We have plenty of inspiration for your cinematic soirée

This summer, swap out your usual Netflix on the couch for something way more exciting—an outdoor movie night! Stock up on popcorn, invite some friends, and set up a movie screen in the backyard. We’ve rounded up plenty of inspiration for your cinematic soirée, from decor ideas to irresistible snack options. The only thing you’ll have to worry about: which movie will it be? This list will give you some great ideas. 

Go Big with Printable Decor

outdoor movie night decorations
Hostess with the Mostess

Your backyard will be ready for an outdoor movie night in no time thanks to these fun printables from Hostess with the Mostess. There are signs to welcome your guests, DIY popcorn boxes, and even a checklist to help keep track of party prep. 

Make Sure It's a Stress-Free Setup

CINEMOOD

If you're at a loss on what projector set up to purchase, make it easy on yourself with CINEMOOD. This three-inch rechargeable cube allows you to connect to WiFi and stream Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube, or download content to use when offline. It even comes with educational Disney content included on the device.

Get Inspired with Boho-Inspired Decor

Camille Styles

Need decor inspiration for your outdoor movie night? We love this party put together by Camille Styles, complete with fluffy pillows, low tables, and draped lights. 

Set It Up on the Back Porch or Deck

Who says you need a sprawling lawn for an outdoor movie night? A patio, deck, or even a back porch will work too.

Related: 13 Award-Winning Movie Night Ideas the Kids Will Love

Use Inflatable Chairs for Seating

An easy way to wow with an outdoor movie night is to use clear inflatable chairs. Just be sure it’s a cool night to avoid being stuck once the movie is over!

Use Mattresses as Chairs

Whether it’s an overnight party or if you want to give your guests a way to stretch out, we think using blow-up mattresses is nothing short of genius.

Arrange Tiered Seating

Just like in a real movie theater, arrange your chairs so that everyone has a good view.

Keep It Simple

The easiest way to decorate for an outdoor movie night? Grab blankets, throw pillows, and be done with it.

Related: Creative Snacks That Turn Movie Night into a Big Deal for Your Kids

Make Kid-Themed Charcuterie Boards

A table full of kid-friendly snacks is always a way to make sure you have something every guest will like. Check out our favorite summer charcuterie boards here to be inspired.

Have a Popcorn Station

popcorn for outdoor movie night
Corina Rainer via Unsplash

A movie night isn’t complete without popcorn! Check out our roundup of delicious popcorn recipes to find the perfect pick for your party.

Have Plenty of Dessert Options

Lisa Hanly via Unsplash

What’s for dessert? You can go with classic movie candy, or, for something different, set up a cookie bar! Need recipes? Check out our favorites here

Add S'mores Too

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

If you’ve got a fire pit, now’s the time to use it to its full potential! But even if you don’t, you can still make s’mores—click here for all our favorite recipes including the ultimate s'mores dip!

Build Your Own Outdoor Movie Theater

The Horticult

Okay, so you might want to just file this one under “dream backyard”: The Horticult has built a wow-worthy theater in their own garden. Click here to get all the details on how they did it, including 3D sketches!

 

Related: 20 Summer Movie Night Picks That’ll Please Your Whole Crowd

 

Remember Doogie Howser, M.D., the show that gave Neil Patrick Harris his big break and had us all cheering for a teen doctor? Disney has reimagined that concept for the next generation with Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. The original series premieres September 8 on Disney+ and the trailer is available to watch now!

In Hawaii, 16-year-old Lahela “Doogie” Kamealoha is juggling a budding medical career and the ups and downs of teenage life. Fortunately she’s supported by her close-knit (and hilarious) group of family and friends! The show is shot on location in O’ahu and it’s created and executive produced by Kourtney Kang (How I Met Your Mother, Fresh Off the Boat).

Peyton Elizabeth Lee stars as Lahela and the show promises a number of top guest stars. Keep your eyes out for Margaret Cho, Randall Park, Jae Suh Park, Max Greenfield and more.

“Thirty years ago, a young medical prodigy took the world by storm and left a lasting impact on pop culture,” said Ricky Strauss, president, Content and Marketing, Disney+. “Kourtney and the team at 20th Television have created a very modern take on this beloved property which will resonate with our global Disney+ audience. We can’t wait to introduce the world to the new Doogie!”

New episodes will drop every Wednesday on Disney+. We’re excited to watch a classic show revamped for Gen Z! For all the latest Disney+ drops, make sure you check out our ongoing coverage.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Justin Stephens, Disney

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Have you upped the ante when it comes to family walks this year? If you’re hitting the sidewalks and trails more now than ever before, you aren’t alone.

