Rainy Day Boredom Ideas And The Moxie Girlz Raincoat Dolls

**I received a product sample to help inspire the content below. No further compensation was received. All opinions and photos below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2014.

Momma Told Me: It's harder to be scared when you understand something.


School is back in session and that means, here in Southern California, we should prepare for our random 3 or 4 rainy days of Fall. It's rough, I know; but as crazy as it sounds, it's the rainy days that seem to drive the children mad, because they are so unaccustomed to being indoors during weekends and school breaks! For some of the younger kids, further into the country, the attributes that come along with showers (lightening, thunder, wind) can be rightfully terrifying. In either case, there are a few simple things we like to do to help prepare for these unexpected grey days.

We recently received a Moxie Girlz Raincoat Color Splash Doll and I thought it would be the perfect time to talk tsumanis (you can't miss the evacuation signs on the street) and flooding. The topic might be scary for younger kids, but I found Sabrina (11) was the perfect age to ask inquisitive questions and power her confidence with information. We took Moxie Girlz, Avery, to the local stream, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, and observed the signs of water levels as well as discussed how the members of this habitat adapted to unexpected changes in their weather and environment.

When all the tough 'learning' was done, it was time to play with Avery, who happened to come with a washable pen and some very special accessories. Sabrina loved drawing on the raincoat and doodling on the umbrella (though we found the doodles rubbed off the coat fairly easy.)  The doll also claimed to come with a "fashionable raincoat, cute boots and real working umbrella" which we found a little deceptive in the fact that the umbrella was solid plastic, and when we went to remove the 'boots' we discovered they were also her feet! Also, I would be remiss without noting that this particular series of Moxie dolls have very short dresses; even Sabrina felt uncomfortable as I snapped a picture of Avery in the tree!

Sabrina wanted me to note that she likes the Moxie Girlz line of dolls particularly because they 1.) Are still very cute, but also cool like a teenager, and 2.) Have limbs that can bend and arms that are easy to pose. And, as I watched her act out a 'disaster drill' with her new doll and some stuffed animals, I was inspired to sit down and discuss some potential rainy day activities that could be done with little to no electricity indoors. Of course anything involving her dolls was a big hit, so Sabrina was quick to suggest a tea party, and I was told that Avery enjoyed Scavenger Hunts as well. We also decided that a family talent show, furniture forts (a favorite any day of the year) and a cat/dog makeover session would help pass the time on a rainy day.

In our house we like to turn everything into an excuse for learning and exploration; even fun toys like the Moxie Girlz dolls can help empower your child to have confidence and enthusiasm for the world around them. Moxie Girlz come in several collections, including several that go beyond your typical doll themes to encourage creativity, careers, and sports participation. Find them at your local Toys R' Us store or online today!

What are some of your favorite rainy day activities?

What Daughter Says: Turn everyday objects into opportunities to educate and empower children!

Soon I'll Have Even Weirder Stories To Share Thanks To The Sims 4 Launch!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Momma Told Me: You're quite the character!

I suppose now's as good a time as any to confess, in high school, I was not the 'cool' kid. The fact I was several years younger than my peers and my father kept his shotgun polish in the hallway outside my bedroom didn't help either. So, when I wasn't studying, or taking make up college courses for the high school years I'd skipped, I was on the computer engrossed in my own make believe world. I held no authority in my own life, so I settled for painstakingly painting every feature of another's, in The Sims Series of computer and video based games.

When I was five or six I recall watching over my father's shoulder as he tinkered in the original Sim City (1989) on a boxy computer he kept hidden in a giant scroll top desk. Then, again in 1994, when I was about old enough to pick and choose my own computer programs, I was allowed my first copy of SimCity2000; a sandbox style game much more different than the Electronic Arts people simulator The Sims, later released in 2000. But this franchise was precisely the reason a 16 year-old me packed up and headed to art school to major in Game Art And Design in 2003.

