You Make my Heart Pop... Valentine's Day date night with Netflix

Are you like me? Is Valentine's Day just another busy night with the kids... filled with homework and after-school activities? Don't give up hope... after the kids go to bed, there is still a chance to squeeze in a little quiet time with your Valentine. Why not invite your spouse to cuddle up on the couch with a special treat and a little Netflix*? Check out the FREE printable "You make my heart pop!" Valentine I designed. 

Cute, right? You can simply attach the Valentine to a package of microwave popcorn, or you can put together a movie night gift basket.

To download and print the Valentine I designed: Click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4X6 photo.

I love the idea of adding a few special treats, popping them into a dollar store popcorn container, and adding the tag.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to watch a romantic movie together... or may you prefer to re-enact your first time... i.e. your first "Netflix Binge" together. (Note: If you can't remember your first time, you can find it by logging into your Netflix account. Go to your Netflix Account page, select "viewing activity", and scroll all the way to the bottom.)

The first thing my husband and I binge watched together was "Making a Murderer" (a documentary about a man who was wrongfully convicted, released from prison, and then convicted of the murder of a young photographer). It's not super-romantic, but we both enjoyed it... and it's about the time spent together, right? 😉

So, what will you be watching on Netflix with your sweetheart this Valentine's Day? I hope you print off the Valentine I designed and share it with someone you love!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

2018 NETFLIX Stream Guide for Families... there's something for everyone!

When it comes to family entertainment, Netflix* has something for everyone. I love that every person in my house can find something they want to watch (that is age appropriate)... and they can watch it on any device... so there is no fighting! 😄 Today, I am sharing some fun suggestions for family streaming in 2018.

FOR YOUNG KIDS:

Trolls: The Beat Goes On started streaming on January 19. My boys loved the movies, and I know they are going to enjoy this one!

Llama Llama starts streaming on January 26. I loved reading these books to my boys when they were little, and I know it is going to be a great series. I love that it is voiced by Jennifer Garner too!

Adventures of Puss & Boots Season 6 starts streaming on January 26. The past five seasons have been popular with my boys, so I know the new season will be a hit too!

FOR OLDER KIDS:

If your kids are ready for something a little darker, they'll love the new season of A Series of Unfortunate Events which starts streaming on March 30th. My entire family watched the first season, and we all loved it. The series is well written, and Neil Patrick Harris is perfectly cast as Count Olaf. 

FOR TWEENS AND TEENS:

Tweens and teens will love the new season of One Day at a Time which starts streaming on January 26th. It's a smart family comedy that parents and teens will enjoy watching together.

If your kids are old enough to deal with mature content, they'll love season two of Riverdale which started on January 18th. New episodes are released weekly, and they are super-fun to watch. (Adults will like it too!)

FOR ADULTS:

The second season of The Crown was released just before the new year. I haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but it is on my list. I LOVED season one!

For sci-fi fans, there is a new Netflix show launching February 2 called Altered Carbon. I haven't seen it, but it's getting a lot of buzz.

If you aren't faint at the sight of blood, and you have a quirky sense of humour, you'll probably want to put Santa Clarita Diet on your "binge list". Season two will be coming out later this year, so if you have seen season one yet, you better get watching!

What's on your "watch list" for 2018? Do you have a favourite from 2017 that I might have missed? I always love a good Netflix recommendation. Happy Streaming!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

5 Christmas Movies You MUST Watch on NETFLIX this Holiday Season

Who doesn't love cuddling up in front of a decorated tree and watching a wonderful Christmas movie? And this year, Netflix* has some wonderful movies ready to stream any time you want. Today, I am sharing 5 of my favourite holiday movies... and you are definitely going to want to put them on your viewing list this holiday season.

1) Elf - This really is a wonderful movie for the whole family. Will Ferrell is perfectly cast, and the story is sweet and funny. I've already watched it once this year, and I will likely put it on again before the holiday is over.

2) A Christmas Prince - This is a new Christmas movie on Netflix, and it is simple, sappy, and a perfect movie for moms to watch with the tree lights on and a glass of wine in hand.

3) Love Actually - This is definitely a movie for grown ups, but it is a holiday favourite of mine. It's original, funny, and it tugs at the heart strings. If you haven't seen it, you need to watch it!

4) How the Grinch Stole Christmas - This is a classic story, and it is one that parents and children will enjoy watching together. It has a wonderful message, and Jim Carrey is a perfect Grinch!

