No matter if it’s for your littlest one, pre-teen or anyone in between, there are Netflix shows for everyone in the family to pack in their carry-on. And it’s not just Netflix originals, check out the ‘Available for Download’ menu on the Netflix app on your mobile or tablet device and browse all of the titles available to take with you whenever and wherever you want. Easy peasy, right?

For the Little Ones:

For the Big Kids:

For the Teens:

For the Parents:

Sound familiar? The official Netflix Family downloads jingle is taking a page from the infamous melody of the Orange is the New Black theme song. While vacationing may be easy, getting there is hard, and being trapped in the car on a family road trip can feel like being in Litchfield. This cute and relatable parody will have you humming along for the whole ride.

So, what will you and your kids be screening on the go? We’ve already downloaded our top pics for the ride up to Grandma’s house this week! And while I get ready for a huge plane trip to Israel in a week, I’ll have several movies and a few series from Netflix downloaded to my mobile device.

Here’s what I’ve downloaded for my flight (so far):

Alias Grace (6 part miniseries)

Little Evil

High Strung (movie)

What’s new on Netflix?

PROJECT MC2
PART 6
NOW STREAMING

DINOTRUX SUPERCHARGED
SEASON 1
NOW STREAMING

LUNA PETUNIA
SEASON 3
NOVEMBER 17

SPIRIT RIDING FREE
SEASON 3
NOVEMBER 17

STRETCH ARMSTRONG & THE FLEX FIGHTERS
SEASON 1
NOVEMBER

BEAT BUGS: ALL TOGETHER NOW 
NOVEMBER 21

Disclosure: I am a Netflix Stream Team Member. I am given product, certain opportunities, and I receive a free Netflix subscription in exchange for posting about Netflix. As always, all opinions are my own.

You May Like: https://www.themamamaven.com/dont-be-a-netflix-cheater/

The post Kids Holiday Travel Tip: Take Netflix Along With You for A Smoother Trip appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

“In talks with Netflix we all felt that stories about a narcissistic, erratically behaving family in the building business — and their desperate abuses of power — are really underrepresented on TV these days,” said series creator Mitchell Hurwitz. He added, “I am so grateful to them and to 20th TV for making this dream of mine come true in bringing the Bluths, George Sr., Lucille and the kids; Michael, Ivanka, Don Jr., Eric, George-Michael, and who am I forgetting, oh Tiffany. Did I say Tiffany? — back to the glorious stream of life.”

“Arrested Development brings us structures, outerwear and choreography like no other comedy in history,” mused Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, leafing through photos of the banana stand, never nudes and Chicken Dances. “Season Four marked the first foray by Netflix into original comedy programming and this time, the Bluths will collectively be spending more quality time with their millions of fans around the world”

“Arrested Development remains one of the iconic franchises we, Ron and Brian are asked about most,” commented Fox Television Group Chairmen and CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman. “It’s a testament to the brilliance of Mitch’s creation, the passion of his audience, and the love his cast holds in their hearts for his writing and characters that we have been able to ‘get the band back together ‘ not once but twice since the Emmy-winning original run. Get ready, America. The Bluths are coming back.”

“I love working with Mitch. He is a genius and the rarest of original thinkers. He brings a richness to the characters and the storylines that makes the series memorably fun,” said executive producer Brian Grazer.

“Whew! I can finally answer the question… Hell yes! Warming up my uncredited narrator vocal chords. Now the only thing I will have to be coy about is all the craziness the Bluths are going to face this season,” said executive producer Ron Howard.

Arrested Development centers around Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his eccentric family comprised of his son George Michael (Michael Cera), his father George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), his mother Lucille (Jessica Walter), his brothers George Oscar Bluth II (Will Arnett), Buster Bluth (Tony Hale) and sister Lindsay Funke (Portia de Rossi), and Lindsay’s husband Tobias (David Cross) and their daughter Maeby (Alia Shawkat).

Mitchell Hurwitz, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Jim Vallely and Richie Rosenstock are executive producers on Arrested Development, and it is produced by Imagine TV and 20th Century Fox Television for Netflix. Arrested Development has garnered accolades from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy®), AFI, the Golden Globes, Producer’s Guild Awards, Screen Actor’s Guild, the Television Critics Association and the Writer’s Guild, among others.

I was not compensated for this post, but I am a Netflix Stream Team Member and I am given perks for my role with that. 

The post The Bluths Are Back! Arrested Development Returns to Netflix for a Fifth Season! appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

This season brings some incredible new guest stars to Kimmy’s world, including Laura Dern, Daveed Diggs, Rachel Dratch, Ray Liotta, Andrea Martin and Maya Rudolph, with returning guest stars Fred Armisen, Anna Camp, Mike Carlsen, Josh Charles, David Cross, Tina Fey, Jon Hamm and Amy Sedaris.

In the Season 3 premiere, Kimmy finds herself in an unfamiliar position with the Reverend back in her life. Titus returns from his cruise and auditions for an exciting new role. Lillian has to break up with her boyfriend Robert Durst.

Watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 3 on Netflix – all episodes streaming on May 19.

Read my post on being unbreakable like Kimmie Schmidt.

The post Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt Returns for Season 3 on May 19 appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

My husband and I have been together for almost 15 years now and we have a sacred trust. One of the things that belong in that sacred trust is no cheating when we are watching our favorite shows as a couple on Netflix. My husband and I stream a lot of Netflix shows and we love picking a series to screen together. But cheating is strictly forbidden. I’ll admit it’s hard, since my husband will not let me binge watch — he will only let us watch two shows. Whether you’re sneaking in another episode after bedtime or watching ahead of your partner and pretending to act surprised later, Netflix cheating is a crime that anyone in the family can commit.

