Smurfs 2 Movie is Smurftastic: A Review of the Movie and Rebuke of the “Critics”

Smurfs 2 Movie is Smurftastic: A Review of the Movie and Rebuke of the “Critics”

 Smurfs 2

A couple nights ago my kids and I went to see the Smurfs 2. While we were waiting for the movie to start I asked my daughter when did the movie come out. She said it would be out on July 31… It was then that I realized we were at a preview screening of the movie. If felt a little special after that even though I’ve been to pre-screenings before.

The lowdown is that we got to see the 3-D version, had our choice of seats, and all thought it was a very good movie. The popocorn and drinks were overpriced but that’s par for the course at a big chain movie theater I guess.

I really didn’t have high expectations for the movie. Though I grew up during the original Smurfs television show run, I didn’t get into it. But I settled in to watch because the tickets were free and I am kinda partial to free stuff.

Though my expectations were kind of low I was pleasantly surprised at how good the storyline was! Smurfette goes rogue and becomes a deviant? She becomes naughty? How could that be? But it does happen like you see in the trailer below.

Smurfs Movie 2 Trailer

There were laugh-out-loud parts and situations that would touch your heart. Family and belonging is a key theme not to be missed. Sticking together no matter how tough things get and changing for the benefit of others are all prevalent in the movie.

Gargamel is still a character you love to hate with his antics. Always trying to capture and rule the Smurfs. Overall I’m sure you will feel very comfortable taking your kids to see this movie and pleasantly surprise with the themes running through the movie.

A Word About Movie Critics Reviewing Kid’s Films

I’ve seen some pretty negative reviews about the movie by so-called movie critics. I’m always at a loss about how they even get to review a kid’s movie. They are not kids and but they do act like spoiled brats when it comes to rating a made-for-kids movie. Most complain about how the movie is made, the “lame lines, and such. But overall kids enjoy the movie and it’s not for a full-grown movie critic with adult experiences (i.e. bitterness because they had a crappy childhood).

When it comes to kids movies I ignore the critics because they are never the voice of reason or experience. They no longer see life through a child’s eyes and most don’t even have kids of their own. So if you are relying on the critics to tell you whether you should go see this movie or not, I say forget about them and in this case listen to your kids. (Stepping off my soapbox now)

I usually don’t like 3-D movies but Sony does a great job on this one. The special effects and the animation makes you feel like you are a part of the movie.

I highly recommend going to see the Smurfs 2. They did not disappoint Rich Single Momma at all!

Those Unexpected Toddler Expenses

Those Unexpected Toddler Expenses

By Blythe Lipman

Help!MyToddlerCameYou made it; your baby has graduated into toddlerhood. And now you’re looking forward to a year with fewer expenses.  Soon diapers will be a thing of the past, the baby food mill can be put in storage along with the Exersaucer, bouncy seat and baby swing. And watching your little bundle of joy run around like a whirlwind makes your heart smile. But wait, he’s not that steady on his feet and just knocked over your favorite flower vase. That will be $35 to replace.  And is he rubbing his ear? Not another ear infection.  He just finished his medicine. Sound familiar?

The 2013 figures from the Department of Health and Human Services (based on a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey) (http://www.hhs.gov) calculate that the basic annual cost of raising a child is $4,020, which doesn’t sound so bad until you add the cost of raising that same kid to age 18 and figure in the 30 year average inflation rate of 3% which brings us to an average $234,900 for those earning between $59,410 and $102,870.

Yikes…these numbers are pretty scary. And they don’t even include those surprise expenses during the toddler years. Here are just a few that could rear their ugly heads.

Unexpected Food Costs – You want your toddler to eat but he is so picky. And when he doesn’t like something, he refuses to eat. But you’ve already used this week’s food money. Now what?

  • Don’t get into the habit of preparing a second or third meal for your toddler when he won’t eat.  Continue to offer him a variety of foods, but have one stand-by. In my house if my little ones wouldn’t eat what I made they could have yogurt. All that extra food costs money.
  • Let him help you prepare the meals. Mixing the mashed potatoes and tasting, pouring the salad dressing on and just being a part of the process can tickle those toddler taste buds!

Unexpected Medical and Dental Bills – According to http://www.webmd.com toddlers can get an average of nine colds per year. But what about those chronic ear infections, head lice and unexpected trips to the ER? And that trip to the dentist for a chipped tooth. These all cost money. Think about the following:

  • When your toddler needs antibiotics, ask the pediatrician if it’s okay to use generic.  They are much less costly.
  • If your toddler will be on a medication long term, ask the pediatrician if he has any samples. Or contact the drug companies as many times they will have coupons or will work with you to lower the cost.
  • Make sure you understand your family’s medical and dental insurance coverage, including trips to the ER.  One unexpected ER visit can mess up your budget for months.

Unexpected Repairs – You probably feel like your washer and dryer are already working overtime. And what’s that humming noise coming from the refrigerator? All your appliances need to be in tiptop shape when you have a toddler.  Here are a few tips to save your wallet:

  • When you buy a new appliance, consider purchasing the service plan if it’s in your budget. It could be a lifesaver in the long run.
  • If you are buying a second-hand appliance, don’t hand that money over until you plug it in and see that it’s in good working order.
  • If you’re going to hire a handyman to fix a broken appliance, make sure to check his references. An “I can fix anything” neighbor could spell disaster in more ways than one.