According to a new survey conducted by Rockport, more than half of Americans walk between one and five miles more per day now than in years past. Why are so many people walking more these days?

photo: Daniel Reche via Pexels

Other than the obvious pandemic-related lack of anything else to do, it turns out Americans are walking to relieve stress. Fifty-seven percent of the people surveyed said they walk as a stress reliever and 67 percent agree walking can help clear the mind. Thirty-six percent of survey respondents walk one to two miles daily and 21 percent walk between three and four.

Along with stress relief, Americans are also walking more to take a break. Thirty-three percent of people surveyed said they use walking as a way to take a break from the daily grind of work and 28 percent use this form of physical activity to catch up and reconnect with their family

Lisa Laich, Chief Marketing Officer at The Rockport Company, said in a press release, “For 50 years, Rockport has celebrated walking and comfort, helping people power their lives from morning to night. And while routines have changed this past year, 2020 has shown us the clear value and importance of walking – even if it’s just one mile each day.”

Laich continued, “This survey shows that Americans of all ages and across geographic locations are more interested than ever in getting in their daily steps, and we’re excited to help people navigate each step of their walking journey.”

Even though the uptick in walking may seem like a popular pandemic trend, the survey revealed this activity is here to stay. A whopping 93 percent of people surveyed said they’re very or somewhat likely to continue their walking routines after Covid-related restrictions are lifted.

—Erica Loop

 

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A study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Stuffed Puffs®, purveyor of chocolate-filled marshmallows, in anticipation of National Hot Chocolate Day has some new data on Americans and winter. Polling 2,000 people, results show that 67 percent of parents are looking forward to feeling like a kid again this winter.

Could it be that we are all focused more on the simple things in life in light of 2020? Regardless, 60 percent of parents agreed that winter just feels more magical than other times of the year.

photo: SWNS

In addition to enjoying the chilly weather, over 40 percent of parents agreed that they looked forward to sharing a cup of hot chocolate with their kiddos––marshmallows included.

“There’s something nostalgic about sitting by the fire on a snowy day and drinking a cup of hot chocolate,” said Carla O’ Brien, the SVP of Marketing at Stuffed Puffs. “We weren’t surprised to see that having a marshmallow-filled cup of hot chocolate was the top favorite thing about winter…”

Thirty two percent of hot chocolate drinkers admitted to drinking it on the daily during winter, with 60 percent agreeing marshmallows ranked in the top for toppings. So what else is bright about winter?

Adults shared they believed these activities ranked highest: enjoying a marshmallow-filled cup of hot chocolate, going outside to watch the first snowfall, sitting by the fire to warm up after a day out in the cold, building a snowman, celebrating the holidays, baking winter/holiday treats, skiing/snowboarding and ice skating.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Tim Gouw via Unsplash

 

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Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

Don’t be a superhero, get the epidural by Cheri M. 

I had envisioned a spontaneous labor, where my water broke, unexpectedly, on the subway during my commute and my husband frantically drove us to the hospital. Instead, I was induced and given the date and time to go to the hospital. My OB broke my water, eight hours after I was given Cytotec. I had a lot of water, a lot. My OB kindly said “the anesthesiologist is available. Listen, every mom is a superhero, get the epidural.” I followed his advice. Eight hours later, 55 minutes of pushing, an episiotomy, my daughter was born. It happened perfectly.

The “fry guy” held my leg by Dawn T.

Eight years ago, I was 36 and he was 40. Old parents by many opinions. When her due date rolled around, it left just as quickly. A week overdue, I spent 4 days in the hospital hooked to a heart monitor, permitted to only drink apple juice. My husband threw a fry to me once. I was induced overnight, crapped on the delivery table with my mom holding one leg, and fry-guy holding the other. She arrived at 9:46 am and we’ve been on her clock ever since.

The patient with the longest labor time by Natalie H.

For my first birth, this past August, I was induced for 4 days before delivering my handsome son! It took me two days just to get to 3 cm dilated. The doctors and nurses tried every medicine and option that one could ever think of. Then, overnight, I was able to dilate from 3cm to 7cm and it took off from there. My doctor said that, in all of her years of practice, I became her patient with the longest labor time.

Induced with twins at 37 weeks by Amanda

When the doctor said to start calling at 6 am to check for available beds, you are showered and awake by 5 am ready to go! I was being induced with twins at 37 weeks, and little did I know they wouldn’t have a bed ready for me until later that evening. When I arrived I was not dilated at all, so I received cervadil and anxiously walked the halls with my also eager husband. The next day, still no progress, another round of cervadil was attempted. Sleeping with leg compressions was pretty difficult, as well as the limited food and drinks due to a possibility of a c-section. Finally on day 3, with the help of pitocin and many hour of pushing, I delivered our son. Thirty-six minutes later came our daughter. Along with their little brother, the twins continue to keep us on our toes ten years later!