One of the first things I said to him after I got back my recent trip to Florida was, “You didn’t watch the last episode of “The Crown” without me, did you? My husband assured me he didn’t watch it and we were able to watch it together.

But I’ll admit, I did cheat one time. But in my defense, it was the second season of Orange is the New Black and I just had to see the first episode… and my husband was at the gym. He hadn’t even watched season one, but expressed interest in starting on season two. I pretended that I hadn’t seen it when we watched it later that night. But eventually I confessed all and he forgave me — what a saint! I’m lucky that he didn’t get angry at me! I am not sure I would have been as forgiving! 

So, if you do skip ahead and watch a show without your partner, come clean. Apologize. Maybe they’ll start to trust you again. One way to make them forgive you — find out when the next bingeworthy show is and promise to only watch it with them. 

Netflix says that, “While no show is off limits, top cheating temptations are The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, American Horror Story, House of Cards, Orange Is The New Black, Narcos, and Stranger Things.” 

But if you really, really have to cheat. Netflix has some great tips on how to get away with it.

What do you think? Have you ever cheated by watching another episode when you know you should have waited for your partner?

Disclosure: I am a Netflix Stream Team Member. I am given product, certain opportunities, and I receive a free Netflix subscription in exchange for posting about Netflix. As always, all opinions are my own.

#StreamTeam

The post Are You A (Netflix) Cheater? Do You Sneak Episodes Without Your Partner? appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Last month I had an opportunity to see a reading by the cast of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, which starts streaming on Netflix on January 13, and meet Daniel Handler (AKA Lemony Snicket). In fact, Daniel Handler called me a “wicked mother”.

Check out my video!

While we didn’t get to talk to Neil Patrick Harris and co-stars Malina Weissman and Louis Hynes, they were so riveting to watch as they read two Christmas stories to us. Then the cast read part of the first script to us. Neil Patrick Harris was amazing – there’s a reason why people enjoy him so much. 

My oldest child, who is an avid reader of the series, was a little tongue-tied meeting Daniel Handler (AKA Lemony Snicket). 

Mr. Handler called me a wicked woman!

I’ll totally admit I like a good fairy tale (what’s wrong with a happy ending?) But the reality is kids today are gravitating toward grown-up stories. They may not be made with kids in mind (read: The Walking Dead, American Horror Story and That 70’s Show), but they’re watching. That’s why Netflix is reinventing family TV with shows like Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, premiering Jan. 13. The show serves up dark comedy that your big kids are probably ready for, whether you realize it or not.

How do you decide when your kids are ready for more complex entertainment? Our oldest is 11 and he is pretty picky with his TV picks. He’s not a baby anymore, so we try to let him watch different shows and movies than our 9 year old daughter and our 6 1/2 year old son. That means sometimes we have to keep the little ones in the other part of the apartment with me or wait until they are asleep. He loves mysteries, so we’re going to start streaming Sherlock (seasons 1-3 are on Netflix right now) with him. 

 Count Olaf’s Netflix Picks for January

Only the most handsome, talented, brilliant man of all time could come up with a list this fantastic. Add these titles to your Netflix watch list or risk the most dreadful January yet.

“Witness the greatest act-OR of all time, obviously.”

“Any show where cats are eaten must be a good thing.”

“The Galra Empire is almost as dreadful as I am… almost.”

“A jungle where everyone fends for themselves or dies. Sounds like a great place for the kids to visit.”

How treacherous must the alien world be to want to leave Earth. I must visit.”

“I thought those Baudelaires were pesky twerps, but they don’t hold a candle to Degrassi: Next Class.”

So, what are you excited about streaming this month?

Disclosure: I am a Netflix Stream Team Member. I am given product, certain opportunities, and I receive a free Netflix subscription in exchange for posting about Netflix. As always, all opinions are my own. H

A Series of Unfortunate Events Live Event Recap (+ Count Olaf’s Netflix Picks)

The post A Series of Unfortunate Events Live Event Recap (+ Count Olaf’s Netflix Picks) appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

The countdown is on and we’re busy getting our party hats ready to count down to 2017. 

We usually celebrate at home, but a few years ago we made the mistake of letting our kids stay up to watch the ball drop. They were tired and whiny and so exhausted the next day. So, a couple of years ago, when Netflix came out with their on demand New Year’s Eve countdowns, I was thrilled. We were able to have the new year start at 9pm, as opposed to 12am. Big difference! We rang in the new year together and celebrated together and then sent the kids to bed, so Mr. Maven and I could have alone time to ring in the new year! 

Now, you could look at this as tricking kids, but they do know that this isn’t the Times Square Ball dropping and seeing their fave King Julien countdown to the new year is pretty appealing. Staying up to midnight isn’t up for discussion – even for my oldest, who is 11. Next year we may have to give in, but not this year!

This year, the most famous 10 seconds of the year are back on Netflix with 10 new countdowns based on some of your kids’ favorite shows: Word Party, Puffin Rock, Luna Petunia, Beat Bugs, All Hail King Julien, Skylanders Academy, DreamWorks Trollhunters, Project Mc2, Fuller House and Chasing Cameron.

So, celebrate New Year’s Eve with your kids and then set the countdown any time you want (you can even show all 10 countdowns!)

The next morning, here’s some ideas of Netflix shows your kids can watch while you get some more zzz’s. 