I learned some things right out of the gate at the Art Institute; 1) I was one of 2 girls on campus in my specialization of game design, and 2) The Sims was by far revered as one of the most successful modern gaming franchises with it's universal appeal to all genders, age groups, and walks of life. Did you know The Sims creator had originally considered Navajo communications as the basis for the later developed Simlish language? It was his desire that The Sims franchise would need no translation across the globe, and that users could come together to create and share their simulated world in a universal understanding of humanity. That's pretty deep for a video game, right?

So here I am, barreling towards my thirties, with no practical time to play the video games of my youth, but scheduling it regardless in enthusiastic anticipation of the September 2, 2014 launch of #TheSims4. The programming and development progress of commercial computer animation within computer and video games never ceases to amaze me, and I find myself as eager as if I were a teenager again to experience the ever growing list of hands on mechanics this story simulation game has to offer. Don't worry, I'll spare you my Simlish breakdown and highlight a few of my favorite things in English.

Promising 'Smarter' Sims with even more complex traits and personality engines than ever before your Sim can have multiple aspirations and even genetic traits that unfold in the systems random genetics generator. Watch as these new Sims with big personalities appear emotionally aware and express these emotions in easy to read facial and physical cues. And of course, the creative tools, provided to hand craft every minute detail of your beautifully illustrated Sims are more touch screen intuitive than ever, to compliment Windows 8 operating platforms. Of course, if you're still running Windows 7 you'll be able to touch and tweak every little nip and tuck with your mouse too!

You can play around with the new character creation engine, and see these beautiful graphics come to life with vibrant personalities when you download the free Create-A-Sim Demo today. Users will not only have a chance to pre-create some family members and put together test 'houses' (the term for a household of characters, not an actual house) and share them through social media and other #TheSims4 excited friends. Honestly, I truly got lost in the hands on Create A Sim and lost a few hours just making my Sims from scratch- I almost forgot to explore the Genetics feature! P.S. Don't you hate it when your Sims blink while taking a picture?

The Create A Sim demo only allows you to play with young adult character creation, but keep in mind that the full The SIMS™ 4 game will have age markers from infant to elderly, so you can truly hand craft a family with even weirder stories than ever before! When I arrived at the Genetics portal, I had the option to create a sibling, or twin for any of my exiting Sims characters. It was really fun to watch Sim after Sim be spit out, and their unique personalities come to life with similar physical traits to me!

If all of The Sims™ 4 news excites you half as much as it does me, then you'll want to be sure to pre-order your copy of #TheSims4 online at Walmart.com, or in store now so you have your copy ready and reserved on the big Sims 4 Launch day- September 2, 2014! I've got the inside scoop that initial The Sims™ 4 bundles sold through Walmart will include a pack of all new Sour Patch Kids gum, and pre-orders have some limited time perks such as pre-release digital guides and Vudu credits! I know I'm clearing off my schedule for the upcoming full game release, and brushing up my Simlish, how about you? 

If you're in the mood to get your SIM on be sure to stop by the exclusive The Sims™ 4 launch sweepstakes, and SIMify yourself for a chance at one of several amazing prizes!  There are $8000 in prizes to be won including the grand prize where you could win a trip to Maxis studio in California! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See Official Rules https://www.facebook.com/simifyyourself/app_181034565422548

Have you ever played a 'SIM' franchise game? Do you know someone who does?

What Daughter Says: We all want to play pretend, The SIMS™ 4 just made it a little cooler.

It's Better To Have Bread And Baked, Than To Never Have Bread At All- Garlic Bread Recipe

Momma Told Me: I use shortcuts, so I can spend more time with you, not because I love my family any less.

Growing up, we seemed to have every modern kitchen appliance and convenience. No, we weren't rich, my father simply had an obsession with lifestyle gizmos and gadgets. His prized two were the monstrosity of an electric ice cream maker, and the barrel sized, round loaf, bread maker. I still remember the trip to buy that bread machine. I was 7, and I vividly recall walking my Polly Pocket across hundreds of fancy metal machines, all conveniently at eye level. There were speakers, brand new cassette players, and microwaves that could cook a tray from frozen in minutes.