5) Trolls Holiday Special - This holiday treat is new to Netflix, and my whole family loved it. It's funny, well cast, and the music is fantastic. I highly recommend it!

What's your favourite holiday movie? Did it make my list?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

Packing Essentials for Holiday Travel

This time of year, many people are travelling, and parents know that travelling with kids comes with many challenges. It is of utmost importance to keep the kids comfortable, well fed, and entertained! Our family has gone on many trips (hockey trips, plane trips, camping trips, and road trips), and today, I am sharing my list of packing essentials... just in time for holiday travel.

Pack a good carry on bag - You'll want to include healthy snacks, little treats, small toys/games, movies, special blankets/stuffies, water bottles, iPods/iPads, etc... If you are flying, you will want to pack a pen for customs forms/baggage tags and some gum/suckers for the kids (to help with their ears when the plane is landing). A change of clothes and bathing suits are helpful too... in case luggage gets lost or delayed.

Pack food - I detest being forced to buy overpriced and junky food when on a road trip, spending time in an airport, or staying in a hotel room. I always bring supplies (that don't need to be refrigerated) that I can use to prepare a simple picnic lunch. I like unsweetened applesauce, bananas, bread, and peanut butter. It's not fancy... but it's economical, tasty, and keeps my boys happy and full. Individual snack packs (using dollar store hardware holders) are fun and useful too.

Pack basic medical supplies - I always pack Gravol, Benadryl, Tylenol, bandaids, a thermometer, ear drops, etc... There is nothing worse than being in a strange city (with a sick child) searching for an all night pharmacy. A plastic bin from the dollar store makes a wonderful, portable, and full stocked first aid kit too!

Pack storage bags - I use bags to: keep organized, identify special outfits, isolate dirty items, and hold wet stuff.

Pack entertainment for everyone - Netflix* now offers downloads, so you don't always need wifi to keep the kids entertained when you are travelling. When you are on-the-go, you can now keep everyone entertained... one download at a time.

Did I miss anything on my list? What is #1 on YOUR holiday packing list?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own... and I REALLY do love Netflix!

10 Netflix Shows You Will LEARN Something From Watching

Let's face it, children and adults turn to screens because they want to be entertained... but they can also learn a lot from the shows they watch. Today I am sharing TEN Netflix* shows that are BOTH entertaining AND educational!

5 Educational Shows for Kids:

Justin Time - A delightful show about a boy and his friends going on historical adventures. (Great for younger kids.)

Storybots - A wonderful show about curious creatures who live in the world beneath our screens and and go on fun adventures to answer kids' questions. (Great for younger kids.)

Magic School Bus Rides Again - A fun reboot of the 1994 series that educates young viewers about science via exciting new field-trips, locations, creatures, time periods and more. (Great for younger kids.)

Brain Games - An interesting show about how the brain processes information. (Great for older kids.)

Planet Earth - One of the many fantastic documentaries on Netflix that will allow kids to learn more about the world they live in. (Great for children of all ages.)


5 Educational Shows for Adults:

The Crown - Drama that will entertain you and teach you more about the Royal Family.

Narcos - Drama that will be interesting for viewers who want to learn about infamous cartels.

Bill Nye Saves the World - A talk show (hosted by Bill Nye) that explores scientific topics that touch our lives.

Founder - Drama about the founding of McDonalds and the way it revolutionized the way we eat.

Making a Murderer - One of the many wonderful documentaries on Netflix. This one documents one convict's dealings with the criminal justice system.

So what are you waiting for? Now that I have given you a few show ideas, it's time to turn on your favourite device, and Stream Yourself Smarter. Happy viewing!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

5 Birthday Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

When it comes to planning kids' birthday parties, the pressure can be overwhelming for parents. But you don't have to be Pinterest-perfect to make your child feel special. Today, I am sharing 5 birthday party hacks that will help you reduce party planning headaches, while still creating a special celebration for your child.

1) It's OK to let someone else do the work - There are tons of fantastic places that will host parties for you. Check out local movie theatres, indoor playgrounds, rinks, swimming pools, and bowling allies. The "per child" fee is usually pretty reasonable.

2) You can easily (and inexpensively) make your own cake/cupcakes - You don't have to make a fancy cake or pay a lot to have one made. Using the recipe you can find here, you can make delicious cupcakes (from a mix) that your party guests will love. 

You can also buy party themed toys, and pop them onto a simple slab cake. It's an easy way to make a basic cake look custom... and the birthday boy/girl will love the toy.