Sing in the new year with Puffin Rock.

For a limited time only, the Puffin Rock Music! app is now available for a discounted price in the Apple and Google Play stores now through January 7. Just search ‘Puffin Rock Music’ in your app store and join the Puffin Rock ensemble!

And sssh! 

Need a doorhanger to convince the kids to let you sleep in? Download the one below!

Netflix_ NYE_DoorHanger

Disclosure: I am a Netflix Stream Team Member. I am given product, certain opportunities, and I receive a free Netflix subscription in exchange for posting about Netflix. As always, all opinions are my own. W

The post How To Get Your Kids to Go to Bed on New Year’s Eve (Netflix Can Help) appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

I’ll admit it. I’m ready for a break from school and work. However, I have a feeling that it won’t be as quiet and peaceful as I want. And then the “I’m BORED’s” are going to escape from my kids’ lips. But Netflix to the rescue! Starting Dec. 23, Netflix and DreamWorks Animation Television will treat families to 13 hours of adventure, suspense and limitless imagination with the all-new series DreamWorks Trollhunters.

Need help filling family downtime? Let Trollhunters count the ways. 

When millions of kids are out of school and the threat of boredom looms, Netflix can help parents keep the whole clan excited with 250+ inspiring moments from the epic saga, DreamWorks Trollhunters. And parents, this is no ordinary kids fare… you’re just as likely to get hooked. Starting Dec. 23, discover:

Here’s a preview:

We’ve got two great activities for you!

And some big news — You Can Now DOWNLOAD Many TV Shows and Movies From Netflix

This is GAME CHANGING! Just in time for long holiday trips, Netflix recently announced that members can now download many of their favorite series and movies at no extra cost. To start downloading today, make sure your Netflix app is updated to the latest version and head to the ‘Available for Download’ menu on your tablet or mobile device. Don’t miss out on all the Netflix movies and series available to take with you, anywhere you go. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been out a restaurant, just hoping for some WIFI so we can have a show for my youngest child to watch (he’s Mr. Difficult).

Trollhunters: Season 1 – 12/23

Yo-Kai Watch Movie – Now on Netflix

Lost & Found Music Studios: Season 2 – Now on Netflix

Chasing Cameron: Season 1 – 12/27

Luna Petunia: Season 1 – Now on Netflix

Fuller House: Season 2 – Now on Netflix

And if you missed my exclusive video with Jodi Sweetin, Candace Cameron Bure, and Andrea Barber from my trip out to California last January- watch below!

The post New on Netflix: DreamWorks Trollhunters & Movie and Show Downloads appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

October’s here now and it will be Halloween before we know it! We just figured out that my oldest son will be a Star Wars Storm Trooper, my daughter will be a cat, and my little guy wants to be Iron Man (but won’t wear the mask). In this month’s Netflix post, we’ll share some ways to get ready. Win best dressed” on trick-or-treat night with these easy step-by-step tutorials inspired by your kids’ favorite Netflix characters.

From Simply Real Moms:

From Carrie Elle:

From OC Mom Blog:

Netflix’s spooky Stream & Stream Halloween Guide:

You’ll get your scream on with these spooky titles!

Need some more costume ideas? We love these two Netflix inspired ideas from Willow (the little gal who did Red from OITNB last year).

Haters Back Off!: Season 1 – (10/14)

Skylanders Academy: Season 1 – (10/28)

StoryBots Super Songs: Season 1 – (10/7)

Project Mc2: Season 3 – (10/14)

The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show: Season 3 (10/21)

Bottersnikes & Gumbles: Season 2 – (10/14)

So, what are you excited about streaming this month?

Disclosure: I am a Netflix Stream Team Member. I am given product, certain opportunities, and I receive a free Netflix subscription in exchange for posting about Netflix. As always, all opinions are my own. Halloween Streaming Choices and Cool Costume Ideas From Netflix

The post Halloween Cool Costume Ideas and What’s New On Netflix appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Netflix presents Marvel’s Iron Fist at New York Comic-Con 2016.

Moderated by Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer and Marvel’s Head of Television, the lively panel was packed with surprise appearances and debuted the new teaser trailer for Marvel’s Iron Fist, which you can view below. As you can guess, Mr. Mama Maven is very excited about Iron Fist (and so am I). 

Marvel’s Iron Fist debuts Friday, March 17 2017 at 12:01am PT in all territories where Netflix is available and is the fourth of four epic live-action adventure series from Marvel (Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and Marvel’s Luke Cage which are now streaming, all leading up to the teaming of the main characters in Marvel’s The Defenders). The drama will premiere with thirteen (13) one-hour episodes.

Surprise guests peppered the panel including an appearance by Erik LaRay Harvey, who plays Willis Stryker, aka Diamondback, in the Netflix original series Marvel’s Luke Cage.

Fan-favorite Jon Bernthal, who plays the title role of Frank Castle/The Punisher, introduced Deborah Ann Woll to the fans, announcing that she will be joining him in Marvel’s The Punisher, where she will reprise the role of Karen Page, whom viewers first met in Marvel’s Daredevil.  

Netflix presents Marvel’s Iron Fist at New York Comic-Con 2016.

The end of the panel featured the biggest surprise of the night when the cast of the Netflix original series Marvel’s The Defenders united on stage for the first time. Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil) from Marvel’s Daredevil, Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones) from Marvel’s Jessica Jones, and Mike Colter (Luke Cage) from Marvel’s Luke Cage joined Finn Jones (Danny Rand) from Marvel’s Iron Fist. Golden Globe-winning and Oscar and Emmy nominated actress Sigourney Weaver, who joined them on stage, was announced as playing a significant but unspecified role in Marvel’s The Defenders.