I must have passed out somewhere between the 10th salesman's pitch and the arrival home, because I awoke some time later to the smell of yeast rising and pungent garlic. There was a very loud whirring noise and the 'ba-bang' of the bread maker rocking back and forth on the counter. It must have been somewhere in one of it's second knead cycles. The following morning I awoke to my parents, who appeared more excited than anyone should ever be over a loaf of bread, carefully slicing the end off with breath held.

The smell of baking bread soon became a weekend staple in our household as every single recipe in the included recipe book was experimented with and made. Personally, I liked the fresh rye the best but, there was nothing quite like a fresh, warm, loaf lightly buttered in the morning. One particularly adventurous day Momma even managed to concoct a cinnamon raisin loaf she later dipped in egg and turned into the most delicious French Toast I have ever had, to this day.

It's funny to think that all of these warm fuzzy memories come from a loud, large clunky appliance in which the only love involved were paid installments and carefully measured ingredients. When these fancy appliances weren't involved Momma was known to cook from scratch, so I often harbored a bit of resentment towards this machine that seemed to do little more than make our bread a day fresher than store-bought. But that smell; oh that smell of that old beloved bread-maker, baking into the wee hours of the morning; that's the stuff my childhood memories were made of.

So, naturally, when I moved into my own home one of the first appliances on my list was a bread maker, for nostalgia's sake. And that's precisely what it remained for these past several years- an icon of nostalgia, sitting in it's box, on a shelf. I've made bread at least a dozen times since the device came into our home- but most often the 'quick way' with mixes or quick rising bases that aren't pretty but pack the flavor in. I'll admit, I was skeptical, and a bit terrified the process might be entirely more complicated than it looked. My parents had always just dumped ingredients in and 7 hours later out popped a perfect loaf of bread!

So, there I was last week, staring the dusty unopened appliance down, as I reached for a stray chocolate chip that had rolled off my baking station and onto the floor. For a moment neither of us said anything. I looked at it, it looked at me; I could feel it judging- this bread maker could see all those happy mornings spent crowded around the family maker, inhaling those glorious scents. And then I was there, in my parent's kitchen, taking a bite of that freshly carved slice. It was magic. And all of a sudden I had a craving for bread...

What Daughter Says: Maybe some kitchen appliances aren't all that bad, as long as the moments made around them are memorable.

8 Ingredient Garlic Bread Base Recipe

**Click here for printable garlic bread recipe.

My TMobile Data Plan Gives Me Free Data For Life And The Freedom To Express!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and it's advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: The old ball and chain.

When I was in school my mother didn't have fancy electronic pads with worldwide connections to help her manage the week's coupon deals, and share embarrassing photos of me from the mini van! Uh-oh, I'm already starting to sound like Momma! I can't even imagine the crazy things my children will one day say- "You thought your Tmobile free data plan was ahead of the times? I have a lifetime of free transport credits and can use my teleporter anywhere within the U.S. an unlimited about of times!" Thankfully, for now, I can rest in simply feeling pretty smug that I've outwitted the big brand data companies with my Tmobile 4g data connected #TabletTrio.

If you're like me, you probably hear the phrase 'Free Data For Life' and assume there must be a series of microscopic asterisks, or invisible ink text proceeding such a bold advertising statement. You're certain you must have to sign over the birthright of your firstborn, or put down a deposit equal to that of a small house. As a member of the generation that had to balance on inflatable furniture in the corner of the bedroom to get those golden 'bars' of 'pre-g' service, we know some digital promises can be too good to be true. After all, pretty much anything is attainable if you're willing to jump through enough hoops, right? Thankfully, you can leave your circus license at home, when you walk into your local Walmart and step right up to the gloriously magenta colored world of the TMobile 4G enabled Trio AXS tablet.

Whether you own a tablet already, or have always tried to get by with a ridiculously smart smartphone, the Trio Tablet is the perfect solution for the busy moms, millenials, and caregivers of today. The $179 price point will not only get you a ready-to-use out of the box 7.85" touchscreen tablet with 1.2GHz Cortex A7 Quad-Core Mobile processor and 16GB built in (expandable) memory, but free date for life! Okay, okay, so you have to go through 3 (phew, can you handle it?) screens to register your device for it's free 200MB monthly mobile data; but, after that, it's all rainbows and kitty cats from there my friend!