3) The dollar store is your friend - The dollar store has many of the things you need to host an inexpensive and fun party. My boys love the prize punches I make for their parties using dollar store foam core, plastic cups, and tissue paper. Find the full step by step tutorial here.

4) Keep the party small - No one says you have to invite the entire town to your little one's birthday party. If you want to keep things simple, have a "just family" celebration or limit the number of guests to the age of the birthday boy/girl.

5) Netflix - Netflix is granting parents the ultimate birthday gift with the launch of 14 Birthdays On-Demand featurettes starring the characters in your kids' favourite shows. Clever, right? Your little one will feel like the characters are singing just for them. (Simple search "Birthdays On Demand", and choose the characters you want to sing Happy Birthday to your child.)

What is your biggest birthday headache? I hope you find some of these birthday party hacks helpful.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

How I Convince my Husband to Watch MY Shows on Netflix

With three young (and very active boys) our family is always on the go and very busy. It's often a struggle for my husband to go out together, so we do a lot of "at home" date nights. We'll order in food, or snuggle up and watch a show or movie at the end of the day. Our biggest problem then becomes: "Who decides what we watch?" We definitely have different tastes, so today I am sharing the THREE ways I convince my husband to watch MY shows on Netflix:

1) Careful Selection - When my husband and I first started dating, I convinced him to watch "Terms of Endearment" by telling him it was a comedy. Apparently, it wasn't his kind of movie, and it took years for him to trust my choices again. Lesson learned -- don't try to get your spouse to watch shows that you know he isn't going to like.

These days, I am much more careful with my suggestions. Recently, we have found some great selections that we both really enjoy. "Atypical" and "Ozark" are our current favourite binge-worthy shows.

2) Trickery/ Positioning - Phrases that work: "I heard this is really good", "This is a lot like that other show you like", "Let's try one episode, and if you don't like it, we won't watch any more."

3) Treats - When all else fails, bribing my husband with tasty sweet treats always works. Wine and chips work well too!

How do you convince your spouse to keep you company on the couch? What is your current favourite binge-worthy show?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Finding Mommy "Me time"... when the children are home for the summer

I love the summer, and I love spending time with my kids. I enjoy making my boys picnic lunches and fun snacks, setting up water parks in our back yard, and going on summer adventures... BUT... as a mom who works from home, finding "me time" in the summer can be a challenge. Here are a few ways I find a little "me time" in July and August.

1) Squeeze out quiet moments whenever you can. Read a book while the kids play sports, or grab a coffee to enjoy while you are waiting for the kids to get their hair cut. Moments of quiet and solitude are rare, so take advantage when you can.

2) Use the time after the kids go to bed. Plan a late supper, or grab a glass of wine in the moonlight. Nighttime can be the perfect time to be alone, de-stress, and recharge your battery.

3) Watch a movie or TV show (alone) while you fold the laundry or make dinner. I often banish my kids to their rooms to read or play while I enjoy 30 minutes of peace to watch a show and fold the laundry/make dinner. I de-stress while being productive. It's a win-win scenario! And if you are looking for a few shows to watch this summer, three of my Netflix* favourites are:

• Grey's Anatomy
• Gilmore Girls
• Friends

How do you sneak in some time to yourself when the kids are home for summer? Do you have a favourite Netflix* show that helps you relax? I'm always looking for new suggestions.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

Top Netflix Movies for Kids of All Ages

Summer is the perfect time for kids to get outside and get active, but every once in a while, kids need a little "down time" to cuddle up with a good movie. Of course, Netflix has some fantastic options for children of all ages. Recently, I had my boys choose their favourite Netflix movies, and today, I am sharing their "Top 30 Netflix Movies".

I divided my boys' lists into two parts... their favourite movies that are suitable for younger kids and their favourite movies that can be enjoyed by older children. 

It was hard for my boys to narrow down their choices, but here are their top 15 selections for younger kids.

My boys also chose their personal favourites for younger children:

My 11 year old chose "Shrek".
My 9 year old chose "Kung Fu Panda".
My 7 year old chose "Big Hero 6".

And here are their top 15 selections for older kids.

My boys also chose their personal favourites for older children:

My 11 year old chose "Back to the Future".

My 9 year old chose "Star Wars: The Force Awakens".

My 7 year old chose "Cool Runnings".

Family movie night is my favourite night of the week, and we have watched all these movies with our boys. I'm looking forward to re-watching some of these wonderful films this summer. What would be the top movie on your list?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.