“Marvel is honored to have an actress of her caliber and status join what is already our biggest show ever! She is by definition a class act,” said Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer and Head of Marvel Television.

“Sigourney Weaver, what more is there to say,” said Cindy Holland,Vice President of original content at Netflix. “She’s a formidable actress and we are thrilled to have her join our remarkable cast alongside Charlie, Krysten, Mike and Finn.”

About Marvel’s Iron Fist:

Billionaire Danny Rand (Finn Jones) returns to New York City after being missing for years, trying to reconnect with his past and his family legacy. He fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his kung-fu mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist.

For more information on Marvel’s Iron Fist, please visit the official social pages:

Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/MarvelsIronFist/

Twitter: @MarvelIronFist https://twitter.com/ marvelironfist #IronFist

Website: www.Marvel.com for all Marvel news!

Marvel’s The Defenders

Twitter: @TheDefenders (https://twitter.com/TheDefenders) #TheDefenders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defenders

Marvel’s The Punisher
Twitter: @ThePunisher (https://twitter.com/thepunisher) #ThePunisher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarvelsPunisherNetflix/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thepunisher

Marvel’s Iron Fist Debuts New Teaser Trailer at Comic Con

The post Marvel’s Iron Fist Debuts New Teaser Trailer at Comic Con appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Can your kids learn from TV, specifically Netflix? Yes! Maybe your kids love Octonauts, Project Mc2, The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show or Chef’s Table —  it can teach your family some awesome tidbits of knowledge. 

My little guy is NUTS about the Cat in the Hat. PBS KIDS’ The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, which we stream on Netflix, helps him learn while he sees his favorite cat.

via GIPHY

We also watch a lot of science like Walking With Dinosaurs and Wild Kratts.

While my kids LOVE superhero shows, shows like Rescue Bots team helping and empathy. My Little Pony is actually excellent for teaching friendship and caring My boys will watch this with their sister and get into it as much as she does.

Netflix shows can teach our families some Trivial Pursuit-worthy stuff (it doesn’t always have to be science and math).

Watch together, learn together. These six fun facts found on Netflix are sure to impress.

Fuller House: Season 1, Episode 2

Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show: Season 1, Episode 5

CRICKETS CUPCAKES
Cupcake Wars: Collection 2, Episode 15

LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship – Season 1, Episode 2

Little Einsteins: Season 2, Episode 15

The Deep: Season 1, Episode 1

Hey Arnold! The Movie – Now on Netflix (Started on 7/1)

Popples: Season 3 (7/24)

Home: Adventures with Tip and Oh (7/29)

LEGO Bionicle: The Journey to One: Season 2 (7/29)

The post Learned it on Netflix appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

A Tale of Two Distant Ages

Fret no longer, this playlist caters to both your 5-year-old AND your 14-year-old.

Sugar and Spice

One kid’s sassy, the other one’s sweet.

Meet in the Middle

Deciding on a genre is the hardest when it comes to watching together. From comedy to action, this playlist includes titles that have a little bit of everything for everyone.

Must Watch TV

Whether long distance or right next door, these days, adult siblings are also bonding over what they’re watching. Difference is you’re no longer fighting over the remote and are instead championing your favorite Netflix title to get your brother or sister hooked on the same shows. Here are a few that are sure to win you some big-time street cred.

Since we know getting a collective answer can be easier said than done, Netflix has created an iconic fortune teller to help your family decide what to watch next. Even better, create your own.

How to play:

1. Pick a color on the top four flaps and spell out the letters (e.g. B-L-U-E) while alternating a pinching and pulling motion with the teller to reveal a set of four numbers.
2. Pick a number and move the fortune teller the corresponding number of times, revealing a second set of four numbers.
3. Choose a genre and open the flap to reveal what’s up next on Netflix.

Download the Netflix Fortune Teller
Netflx Fortune Teller (1)

Or make your own:
Netflix Fortune Teller_Blank

New on Netflix for Kids, Tweens, Teens and Families:

Lost & Found Music Studios: Season 1 (4/1)

Kong: King of the Apes: Season 1 (4/15)

Girl Meets World: Season 2 (4/10)

Danger Mouse: Season 1 (4/29)

Netflix: The Sibling Playlists

Disclosure: I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team. I receive forms of compensation (ie. product and free membership and other opps) for my participation. As always, all opinions are my own.

The post Netflix: The Sibling Playlists appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Fuller House is now streaming on Netflix.

About Fuller House:
In the spinoff series, Fuller House, the adventures that began in 1987 on Full House continue, with veterinarian D.J. Tanner-Fuller (Candace Cameron-Bure) recently widowed and living in San Francisco. D.J.’s younger sister/aspiring musician Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin) and D.J.’s lifelong best friend/fellow single mother Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber), along with Kimmy’s feisty teenage daughter Ramona, all move in to help take care of D.J.’s three boys — the rebellious 12-year-old Jackson, neurotic 7-year-old Max and her newborn baby, Tommy Jr.

I’ve streamed the first two episodes and loved them. I thought they were done very creatively. If you liked Full House, you’ll like Fuller House. While I don’t want to spoil it, I was squealing with glee when I was watching it.

We were lucky enough to get a private panel with Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber, executive producers Jeff Franklin, Bob Boyett, and Bryan Wright, senior executive at Netflix.