Broken Toys, Knick Knacks and Valuables – Your toddler’s favorite lovey is lost and she can’t go to sleep without it. The wheels just fell off your son’s fire truck. And Grandma’s picture is smashed on the floor. That extra money to replace these things just isn’t there. Here are a few suggestions:

  • If your toddler won’t go to sleep without her favorite blue bear, do yourself a favor and buy another one, just in case. Check Amazon.com, Ebay.com or local toy stores for the best prices. You’ll save yourself a lot of extra heartache and sleepless nights if you have a replacement. And remember to take the replacement on family trips.
  • Rotate your toddler’s toys on a monthly basis so if something breaks you can pull out a surprise from last month. Old is new and fun and it’s easy to re-direct most toddlers to other activities.
  • Toddlers are fast, compulsive and will knock things over. So put those valuables out-of- reach. It’s expensive to replace them and many can’t be replaced at all.

Having a savings is tough for most of us in this day and age. But putting away even $5 a week will add up and help when those unexpected costs arise. Toddlers grow up fast so enjoy every minute. Because before you know it, he’ll be asking for the keys to the car.

Blythe Lipman is the president of Baby Instructions. She is passionate about babies, toddlers and their parents. After working in the field for over thirty-five years, she wrote her fourth award-winning book, HELP! MYTODDLER CAME WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS, now available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Audible.com and all major bookstores. You can hear Blythe’s weekly radio show, Baby and Toddler Instructions each Wednesday, 11am EST @ www.toginet.com Blythe is available for in-home, video and telephone consultations. You can contact Blythe at babyinstructions@cox.net or call her office (480)-510-1453. Become her Fan on Facebook at http://bit.ly/IB7HTi and Twitter http://bit.ly/AcUiE4 and visit her website: http://www.babyinstructions.com

Use the Power of the Money Cycle to Get Rich

Use the Power of the Money Cycle to Get Rich

Ever wonder why you can’t get ahead financially?

Wondering why your bills are piling up, your bank account is low, and you continue to struggle for the basic necessities of life?

Wonder why you can’t take the trips you want, can’t buy a newer, better car?

This is happening because you haven’t learned the law of use and circulation.

Author and metaphysician, Florence Scovel Shinn puts it this way:

“Money is God in manifestation, as freedom from want and limitation, but it must always be kept in circulation and put to right uses.”

So your money has to always be in circulation and never hoarded. There should be no fear in letting it go out, because like a refreashing river of water that must have an outlet to thrive, so your money must have an outlet.

This is I call the Money Cycle. It simply means that money flows in and out of my life when I freely give to others, express gratitude, and get money back. 


Applying the money cycle to your life could have a similar affect. It requires releasing all fear and anxiety over money. It might be hard but with practice you can do it. 

You can learn more about the Money Cycle in the upcoming teleclass called Your Right to be Rich. Are you ready to be a part of this revolution? Are you ready to learn how to apply the law of cause and effect, the law of giving and receiving, the law of reciprocity, the law of attraction, and the law of abundance to your life?

RichSingleMomma Goes to NYC!

RichSingleMomma Goes to NYC!

RSMtakeNYC

About a month ago I sat thinking about what I would do for my daughter for her 17th birthday. She said she just wanted to go to her favorite sushi restaurant but I wanted to do something more. Then I remembered that she has said she wants to go to NYC so I decided that would be her birthday gift.

NYC Trip Planning

I begin researching plane tickets and hotels to see what the prices were. I felt they were kind of high so I decided to wait. Big mistake! I should have bought the tickets when I first saw them instead of trying to wait until they went down. I learned the hard way that the changes in the airline industry have affected how prices change.

The Airline Industry Almost Changed My Plans

A few years ago plane ticket prices would drop kind of dramatically the closer you get to the trip. These days…not so much… The price went up, but it could be because of the time I planned to go; during July 4th week. Other financial obligations made it seem impossible to pull this trip off but I maintained a positive attitude and dreamed of this trip for her.

A Positive Mental Attitude Turned Things Around

My faith and positive attitude paid off because not too long after it seemed the trip would not happen, I received a check in the mail that covered the cost of the tickets and the hotel stay. Wooohooo!!! I believe in the power of positive thinking. It’s too hard to fail when your mind is in the right place.

Going to NYC to Celebrate a Teen Girl’s Birthday

We are going to NYC this week to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. I’m so happy for this experience. I’ll share where we stay and the activities we plan to do. There will be lots of pictures posted on my Instagram account as well as status updates on Facebook and tweets on Twitter.

3-day NYC itinerary

My 3-day NYC itinerary looks like this:

Day 1 – July 3

Day 2 – July 4

  • Visit The Highline Park
  • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
  • Visit the 911 Memorial (using Smart Destinations pass)
  • Go to Battery Park
  • Visit Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty (using Smart Destinations and City Pass)
  • Fireworks

Day 3 – July 5

  • Shopping
  • Central Park
  • Visit Little China and Little Italy
  • Staten Island Ferry
  • Visit Friends

Watch for the updates on my social media channels and come back for the updates here at RichSingleMomma.com.

Do you live in NYC? What should I be sure to see?

Have you ever visited? What was your favorite part of your visit?