I don't usually speak highly of affordably priced, budget, electronics- in most cases you get exactly what you pay for. We quickly learned that the Trio AXS tablet was very easy to learn and personalize right from the get go, and had a modest 6 hour battery life. With school back in session, we will be driving Sabrina all over town to band and drama practices, youth bowling, and study/project groups for school. In the past she has drained my phone battery, or even answered my phone calls, while fooling around with my cell phone in the back seat. Now she can access homework help, stream music and videos, and even Skype with her grandma all while being shuttled around town. And my precious cell phone battery is safe!

Sometimes we like to visit Sabrina at school for lunch (yes, we know, she's spoiled,) on those days there's often just about an hour and half from end of lunch to the end of her school day. Instead of sitting in a hot car I'll usually hit the local smoothie shack and update my social media accounts on my phone. Not only do I burn through my data plan quick, but I once again am relying on backup batteries to gt me through the day. With the Trio AXS tablet I am connected online instantly and can even edit and publish a blog post from the easy-to-use Android Blogger app! And what happens when those 200MB of free 4G data run out? Well I can buy an unlimited access 1 week pass for just $35 with no further obligation. (Do you hear 'big savings on airline WiFi and hotel access, too????)

I can even, and did, stop in the nearby park on the way home to shoot my 24 hour issued #IceBucketChallenge for ALS awareness. With a 5MP rear facing camera (and front 0.3MP webcam) I was able to record my challenge video directly on the device, and even pull clips from my phone via MicroSD. Next, I edited the clips in a simple and free Android application, and published directly to my social network feeds. I dare say cleaning up the (drought free) bottled Kool-Aid I'd poured all over myself took longer!

However, one of the most practical uses I'm particularly excited about, is the ability to help run and mange our Winter bowling league (adult and youth) with simple and free software on my new tablet. Our bowling house is literally a historical landmark, and the owners refuse to put WiFi in. Being able to manage my blogging communications while inputting scores is a time-saver that will quickly ad up to more time spent enjoying the game, and with family and friends.

I may be a tech junkie with fancy phones and electronics, but this humble Trio Tablet has me swooning with it's 4g connectivity and free 200MB/month for life. All of our other mobile devices are on the TMobile network and we get great service, so I know the free data will go a long way to make my life easier as we roll further into the Back To School season. My only problem? Now I have to hear arguments like, "But it's only $179, can't Santa afford that?" from now until the end of December!

What would you do with 200MB of free data for life?

What Daughter Says: I don't think Momma meant data caps and WiFi networks, but now you can be free from those with 200MB free data for life and Tmobile at Walmart!

I Hope You Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder

Momma Told Me: If you forget to smile, you're living life the wrong way.

I think I'm going to be a bad mom. Don't get me wrong (I've been told) I'm a killer Aunt, but there's just something about being a big kid myself that has me a little worried. Everyone always says as long as you get the bills paid, and keep the lights on, you're doing good. But, let's face it, it's a big sticky mess of a world out there, and you can't always eat ice cream and Popcicles.

My reasoning, however, says quite the opposite. I argue that, when you CAN have cupcakes for breakfast you should. Not every day, of course, but if times are good, and even when times aren't, it's still okay to smile for no reason at all. Find those moments and make them happen; you deserve it, right?

Part of being dubbed a 'living rainbow' and having an obsessive attraction to color, is my childlike demeanor when it comes to sweets. Take something sugar and make it adorable, well, I will squeal like a kid in a candy shop. So I'm almost 30 and want to jump up and down when I see a clown cone, so I'll sit and carefully plan my 'attack' so I leave the face perfectly in tact for last, so what? If this little thing leave me joy than I have no problem being the Aunt letting her niece eat ice cream for breakfast, or the crazy (not pregnant) woman running into the Baskin-Robbins doors minutes before closing, to get her 'fix.'