Induction that ended in an emergency C-section by Courtney M. 

I was induced at thirty-three weeks. I labored for three days before finally having an emergency c-section due to fever. I had an infection. I gave birth to my handsome son. We spent five weeks in the NICU then got to go home.

Can you believe it? 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of The Wiggles, the world’s most popular children’s entertainment band. To kick off the year-long celebration, The Wiggles are releasing a new video focused on diversity and inclusion entitled, We’re All Fruit Salad.

The new song honors the legacy of The Wiggles greatest hit Fruit Salad with a nod to today’s social climate. The song delivers a message of unity, respect, appreciation and acceptance. Several of The Wiggles celebrity friends, including Lou Diamond Phillips and stars from the Broadway smash “Ain’t Too Proud-The Life and Times of The Temptations” are featured singing in the video.

“If you want to see a room light up, watch what happens when children start singing. It’s a joy that spreads through young and old. It has been a real adventure over the last thirty years, and we hope to be having this much fun for at least another 30 years to come! 2021 marks a very important moment for us and we cannot wait to celebrate this milestone with all our fans, young and young-at-heart,” said Anthony Field, Blue Wiggle.

The Wiggles

Over the past 30 years, The Wiggles have been a fixture in many homes, entertaining and educating children and families all over the world. Generations of fans that grew up watching are sharing their love of The Wiggles with their own children.

“Thank you to our Wiggly fans all around the world for listening to our music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services. We’re looking forward to sharing lots of exciting new Wiggly tunes with you over the year ahead!” said Lachy Gillespie, Purple Wiggle.

Stay tuned as more 30th year celebration collaborations and activations are revealed throughout 2021. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy 

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Holidays have always been big in my family. Christmas growing up was always so busy. You see, my parents were divorced, and so I was always on the go; being with one parent Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day, while also seeing extended family as we celebrated. 

I always dreamed of the day I’d have my own family, and we could sit and enjoy the holiday.

Decorating one tree. 

Being in one place for the whole holiday. 

Fast forward to now, and my dream Christmas may still never happen. Not because we aren’t together as a whole, but because my son is autistic. 

We decorated a tree for the first few years. We wrapped presents. We even got to stay in our home, not having to travel. 

But my son has yet to show interest. 

Last year we didn’t even put up a tree. We didn’t wrap presents. We simply set up my son’s swing and placed the other toys on the swing for him to see. I really thought it would be the year he showed interest in his presents. 

I was wrong. 

I even told myself I wasn’t going to bother with a tree this year, either. But while trying to clean out the storage room, and decluttering our living room, my husband brought in the Christmas tree. 

He proceeded to set up the tree and plug in the lights only to figure out some of the lights were out. We tried replacing some of them but that didn’t seem to do the trick. So we figured it’s because it’s old, and it was time to buy a new tree. 

We then got ready and went to town to grab a bite, and purchase a new tree. All before we had to pick Graham up from school. 

After picking Graham up, we headed home to get ready for home therapy and to set up our new tree. 

Our plan went south, fast.

As we opened the front door our old tree was still up. Graham stopped; he wouldn’t enter. He finally grabbed my hand, shaking, and proceeded to stay as far away from the tree as possible ‘til we made it to his room. 

Our ABA therapist arrived, and we once again tried to head into the living room to attempt playtime. 

Nope. He wasn’t having it. He kept pulling us back to his room. 

I told my husband to take the tree down—guess we won’t have a tree again. I kind of had a feeling, but still, I was bummed. I was trying not to cry thinking once again my son didn’t care for Christmas. It was going to be just another normal day in our house, so I thought. 

A few minutes later, my son was on his break time and entered the kitchen—where my husband had placed the tree and ornaments. He grabbed a few of the ball ornaments and was stimming loudly. We thought, well, do we try putting the tree up again? 

So once again my husband dragged the tree and decor into the living room. As he worked to put the tree together our son said, “Wow.” 

I couldn’t believe it. 

Not thirty minutes prior, he was terrified and wouldn’t enter the house because of the tree. 

He just kept watching daddy as he put up the tree, jumping, arms flapping, and screaming. The real kicker is when my husband put Graham’s Lightning McQueen on the tree. Graham wouldn’t leave the tree alone after that. He keeps managing to take off with it without us realizing it. I hear myself saying “Graham, no no” before we have no ornaments on the tree at all!

In a way, I guess you could say my Grinch heart is growing because for once, we have some hope in enjoying Christmas.

This post originally appeared on Guiding Graham’s Way.

I'm a wife and a mom. I have a three year old son. I spend my time advocating for special needs children, bringing awareness and acceptance to all. My son was diagnosed with severe autism at age two. He is my life. 

