Get Ready for #MinionsMovieNight With Scarlet Overkill Stuffed Peppers, Groovy T-Shirt Cookies, Stuart's Hypnosis Goo, and King Bob Party Mix Recipes!

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Momma Told Me: Go bananas.

Long before it was 'cool' to make 'VHS' release themed food for your child's favorite movie, my mother was earmarking magazines and test-tasting in her laboratory kitchen for fun ways to make our family movie nights more fun. Back 'then' there was no Pinterest, and Momma herself was the person all the other mothers would go to if they wanted a creative idea for their child's party or sleepover. I was a bit spoiled, in a sense, but I've also never forgotten the magic of reliving a new favorite film surrounded by plushies, family, and delicious food. As a result, family movie nights are somewhat of a tradition we've continued- and the release of Illumination Entertainment's Minions (c) 2015 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. movie on Blu-Ray and DVD is quite the reason to celebrate!

It's highly unlikely anyone who has visited our blog before doesn't know that I am a minion nut- from decals on the back of the PT Cruiser to random selfies with Fluffy Unicorn, and my 2 month social media profile selfie of myself with minion Kevin. Yes, the highlight of my year was our trip to Universal Studios, where we rode the Despicable Me ride multiple times, at at Super Silly Fun Land, and counted down the days until the Minions movie theatrical release. This Summer we made minions care packages, lip balms, snack mix, a minion wreath, and more because it's virtually impossible NOT to smile when these little yellow guys are around!

And now, at last, the wait for the Minions movie on Blu-Ray/DVD is over at last and I'm finally able to take home the 3rd installment in the saga that is 'minions.' Actually, the Minions movie is more of a prequel, really- but it's the first full length feature film dedicated solely to them and their shenanigans. And, right now, you can even pick up 1 of 5 exclusive Blu-Ray/DVD bundles featuring exclusive packaging, bonus merchandise, and 3 all new mini-movies from these retailers only! I actually picked up 3 copies of the Minions movie to add to our collection because I simply couldn't decide between the collectible tin, minion water bottle, or lunch bag! There are so many wonderful Blu-Ray/DVD bundles, but they won't be around for long, so check our where you can pick these limited edition packages up today!

With my Minions movie copies in hand, I hit the store to pick up some simple ingredients to make our movie night a big sucess. I'll admit, I avoided the toy aisle because I, personally, am a big kid and have several items on my holiday wish list (hello King Bob vinyl figure!) We have plenty of cuddle-ready minions plush and toys around to celebrate with for now.

Back when we first saw the Minions movie in theaters this past Summer, I'd instantly known I'd be making Groovy T-Shirt cookies for our in-home premiere. This idea is so simple it can be made with a bag of sugar cookie mix, food colors, and a butter knife. Simply split your dough into 5 even portions, color each a different color, mash and swirl the dough together, then roll it out and cut it into t-shirt shapes. You don't have to be an artist either- the point is to get a little groovy- flowing arms and fun shapes fit the theme of these psychedelic cookies!

Next I prepared a King Bob themed party mix, because every movie night needs a good snack mix. Traditional popcorn is boring, and we love to much on a variety of things when enjoying a movie at home- so a snack mix offers something sweet, savory, and crunchy to please everyone.

We make 'puppy chow' style popcorn often because it is an easy base for just about any snack mix and can be colored to fit any theme or event. All you need is a low sugar juice drink, some powdered sugar, granulated sugar, kettle popping corn, and food color. Heat the granulated sugar and juice over medium heat until the mixture is even and thick like a syrup. Allow the mixture to cool, add food color, pour over your popped popcorn and toss in powdered sugar. The powdered sugar will stick to the color in your syrup and make the colors pop even more!

To complete our King Bob Party Mix we added yogurt covered raisins and mini chocolate chips to tie into the red 'puppy chow' popcorn for Bob's 'cloak' and yellow butter popcorn with teddy graham crackers to represent Bob, himself. I also tossed around adding some pretzel sticks for King Bob's scepter- perhaps we will do that next time!

Movie night definitely requires a lot of yummy snacks, but it wouldn't be complete without a delicious meal! As soon as I saw the Minions movie evil villain character Scarlet Overkill I knew she's make a delicious, healthy, stuffed pepper meal. Her dress is the perfect color and shape for stuffed peppers!

Because I knew we'd be snacking and munching while watching the movie I decided to keep meat out of this recipe and stuff our peppers with Jasmine rice, broccoli, onions, diced peppers, and cheese. I sauteed the vegetables in a pan with some olive oil and pepper, then mixed them into a cheese and rice filling and stuffed our peppers before sending them into the oven for 30 minutes at 415F. I've found that children often prefer meals that aren't over seasoned and have simple, fresh, ingredients- getting the kiddos to eat smart can be tough so the fun Minions movie character theme, and minion quesadilla companion truly made this meal a hit.

Honestly, even the name Scarlet Overkill is kind of perfect for stuffed peppers, don't you think? And these peppers pair perfectly with the gooey, cheesy quesadilla minion served on the side. Need inspiration for the blue overalls? We colored some sour cream blue to paint them on!

Movie night would not be complete without a little, silly, fun- so I also whipped up a little surprise for the kids to play with. And, if you're thinking I must have spent forever planning this Minions movie night; this particular treat took me 2 minutes with a cup of water, 1 tablespoon fiber supplement (psyllium) and some food coloring. I present to you Stuart's Hypnosis Goo!

