Binkytowne

An Update of Sorts

                                       
I have 2 kids in school now. Real school. (That  tall one in the front- he looks like he could be one of mine, but he's not.)

I was worried about sending the 4 year old off to the big new school but he hasn't missed a beat. He loves his backpack, his new friends, his water bottle. He's so proud. He runs up the steps every morning and happily waves good bye. Yay for feeling like we made a right decision! Hoo-fing-ray!

                                    


We've lost some teeth

                                    

And we gained another poodle.

(We still have the first one. He's under-enthused about this whole thing).

                                   

Overall, things keep moving and that's good. Like so many bloggers I started blogging looking for kindship and information about how to face the challenges of raising babies. It's funny that I thought that was SO HARD. Now that they are kids? It's so much harder and so much harder to write about. But I'd like to start to try.

How is everyone?

 
 

 

 

News You Can Use: Wash Your Legos In Your Washing Machine

This post is sponsored by Tesco.

In my house we have two boy children, two dogs and two adults. Not the biggest family in the world, but perhaps one of the messiest.

At clean up time I've gotten over stepping on one of the multitude of Legos on the floor but as I've been doing so, I can't help but notice that the Legos that wind up trapped under the couch, under the dog (ewww), in the cushions or  behind that one chair where all the mystery dust starts to gather are looking a bit - funky. 

Don't get me wrong. I love our Legos just as much as my kids do. I don't even mind having to pick them up but when they cover an entire surface for days (or weeks) and my kids and their friends play with them with their grimy hands amongst the snacks and the juice spills and the drops of yogurt that find their way into the play room, my OCD gets the best of me and I feel compelled to wash them. For awhile I would dump them in a soapy bucket but then that required rinsing and dumping out and there was never enough time.

Thank goodness for Google.

I would have never thought you could wash Legos in your washing machine. The one we have a is pretty powerful washing machine so I was afraid of small pieces being ripped away or of details scrubbing off. Fear not Lego owners - If you use a gentle cycle and warm water here's how you can do it:

1) Mesh bag: I don't recommend for the little pieces, but for big bricks or mini-figs, it's great. Just make sure the bag is tightly closed

2) Pillowcase: For smaller pieces, toss them into a pillowcase and use a rubber band to tightly seal the top. Your pillowcase gets clean as well! Double win!

When it comes to drying your Legos I haven't found a good trick. Throwing them on a blanket and leaving them in the sun seems to work best.

Clean Legos = Happy Mom. You're welcome.

 

 

DVD Review: Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 Viva La Fiesta!

Because who doesn't need a couple of chihuahuas or  little fiesta in their lives?

My son, who loves all things Disney, but rarely sits through a whole movie, is a huge fan of Papi and Chloe. He loved “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” (he was only 5 at the time and pronounced it chee-wa-wa - which was super adorable) and the follow up “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2” so of course, we couldn't wait to check out Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 Viva La Fiesta!

Here's the synopsis: George Lopez stars as the voice of Papi and Odette Annable as the voice of Chloe. It’s canine chaos as Papi’s family (dog and human) move into the posh Langham Hotel, complete with a luxurious doggy spa. But there’s trouble in puppy paradise when Rosa, the littlest member of the pack, feels smaller and less special than ever. Now it’s up to Papi to help Rosa find – and celebrate – her inner strength, which turns out to be bigger than she ever dreamed and reminds humans and canines alike of the importance of family, friends and teamwork.

What I liked: Everything. It's silly, but has a nice message. No inappropriate language and seriously, did you see that picture of the dogs? Super cute.

What I didn't like: Nothing. This was perfect for a Family Friday night pizza and movie night.

Bonus features on the disc include the featurette “Hanging with Papi,” a playful look at a typical day on-set for Papi and both his human and canine costars, and the English and Spanish versions of “Living Your Dreams” an all-new music video performed by Raini Rodriguez, star of Disney Channel’s popular series “Austin and Ally.”

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! is available now:

2-Disc Combo Pack which includes 3 Ways To Watch
1 Disc Blu-ray + 1 Disc DVD and Digital Copy on the same disc
$44.99 U.S. and $51.99 Canada

2-Disc Combo Pack
(1 Disc Blu-ray + 1 Disc DVD)
$39.99 U.S. and $46.99 Canada

DVD and Blu-Ray. Rated G and safe for all ages.

Thank you to Disney for providing me a copy of this DVD to watch with my kids so I could hear them laugh and watch them dance.