Whether your kids are learning at home or are back in the classroom, this year looks different than years past. KIDZ BOP has introduced great resources for parents and teachers to help kids stay active as well as entertained during the school day. KIDZ BOP launched a brand new YouTube channel, KIDZ BOP Classroom, hosted a back to school livestream with the KIDZ BOP kids, has daily dance break videos, a back to school Pinterest board and more!

Check out some of these fun resources below: 

  • Watch the KIDZ BOP Back to School Livestream, where kids can learn tips for online or in person instruction from the KIDZ BOP kids! 
  • Check out the newest YouTube channel, KIDZ BOP Classroom. The perfect hub for movement breaks for parents, kids and teachers. Use KIDZ BOP music and movement videos to stay active both during the day and after school. The channel will host playlists with themes such as: warm up, brain break, cool down, study time and gym jams! 
  • Get moving with the new KIDZ BOP and DrumFIT video on the KIDZ BOP YouTube channel. Set to KIDZ BOP’s “Castle on the Hill,” and features the KIDZ BOP Kids using DrumFIT’s equipment in a step by step interactive experience for fans. Subsequent videos in the KIDZ BOP x DrumFIT series will be available on DrumFIT’s platform.
  • Join KIDZ BOP on YouTube for a daily #KIDZBOPDanceBreak live stream at 3 PM ET every Monday-Thursday for thirty minutes and Friday for an one hour dance party. 
  • Check out the KIDZ BOP Pinterest board, filled with ideas for the whole family to stay active and entertained indoors together using KIDZ BOP music and videos! You can find ideas on how to stay active at home, back to school tips, coloring sheets, playlists and more!
  • Through GoNoodle, Adventure 2 learning, DrumFit, and Code.org, KIDZ BOP is able to reach millions of students everyday to enhance their learning experience.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: KIDZ BOP via YouTube

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The doctor is in. Disney+ announced a re-imagining of the popular ABC series “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” has been picked up to series and is scheduled to go into production later this year. Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. is coming to the streaming service in 2021.

Disney+

Set in modern-day Hawaii, the 10-episode comedy follows Lahela “Doogie” Kameāloha, a mixed race 16-year-old girl, juggling a budding medical career and life as a teenager. Guiding Lahela (and also complicating things) is her family, including her spit-fire Irish mother who’s also her supervisor at the hospital, and her Hawaiian “Local Boy” father struggling to accept that his daughter is no longer his little girl. 

“Thirty years ago, a young medical prodigy took the world by storm and left a lasting impact on pop culture,” said Ricky Strauss, president, Content and Marketing, Disney+. “Kourtney and the team at 20th Television have created a very modern take on this beloved property which will resonate with our global Disney+ audience. We can’t wait to introduce the world to the new Doogie!”

Doogie Howser MD is beloved by everyone at our studio, so we knew that if we were going to reinvent it for a new generation, we had to have both the blessing and participation of the Bochcos and a creator with a fresh, new take that made us lean in,” commented Carolyn Cassidy, president, 20th Television. “Kourtney’s vision for the character is so inspired, we’ve been dying to collaborate with Melvin and Jake again, and Disney+ is exactly the right home for this idea. We couldn’t be more excited.” 

Running for four seasons on ABC from 1989 to 1993, Doogie Howser, M.D. starred Neil Patrick Harris as the now iconic doctor. The hit series catapulted Harris into television stardom and made the term “Doogie Howser” synonymous with kid geniuses.  

Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. is written and executive produced by Kourtney Kang and produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.  Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar will executive produce and Dayna and Jesse Bochco will produce the half-hour comedy series.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Kon Karampelas on Unsplash

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Channel your inner mom boss Kris Jenner and whip up delicacies like Giada and Ina, with Williams Sonoma’s new celebrity-inspired spatulas. This new line features spatulas and tea towels designed by Dolly Parton, Kris Jenner, Giada De Laurentiis, Ina Garten, Kristen Bell, Molly Yeh and more notable celebs. And get this: a portion of the proceeds are donated to No Kid Hungry. Read for the scoop (literally).

To date Williams Sonoma has raised 10 million dollars for No Kid Hungry, an organization that aims to end childhood hunger in America. Thirty percent of the retail price of each spatula will go directly to No Kid Hungry.

Curious about the spatulas? Designs include whimsical illustrations of cookies, kangaroos and leaves, and catch phrases you may find familiar like Kris Jenner’s, “you’re doing amazing sweetie.”

Spautla retail for $14.95 and tea towels retail for $12.95. Scroll down to see some of the designs and scoop up your favorite celebrity-designed spatula or tea towel by visiting williams-sonoma.com.

—Erin Lem

photos: Williams Sonoma

 

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