If you haven't seen the film yet, I don't want to give too much away, but this secret weapon plays a hilarious role in the Minions movie. Besides, what child, or child at heart, doesn't like playing with slime? Even better, this recipe is entirely safe too eat (bonus- mine smells like orange from the fiber supplement,) and is entirely Borax free. So the littles can play along with the fun too!

Well, that's a wrap on our Minions movie night fun, but there's plenty more to discover here on the blog. Browse some of our favorite original minions themed recipes and projects below, and be sure to pick up the recipe for Scarlet Overkill stuffed peppers. Still don't have your fix of these adorable mischief causing little yellow people? Grab your goggles and head to the #MinionsMovieNight social hub where you'll discover literally over 100 creative Minions movie night recipes and ideas! My Pinterest board can hardly contain all the awesome! Speaking of Pinterest, follow the minions on there too! And, if you ever hear a grown woman saying 'Bee-Do-Bee-Doo' from the next aisle over, stop by and say 'Hi' to me, this minion thing is kind of an obsession! Have you seen the Minions movie yet? Do you know someone who would love to enjoy a Minions movie night?

What Daughter Says: We always go bananas when minions are involved. B-A-N-A-N-A!!!

Scarlet Overkill Stuffed Peppers

***Click here for printable Scarlet Overkill stuffed peppers recipe

School Break Blues? Throw An Unbirthday Party- Ideas Inside!

Momma Told Me: You never need an excuse for a party.

Growing up in Southern California there was always plenty to do on school breaks and vacations. We were never much further than an hour's drive from downtown Hollywood, the beach, or numerous theme parks. From the earliest available age to ride the rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain (which was earlier than most kids, as I was tall for my age), and 6 consecutive summers, my father bought season passes each Summer. Almost once a week we would make the 40 minute drive and spend the entire afternoon at the theme park, just him and I. And, every Summer, we would celebrate our own little tradition- we would tell the server at the Moose Lodge restaurant, inside the park, it was my birthday- my unbirthday. The staff would come out singing, I'd get a pair of straw glasses, and I'd enjoy a heaping scoop of ice cream.

These fond memories of my father and I celebrating the absurd Alice In Wonderland reference are some of my brightest childhood recollections. As a kid, 'magical' is often the unexpected, and that includes doing things that are just plain silly and for no reason at all. Last Summer while I was watching Sabrina and her step-siblings I announced that we were going to throw an 'Un-Birthday' party. There was some confusion at first, followed by statements like "But it's nobody's birthday!" or "With just the five of us? A party with just us?" Of course I chuckled- even at 3, 9, and 11, these kids were already in the mindset that 'celebration' could only happen with an excuse!

 Creating an Unbirthday Party is actually a wonderful Spring/Summer Break project, and can be very affordable when you craft your treats and buy your decorations from major dollar stores. In fact, we turned our party into a week long event, every afternoon making one of the special sweets we'd feature on our party table. The kids loved that they were having a chance to help 'make' the party. You can even prepare for your party by crafting outside the kitchen- have children draw a 'Pin the Tail' game and cut construction paper tails. Or, make your own pinata out of old cardboard packaging and paper mache. (You can also buy a cheap pinata for less than $10 at most value stores.)

Even though there were only a handful of us actually participating in this party I was sure to stock up on all the essentials- hats, streamers (which were a big hit in 'decorating' the house), balloons, and more. When you get kids involved in the preparation, because it is for a 'party' they are naturally motivated to help, and even learn responsibility skills. A party is work, and it's a great lesson the next time a birthday rolls around. You can also work on money skills and give each child a small budget at the dollar store and have them create a list of items needed. Can they use compromises to get what they want AND what they need?

Of course throwing an Unbirthday Party is also a delightful way to play around with those Pinterest ideas you've been dieing to try. You know, the board full of things that 'look cool' but you're not sure you can really execute them. With such an intimate roster of guests, there's no pressure- if those Olive Penguins don't come out photo perfect the hungry kids won't know the difference! When I planned this party it was not intended for a blog post- notice how the photos have heavy direct light? I was too busy partying to stage photos!

Of course every party deserves a cake- and this is the perfect time to use boxed cake mix to create something new or fun. Try making a 'tie dye' cake by separating the batter and coloring it. Make cupcakes each 'guest' can frost then put together for a cupcake cake. Allow your young party-planners to put those gold sprinkles next to the coconut and fruit chews as decoration. Go wild and have fun. Yes, you can even have a 'cake fight' in the backyard- it's an Unbirthday Party, ANYTHING goes!

Our Unbirthday Party was a smashing success and lasted an entire afternoon- From face painting with dollar store face crayons to temporary tattoos, pin the flag on the ship, tag, goodie bags, and more. Our budget was $40 and it was well worth the entire week of activities and cherished photo memories. One of the biggest hits? I let the older kids blow up latex balloons with supervision as I set up the party table. We threw them all on the floor so the kids could kid through them, toss them in the air (volleyball style), or roll in the faux balloon pit. If you've never had an Unbirthday Party- isn't it about time?

What Daughter Said: This school break, consider throwing an Unbirthday Party, and get the kids involved!