I could tell you stories, and have, about how my dad was the 'ice cream man,' growing up. He'd drive all over the counties repairing soft serve and shake machines his company manufactured; and whenever we'd walk into one of these establishments I was so proud to order dessert and have something sweet with my daddy. I know for a fact that has a lot to do with my love for ice cream, and the clown cone in particular, but most of all, the people around me, growing up, taught me to never lose my sense of wonder.

So I'm here, today, to tell you to eat the brownie tonight, go jump on your children's trampoline, sing in the car when nobody's watching, and always put extra syrup on those waffles. Make every day magical! What's your 'magic.'

What Daughter Says: Just because you aren't a kid doesn't mean you never have to feel like one again!

Bridal Fashion On A Budget With Boo Boo + Light In The Box #Sponsored

This is a Fashionista Event and a promotional item was provided to me by Coupons.com. Hosts for this event are Still Blonde after all these Years and ModlyChic. Pricing reflected below based on current prices at the time of posting, and are subject to change.

Momma Told Me: The last person a wedding is about is the bride.

The average cost of a wedding in the United States, in 2013, was recorded at 25k, with the range spanning $18k-$31k, and the median of couples shelling out $10k. Let's just let that sink in for a moment. Where Honey Boo Boo lives, in Georgia, that's 1/7th of the cost of a physical home (or a heck of a down payment!) So it's easy to understand why the beautimous Anna Shannon wanted to look flawless without being penniless, as she prepared for her big day. The Here Comes Honey Boo Boo star recently revealed her $212 Light In The Box dress on the August 14, 2014 TLC finale.

With the rising cost of weddings, the expanding range of catering offerings, an the exorbitant booking fees of venues and bands, it's understandable the modern bride might feel  push to compromise her dream gown for extras that more so impact her guests. But you only get married once, or at least you only ever intend to, so why note bust out with Mama June's camo-print ball gown and let the guests dine on cheese puffs; it's your day darnit! Thankfully Light In The Box coupons easily pair with the already everyday great deals on wedding fashion and more to help budgeting brides look their smexiest, erm, most radiant on their big day.

Scroll Over The Image To Reveal The Fashions And Their Links!

In honor of Anna Shannon's wedding, and the finale which aired August 14th, I've spent some time scouring the wedding items from Light In The Box to create 3 vintage inspired bridal looks, all under $300. I know, you're a little skeptical; after all, you're no Mama June when it comes to couponing, right? Thankfully Light In The Box has it's own savings built directly into the website listings, which span everything from faucets to bridal bouquets, as they ship direct from the manufacturer to over 200 countries. That makes the iconic A-Line Bateau Knee Length Satin Wedding dress in my Fierce Fifties fashion a no brainer for the bride who prefers the refined, elegant, look that emulates starlets of the era.

Scroll Over The Image To Reveal The Fashions And Their Links!

 Making a nod to the seventies, the modern Flower Child bride will love the romance of gentle lace accents and a flattering trumpet hem. Paired with a sheer Cathedral Length Veil and Cascading Silk Bouquet of Lilies,  it's the finer details in this fashion which take a nod from Princess Kate and traditionally elegant beauty. For brides with long sweeping trains and rich Mermaid flares, I suggest comfortable flats that express the theme of the event without having to don the Bamm-Bamm look at your own wedding. Finish the ensemble with delicate lace gloves and large synthetic pearl earrings, which will help keep your budget in line, and prevent needless worrying when one inevitably falls off during the second round of The Chicken Dance.

Scroll Over The Image To Reveal The Fashions And Their Links!

 Last, but not least, one of my favorite Vintage inspired wedding ensembles, inspired by the Roaring Twenties. I'll admit, slimmer profiles can pull this off best, but don't let the gossamer draping fool you; any bridal budget can afford attention to detail with this Sheath Halter Lace Wedding Dress from Light In The Box. Because of the stunning beauty of this gown, accessorize lightly, with a loose up-do accented by a hand-beaded headpiece and delicate pearl jewelry. Finish with a simple pair of satin pointed pumps and be ready to turn heads on your wedding day; just keep your hands out of the cheese puffs until your honeymoon night!

 Use these exclusive coupon codes through September 5, 2014 to save even more!