Q & A with Fuller House’s Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber,  Jeff Franklin, Bob Boyett, and Bryan Wright

Check out my video or read the transcript below.

Q: What was it like to step back into the set?

Jodie Sweetin: “Definitely not anything that I think we ever expected when we left that set, you know, 20 years ago. I think we all, it’s like when you move out of your childhood home, you look around and you take this mental snapshot and you say, ‘This is what it was, and this is what it will always be in my mind and now it doesn’t exist anymore.’ So when we walked back in and saw that thing that we had left 20 years ago existing again, I think that was–for me, a really mind-blowing, wonderful, warm experience. I just remember thinking ‘Oh my gosh, I get to do this again,’ I said goodbye to this space and this sort of family being together 20 years ago, and here we are getting to come back so it was wonderful.”

Candace Cameron Bure: “Yeah it was really overwhelming the first day, walking on the set, I walked with Jeff he took me through the soundstage, and to see this sets–and they weren’t even finished at the time–but to see the living room and the kitchen I was so overwhelmed by emotion, I started crying. I just had to stop and was like ‘You gotta give me a minute,’ the memories flooded back and I never thought that I would see that again. And then there were moments within the first few weeks of being with them and John Stamos, Bob Saget, Dave Coulier and Lori Loughlin where it’s like deja vu, i just had to stop and go, ‘Oh my gosh I can’t believe we’re doing this again!’ I mean it’s really a childhood dream come true to be back there.”

Andrea Barber: “It was overwhelming. I walked through, around the same time Candace did, when the set wasn’t painted or even dressed yet so it was almost like walking through an archeological site that had been dug up 20 years later, and it was all dusty and I’m just like ‘Oh my gosh did they find the Full House set?’ They did a remarkable job recreating the set. I think it was almost rebuilt from scratch with the exception of the couch, the couch is the original couch, and maybe a couple of other items. But it was great, and I just felt very grateful to get to do this again.”

Q: You had the middle ground age range of the show, you weren’t the babies, you weren’t the grown-ups, how does it feel now to step into the big kids, the parents? Does that change what you think the actual experience may have been like for the grown-ups at the time?

Jodie Sweetin: “I mean I think our experience–you know we have an incredibly unique perspective that we bring to this, which is we know what the kids on our series are going through. When I see Elias who’s 8 having a moment on set where he’s just ‘I’m tired’ or ‘I’m this,’ or whatever it is, we have the ability to look at them and go, ‘Dude I get it.’ That’s not something – as amazing and wonderful and compassionate and as much of a family as we were on that show – none of the adults had been child actors. They had never gone through missing a field trip you really wanted to go on because you were working, and all those sorts of kid moments that you have and I think we had this level of compassion and understanding for these kids and what that experience is like to really go through. And that’s kind of awesome to be the adults on the set, we have more input, we don’t have to go to school, I can go lay in my trailer and take a nap for 20 minutes and not have a teacher chasing me around, so those sorts of things are nice.”

Bob Boyett: “I also think that all three of these ladies have children and are great mothers. They have wonderful kids, and they’ve been able to have careers and also be great mothers. They have a whole different perspective now.”

Q: The fun innuendos that are hilarious as adults, did you get that when you were a kid? Was that in the original show, those kind of adult things that only grown-ups would get, and did you guys notice them?

Candace Cameron Bure: “I would notice–I mean I knew some of the jokes. I think we were all a little advanced in that area, growing up with the guys that we grew up with. Lots of things that were said on set that we as mothers would be horrified if our children were listening to– JS: and our mothers were horrified! We just kind of kept silent because it’s fun to be in with the adults and part of the crowd, but I actually have gone back and watched some of the Full House episodes and have now seen ‘Oh I didn’t realize that as a kid,’ or ‘Wow! Uncle Jesse, he had a lot of girls coming in.’ I didn’t think about that.”

Jeff Franklin: “Well, I have to say producing Full House all of those years, I had almost a weekly meeting with somebody’s mother complaining about Bob Saget or John or Dave, and I would go to the guys and I would have a talk with them and they would go ‘You’re absolutely right, we’ll clean it up no problem,’ and that would last for about an hour. The nice thing about this show is we did a whole season and there wasn’t one meeting —

Interjection from CCB, JS & AB: “We’re moms! We know how to get away with that, when you become a mom you become excellent at that.”

Bob Boyett: “I remember at the tables they would laugh as loud as anyone if something was said, but many times they would come up to us later and say, ‘What did that mean?’ They wanted to be a part of it, and that’s happening on the current show with the kids that work on the show now. If there’s something slightly off-color thing that is said at a table reading or something they laugh like everyone, but particularly Elias who’s only 7 will lean over later and say, ‘What does that mean?’

Jodie Sweetin: “Oh yeah I laughed at a lot of things I had no idea what they meant.”

Q: The topics that you guys dealt with as characters when the show was first on are wildly different from the issues they face now, and as producers and writers, how are you going to balance that — keeping it a wholesome show  — but yet still addressing some of the more prevalent topics that kids are going through today?

Jeff Franklin: “That’s always been the challenge of this series, we try to entertain kids at the same time we entertain adults, it’s a balancing act, we’re doing it all over again. We’re trying to figure out where the line is, and the line has moved since 1987. So this show feels a little bit more adult than the previous show, but we still think it’s great for kids, it’s fun for adults to watch, it’s something that families can watch together and that was one of my main reasons for trying to bring this show back. This kind of show had disappeared, we felt like there was a need for this kind of programming and wanted to see if this group could be reassembled, and bring back that kind of show.

