.”

This is then usually followed by: “oh yes, turns out I can”. Christmas Day is a day of gluttony, the one day of the year where it’s possible to just kick back and relax. The word “calorie” doesn’t even enter our vocabulary. So we’re merry as can be, our stomachs are full, and then someone offers us a slice of chocolate orange and suddenly we find our appetite again.

“When are we watching a movie?”

What would Christmas Day be without a festive movie or two? It’s the perfect way to unwind after a big meal, so make sure you plan what you’re sitting down to. Do you prefer to stick to an old favorite or would you opt for this fantasy movie idea?


Infographic Design By Sunny

Mar22

Beauty And The Beast Review

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Beauty And The Beast Review

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday night was a fun one because my older sister, Kristen, treated me and my mom to a night at the movies to see Beauty And The Beast for my mom’s birthday. I have to admit, I was semi ambivalent because I had heard some amazing reviews, some horrible reviews, but mostly very average reviews about the film. But the remake of Beauty And The Beast made me eat my words five minutes in because I absolutely LOVED it. It wasn’t just me, though. My mom, sister, and what felt like the entire audience seemed to be in agreement that this film was really special. Let’s discuss:

What I loved about this remake was that they stayed true to the original cartoon and then enhanced it appropriately. With these improvements, we gained further insight into the backstory of Belle, the Beast, and the castle’s inhabitants. Some people on my Facebook newsfeed deemed these additions “pointless” but I thought that they were brilliant. Why would a classic film be remade at all if there were no changes made to it? If it was a literal live action play by play of the cartoon, I would rather watch the original any day.

Now, let’s all be honest with ourselves here. We all know that that was not Emma Watson singing. The autotune was strong for her – so strong that it sounded exactly like the singing in the cartoon version. I ain’t mad at it. Only a little! Another teeeeny tiny bone that I have to pick is that the British accents seemed incredibly out of place because they are in France, after all. I would have loved to have had the entire film done with really good French accents, but we can’t always get what we want. And, finally: WHY WAS BELLE’S SKIRT TUCKED IN ON ONE SIDE?! IT DROVE ME FREAKING CRAZYYYYY!

Okay. I’m glad I got that off my chest.

But really, though. It was a hell of a remake. It really was. And that’s saying something coming from me because Beauty And The Beast is easily one of my favorite Disney movies. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed myself immensely. The cast was so strong and complimented each other so well, which made each scene in the movie flow perfectly. I wanted more. I was honestly sad when it was over! The little tastes of the retelling of such a beautiful tale left me ravenous and if a sequel were for some reason announced I would probably cry from happiness.

It’s crazy, because when you’re a kid, you don’t really think about how intense Disney films are. It’s only when you’re older that you can look at the film and be like “wow, that’s kind of fucked up”. I mean, there’s an entire song in Beauty And The Beast dedicated to killing the Beast. And don’t even get me started on the turmoil that Maurice goes through upon returning to the village after Belle stays as the captive. Of course, the cartoons are sad. But there was something about seeing this remake after not having seen the original in so long that made me weep like a baby. The characters were so easy to connect to so all you wanted was the very best for them. And for Gaston to jump off of a freaking cliff!!

Speaking of, I loved, loved, loved to hate Gaston with every ounce of my being! He was so bad and so good and I was so pleased with the “Gaston” number in the bar because that’s weirdly my favorite song. And, I thought Monsieur LeFou was perfect. The combination of Gaston’s meatheaded nature and LeFou’s sass for days was definitely a fun twist. And LeFou is obviously better at seeing the good (or lack thereof!) in people for crushing on a total asshole!

All in all, I’m rating this movie with a ten to the ten, ten, ten. Despite me being nitpicky, I had a fantastic time at the movies last night and would happily go see Beauty And The Beast for a second time!

(And, as always, I have no rights to this trailer or featured image.)

So there you have it, my Beauty And The Beast Review! What did everyone else think of this movie? Which Disney flick do you hope is remade next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Disney UK

Feb2

4 Fun Ways to Spend a Night in with Friends and Family

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4 Fun Ways to Spend a Night in with Friends and Family

What are you usual plans for a Friday night in? Do you go out to the bar with your colleagues? Maybe you have a lovely dinner with your partner or family members at a fancy restaurant? Or perhaps you like to visit the cinema and catch up on the latest film releases? Whatever your decision, there’s always the option of staying indoors with your friends and family.

But why? There are plenty of good reasons to stay indoors, such as the reduced cost of having an entertaining night or the freedom of doing what you like and not having to be around crowds, loud music, and sloppy drunk patrons. If you’d like to switch it up this week and enjoy a night in, here are a couple of ideas to get you excited for a change of pace:

Movie Night: Having a movie night can almost become a ritual if you do it often enough. It’s a night to look forward to because you get to catch up on the latest shows or movies with your friends while stuffing your faces with pizza, tacos, or any kind of greasy fast food. It’s cheap as well thanks to subscription services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. There are even specialized services, such as Crunchyroll, if you’d prefer to watch something like anime.

With so many shows and films available on the internet, it’s hard to get bored or stumped on what to watch. You could even have a video night where you browse funny and interesting YouTube videos together with your friends and family, and with the growing library of content you’ll always have something fun to watch.

Bingo Night: Bingo might be associated with seniors playing in a club or retirement home, but it’s still a fun and exciting game that is suitable for the whole family. No matter how old or young the players, bingo is a fun game that can be played almost anywhere. You don’t need complicated machinery either because you can play bingo online and use online tools to draw numbers and print off bingo cards. Or you could take things one step further and make the cards relateable to the players by using their initials and inside jokes or memories as the calling criteria.

Gaming Party: Almost everyone has played a video game once in their life, and it’s becoming increasingly popular for young adults, parents, and children to engage in video game parties. Set up a large television in the living room, grab loads of snacks, and connect four controllers to your video game console of choice and play together. You could even get party games such as Just Dance which is fun even if you’re not a gamer—you don’t even need controllers because you can play with your phone!

Board Game Night: Board games have been somewhat forgotten because of the rise of video games, but it’s still a hobby enjoyed by many people around the world. Whether it’s a humble game of Monopoly or something more immersive such as Dungeons and Dragons, there are plenty of board games and pen and paper games for you to play with your family and friends. Board games aren’t very expensive (they cost about as much as a video game or less) and you can have countless hours of fun with them if you keep them in good condition. Board games also provide the opportunity for some amazing keepsakes for your gaming crew. A surprise like custom Monopoly pieces or Dungeons and Dragons Dice will not only come in handy but commemorate your time together.

Board game specific stores, cafes, and bars have been increasingly popular and for good reason. It is just pure fun whether you are on the go or at home. My husband and I are avid fans of board games and we have some advice. Prior to making a purchase on a site like Backwoods Wizards or your local game store, do your research! We have made the mistake of buying games simply because they look fun but found the rules to be difficult and extensive when we tried to play. Your favorite game store or website will have games for every skill level and interest and will have great options for you when you know what you want in the first place!

Featured Image By: Pexels