$12 off $100 with code HoneyBoo12

$24 off $200 with code HoneyBoo24

Which vintage inspired Light In The Box wedding look is your favorite? How did you budget wedding costs?

What Daughter Says: Don't let the budget make you Bridezilla, keep the focus on you with affordable fashion, and yes, even wedding dress coupons.

#MyGoodLife Begins With An After School Schedule And Time To Connect #Shop

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and it's advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: Independent doesn't mean alone.

The saying, it takes a tribe to raise a child. It's true. But it's even nicer when the child can be part of the tribe and help raise them-self. No, no, I'm not talking about leaving the eldest with your youngest and taking a weekend off to drive up to Napa; I'm talking about the accomplishment and pride that comes from watching your baby mature and grow into a responsible little human. As we steam-roll closer to the 'teens' every day, I'm always delighted to see the childlike wonder sparkle between the glimmers of a beautiful, smart, young lady Sabrina has become. And, as she prepares for middle school this year, I know that our already hectic schedules will only grow more so as she joins drama club (I can't wait to hear about those adventures) and continues to hone her afternoon skills of flute and bowling.

We have a few traditions in our family associated with back-to-school. One of them usually entails shopping a good month before the end-of-Summer rush (when the office supply aisle doesn't look like Armegeddon is imminent.) Another is to discuss the new additions to the upcoming year's chores and responsibility. This year there's been talk of opening a starter savings account, to build responsibility with money, and even instituting an allowance for taking on chores that are not exclusively hers. For example, there was a very long debate as to whether an individual should receive an incentive for making their own bed, or not. This was promptly ended with her mother asking, "So, who pays me to make my bed then?"

Unfortunately, the end of this Summer has been quite hectic, indeed. Her brand new baby brother (complete with new baby smell) was born 11 days ahead of schedule and grandma, and 13-year-old, uncle flew down to help out for the remainder of August. And, with a new puppy afoot, and uniforms to be bought, these past two weeks have flown by, and the first day of school is here. Thankfully, one of our focuses this year was helping Sabrina make choices about her afternoon snacks. Everyone knows to stay out of the way of a hungry child after school! We've even worked out a schedule.

When Sabrina gets home from school she'll have 30 minutes to make herself a snack of her choice- in this case they happen to be Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets and Juicy Juice 100% Fruit Juice. Then she heads downstairs to burn off the remaining energy from her end of day with some sort of physical activity. This helps her reset her mind and focus after a strenuous day at school. And, whether it's the hulu hoop, her favorite scooter, or roller skates, we're glad to know she's getting outdoor active time that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Then it's right back upstairs to sit down and dig into homework in a quiet room with no distractions.

Sabrina enjoys being able to pick out her favorite Hot Pocket from the 20+ varieties on hand at Walmart, but I love being able to save time and money with the 12 count value packs. We compromise and take turns choosing our favorite Nestle products- and spending time shopping for groceries as a family, and working on communication, is a priceless opportunity! I even let her try out her stirring hands in the kitchen with some creative and quick recipes found on the Nestle Flavorful Moments hub; I know they're bound to be good, because they were created by busy moms and caregivers just like me!

After homework is completed, it's time to sit down with her father and go over what was learned in school, and proof-check all of the day's assignments. Sabrina knows her dad is a big softie, so she likes to cuddle with mom and the new puppy for an adorable overload that's hard to say no to! Smart girl! Talking about the day's lessons, and reviewing homework together is just another way to take a time out to connect, and show, while we aren't still in school with her, we care about and understand what she is going through. While we may not all be able to sit down and share dinner every night at a table (though we try) we always schedule this time to connect as a family.

Having a routine that engages your child and challenges their independence really can help keep a family running smoothly and make more time for flavorful moments. #MyGoodLife is made

up of a large family of friends, and children that teach me something new everyday. As we head into a new school year I know we will face many unexpected challenges, but we will stick with our plan and make sure we have time to connect and grow, no matter what!

How do you find time to enjoy the good life moments with your family?

What Daughter Says: Let independent practices help create time for your family to connect outside of responsibilities.