Bob Boyett: “I think a lot of the themes are universal, because back in the day we might have been talking about restricting the amount of time that one of the kids could watch television and today it’s about their use of electronic device or taking away their telephone for a period of time. A lot of things are constant but they are contemporized: kids still have the responsibility for school, homework and things like that, the approach now is a more contemporary approach to get them to do those things than it was 25 years ago. But you’re right, it is really necessary now for us to address a whole new set of problems.”

Jodie Sweetin: “I think us being moms now too–Candace’s kids are high school and middle school–Andrea and I both have daughters who are about 8 years old and my youngest is 5. I think we’ve been able to bring a lot of those experiences to Bob and Jeff and to the writers, and they’ve been really wonderful in taking our input as moms and as dealing with these issues like social media and pictures, and what you say… all those kinds of things and bullying, and things I think we’ve had to go through with our own kids and what that looks like. They’ve been wonderful really listening to us and if we ever wind up coming back for more seasons I think that’s something that they’ll be wonderful at incorporating and we definitely have a voice and an input.”

Bob Boyett: “Well we’re now going to put recording devices in all of your homes.”

Candace Cameron Bure: “Trust me we’re all at home and I’m like when anything happens to my kids, ‘It’s a good episode idea!”

Q: How many shows are you looking to rollout that are family oriented and do they hinge on the reception of Fuller House?

Brian Wright: “They don’t hinge on the reception of Fuller House, we already have a full slate in development. I can’t, unfortunately, talk about quite a bit of it because it is still in various forms of deal making. But for example, this last week we announced Haters Back Off which is going to be a zany family comedy based off Miranda Sings, a YouTube personality. And again, a very different show than Fuller House. That sort of goes to the notion of different types of shows for different types of families. But yeah there’s a really robust slate that we’re building right now and we’re very excited.”

Q: Have your kids watched Full House?

Candace Cameron Bure: “My kids have watched Full House over the years, my kids are teenagers, they’re 17, 15 and 14. I asked them because they came to mostly every taping of Fuller House, “So which one do you like better?” and they’re like “Oh Fuller House hands down.” But they’re also older so they can relate a little bit more because it’s their current themes. When they have seen Full House it’s just perfect breeding ground to make fun of their mom, they love it, it’s the best thing. It’s like “Your clothes, your hair, you’re ridiculous.” And I’m like “Yeah I know, but you’re still walking into Forever 21 trying to dress like DJ Tanner right now. That’s the style!”

Jodie Sweetin: “My daughters love the show, my 8 year old has the whole season 1 on her tablet, she loves it. My little one–my 5 year old–quotes the show, they came to every taping of Fuller House, they were thoroughly entertained and now want to be on the show.”

Andrea Barber: “My kids, I have an 11 year old and an 8 year old, and they are equal parts impressed and embarrassed about my history on Full House. “Mom why did you wear such weird clothes on that show?” And now with the new show, they’re super excited they came to a few tapings, great response from them, they responded really well to the kids on the show who are fantastic. And now they’re like, “Mom you got to get a season two, because I’m starting middle school next year and I want to be the cool kid, keep the show going.” I’ll try, I’ll try.

Q: Are we going to see any off-screen extensions of Fuller House. Stephanie’s books from years ago were brought up.

Bob Boyett: “I think so, I think Jeff and I certainly want to do that, it requires a great deal of time. We’ve been trying to get the show established and we’ll really be continuing the development of the show in the second season. But, when we did the original show, we did have to clear every single story for every single book and it’s very time consuming, and we didn’t want to rush into that until we can have some assurance of quality. We take that seriously and there are a lot of people who put out any form of merchandising and I think particularly if it’s reading material, it takes time for us to have some kind of creative control over it.

Q: There’s a lot of calling back to the original series, especially in the pilot, does that continue throughout? Just the tongue in cheek way you’re acknowledging the show in the past continue throughout the season?

Jodie Sweetin: “One of the things that we did when we went into doing Fuller House was, we know what Full House is, we know the sort of level of nostalgia and 80s family sitcom and what that is, and I think the writers did a great job of balancing out this great creative new show but also not taking ourselves too seriously at some point, and sort of acknowledging, we know we’re Full House. We know that there are catchphrases, and we know that there’s going to be a hug at the end of every show, and those are the things that the fans sort of expect. The callbacks and being able to see the old with the new, there’s not a lot of shows–I can’t think of any other show that gets to have those moments with a split screen with the original cast members from the old show that people loved, with the new cast that people are falling in love with, and get to see those things side by side. We wanted to give that to fans.”

Jeff Franklin: “That image, you’re talking about the last image in the first episode? That was really–I had that image in my head from the first moment I thought about doing this show. That was what I wanted to see, we’ve had a big reason to do this show. For me, it was the fans that have kept this show going for 20 some years, they’ve watched the same 192 episodes over and over and over, they know that show probably as well if not better than I do. The reason for doing this was also a thank you to all the fans who really allowed the show to become such an iconic part of the culture now. Creating especially the first episode and connecting the old show to the new show, I wanted to give the fans something they would really enjoy. Because they get the jokes, they know everything about these characters and what they’ve been through for 8 years way back when. In a way, this was really a culmination of the last episode of Full House, which was never really done, the show never had a farewell episode, so combining that sort of last episode we never got to see with a launching pad for a whole new series for our next generation. That was a big part of the fun for me as well, peppering the show, not just the first one but all thirteen, with some playfulness with not only the old show but everybody knows these actors so well at the same time they’ve become almost a part of their character, so we have a little fun. We did a joke about The View for example, because everybody knows Candace is hosting The View, we have those kinds of fun moments as well.”

Thank you to Netflix for arranging my trip to California and covering my expenses.  I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team. I receive forms of compensation (ie. product and free membership and other opps) for my participation. As always, all opinions are my own.

Have Mercy! Fuller House Premieres on Netflix

The post Have Mercy! Fuller House Premieres on Netflix (with Exclusive Q & A Video) appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Below is our version of a romantic night in. Watching our favorite show on Netflix — Jessica Jones. Note: This is NOT a show to munch popcorn to.

This is how we watch Netflix, while cuddling with our youngest and streaming Dinotrux on our bedroom TV.

This is our youngest child streaming Neflix on my husband’s iPhone after one of us falls asleep. It’s a little humiliating when a 5 year old can stay up later than we can. #parenting #amIright

New on Netflix for Kids, Tweens, Teens and Families

Our favorite Fuller House characters are getting their very own Netflix “collections” to celebrate the show launch. Next time your family is gathering around the TV, look to TV Time for the Fam and other Fuller House-inspired title collections to find something everyone can agree on:

• TV Time for the Fam: www.netflix.com/familytv
• Fuller House and Other Fave Fams: www.netflix.com/fullhousetofuller
• Supermoms Like DJ Fuller: www.netflix.com/djfuller
• Steph Tanner Presents “How Rude” TV: www.netflix.com/stephtanner
• Kimmy Gibbler and Other Pesky Friends: www.netflix.com/kimmygibbler

Here’s an exclusive Fuller House post, exclusive just to #streamteam members.

Get a glimpse at how DJ, Stephanie and Kimmy are adjusting into their new roles as grown-ups, plus hear more about their perfect Netflix night in. As Candace Cameron Bure puts it, it’s “pretty rad.”

I just had to share!

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Turns out, bedtime excuses are universal –more than 60% of parents around the globe are dealing with kids’ stall tactics before bed, adding up to nearly 20 minutes every single night.

However, it’s time to take back your night with a little help from Netflix.

Next time you find yourself in the bedtime battle, just tell your kids they can watch an ENTIRE show before bed. Yep, you heard us right, and no, I haven’t lost my mind. Recently, Netflix and DreamWorks Animation launched Dinotrux 5 Minute Favorites, new episodes of the latest hit, all in a nice little 5-minute package — letting your little negotiator think they’re getting away with the age-old ‘just five more minutes’ ploy.

In a mere 300-seconds, your kids will be speechless as they march themselves up to bed knowing they got exactly what they wanted. You: 1, Kids’ stalls: 0.

At our home, we have had many a bedtime stall. My oldest claims he has to go to the bathroom, my daughter tells us that she’s too tired to get up from the floor and begs us to carry her, and my youngest son runs around sans clothes. Sometimes they pile on my husband. Sometimes they pretend to be invisible.

Have you fallen victim to the bedtime stall trap? 

Tucking them in is magic, it’s just getting there that’s the hard part. So make bedtime a little easier with three new Dinotrux 5 Minute Favorites from Netflix.

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MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES

After a tragic ending to her short-lived Super Hero stint, Jessica Jones is rebuilding her personal life and career as a detective who gets pulled into cases in New York City.

MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES

Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones) is joined by an amazing cast including David Tennant (Kilgrave), Mike Colter (Luke Cage), Rachael Taylor (Trish Walker), Carrie-Anne Moss, Eka Darville, Erin Moriarty, and Wil Traval, among others.
Check out a clip: 

And another:

MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES

MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES

Marvel’s Jessica Jones on Netflix is Executive Produced by series Showrunner Melissa Rosenberg (“Twilight”, “Dexter”) and Liz Friedman (“Elementary”), along with Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Smallville,” “Heroes”), who also serves as Marvel’s Head of Television.

For more information, please visit: netflix.com/jessicajones and the official social pages:

Twitter: @JessicaJones (http://twitter.com/jessicajones), #jessicajones

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marvelsjessicajones

Website: www.Marvel.com 

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We’re finishing up our Back to School shopping and finishing up summer projects. 

Project Mc², a new Netflix Original Series just premiered. This show features 4 super cool teen spies, who show girls can use their science smarts and math problem-solving skills to save the world.

We’re getting ready for back to school by screening some cool shows on Netflix – like our new fave Dino Trux and Odd Squad.

Dinotrux, which premiered on Netflix Aug. 14, is a brand new action-packed original series from Dreamworks Animation, featuring characters that are half-dinosaur/half-construction vehicle. Ty Rux and Revvit, two unlikely best friends, build a bigger, better world and battle against the biggest creature of all: D-Structs, who threatens to wreck everything they’ve built. Dinotrux mixes action, comedy and adventure while focusing on teamwork and friendship. It is perfect for my 5 year old son, who is really into it. In fact, they’ve watched almost the episodes and are now watching them for a second time. 

Odd Squad is also a fave. They even play “Odd Squad” now offline. My daughter loves to pretend to be “Agent Baby” and my younger son likes to pretend to be “Otto”. They call me “Miss O” – which I’m not sure  is a compliment. With a focus on math – Odd Squad from PBS Kids is a winner (note: I am a PBS VIP Parent Ambassador also. While my kids had liked it when it came on, they didn’t seek it out too often). Now that it’s on Netflix, suddenly it’s getting streamed all the time. Besides Odd Squad, here are some other cool titles to stream.

And we are excited to see that Reading Rainbow on Netflix!

So, get your start on your school year with Netflix!

Disclosure: I am a Netflix Stream Team Member. I am given product, certain opportunities, and I receive a free Netflix subscription in exchange for posting about Netflix. As always, all opinions are my own. 

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Parenting has been a huge adventure for me. One day is never like the next and sometimes we don’t know if we’re doing the right thing. Some adventures may take us out of our home and up in the air, some adventures take place at home. An adventure can also be meeting new characters or visiting a fantastical world with your child, while watching tv shows or movies.

This summer, Hiccup and Toothless, from the critically acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon films are embarking on unparalleled adventures in the all-new Netflix original series Dragons: Race to the Edge – and inviting you along for the dragon ride. 

Soaring beyond their home on the island of Berk in search of new dragons, Dragons: Race to the Edge introduces some of the most exciting dragons yet, each with its own amazing abilities — shock waves, cannon balls and fire blasts, just to name a few.

With the magical Dragon Eye, an artifact Hiccup finds aboard an abandoned ship, Hiccup learns there is more outside the confines of Berk, and that a little curiosity and determination can make every day an exciting journey. In Hiccup’s own words, “this changes everything.”

While Netflix couldn’t send me on a family vacation to the Island of Berk, they sent us to “To the Edge and Beyond” with a Dragons Race to the Edge viewing kit to create fantastical dragon adventures.

And of course, none of us got into it!

At all.

We searched for treasure in my parents’ backyard.

And flew dragons.

 Here’s a preview of Dragons: Race to the Edge, which you can stream now on Netflix. 

Ready for another adventure?

Dive deeper into the unknown with these picks.

Disclosure: I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team for the second year. All opinions are my own.

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They don’t look like The Cleavers anymore. Now, it’s normal to see families with two dads or two moms, single parents, stay at home dads.. add a dash of half/step/full/adopted siblings, a side of grandparents, a pinch of aunts, uncles, cousins, a splash of pets, topped off with close friends (and all the combinations thereof). Now you’ve got a modern family — each uniquely quirky — yet picture perfect in its own way.

You’ve probably been hearing a lot of buzz about Grace and Frankie, Netflix’s new funny and fearless original comedy featuring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. It’s a perfect example of how today’s families can shift, rearrange and blend in unexpected ways. When Grace and Frankie’s husbands leave them after 20 years of marriage—to be with each other—the women find themselves facing a change that they never expected, but they shift their perspective to get through it together with the support of their new blended family and, of course, a sense of humor. 

I love my modern family. I am a work at home parent, although I’ve been a work out of the home parent and a stay at home parent before that. My husband helps with childcare

What is it about your modern family that you wouldn’t trade for anything in the world? Explore the things that make other families unique by watching one of the titles in our list below — whether it’s the Gilmore Girls’ dynamic mother-daughter duo or puppet brother in Crash & Bernstein. Then, ask your kids what it is that makes your family special. After all, family is what you make it.

Family Is What You Make It

For your little kids:

1. Lily’s Driftwood Bay
2. The Tigger Movie
3. Guess How Much I love You
4. Angelina Ballerina

For your big kids:

1. Crash & Bernstein
2. Life with Boys
3. Spy Kids
4. Russell Madness 

Disclosure: I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team. All opinions are my own. Photos and courtesy of Netflix, 

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We hosted our own viewing party with a Playmobil Adventure Kit, complete with SUPER 4 activities and Playmobil crowns, pirate hats, and shields.

My youngest child, S, loved the pirate hats.

My daughter loved the crown. And the pizza I ordered.

After we had pizza, I made smoothies for a sweet, healthy treat..

Super 4 Superlicious Smoothie Recipe 

Print

Superlicious Smoothie

Healthy smoothie recipe by Nancy Horn of http://www.themamamaven.com

Course Beverage

Author Nancy Johnson Horn, The Mama Maven Blog

Ingredients

• 1 cup greek yogurt
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 cup frozen pineapples
• 16 ounces orange juice

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Mix ingredients together and blend.

Then my kids colored in the Super 4 coloring pages.

Even S got in on the fun!

We screened 2 episodes of the series afterwards and my children really enjoyed it. The series mixes kids’ favorites universes such as knights, pirates, fairies and futuristic characters to take them on an incredible adventures, and all in groundbreaking CGI animation.

Find Super 4 on Netflix.

Thank you to Netflix for sending us Super 4 Goodies. 

The post Playmobil Super 4 Screening Party #StreamTeam @Netflix appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

We are nuts about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. If you haven’t checked it out yet —  the three main characters (Kimmy, Titus, and Jacqueline) are resilient and have reinvented themselves to make it in the Big Apple. We’re a little obsessed with the show. Here’s what I wrote about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt last week – http://www.themamamaven.com/2015/03/08/unbreakable-kimmy-schmidt-inspires-my-unbreakable-moments/. And a lot of our kids’ favorite characters show some of these qualities.

Movies and TV can show kids that just because you may be quiet and shy today, that doesn’t mean you can’t be Superman tomorrow. Let kids see a new side of themselves, even if it’s not permanent — after all, you can do anything for 10 seconds. (Thanks for the wise words, Kimmy.)

For Your Little Kids

1. Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
2. Mulan
3. Turbo
4. The Emperor’s New Groove
5. Angelina Ballerina: Pop Star Girls
6. Stellaluna

For Your Big Kids

1. Mr. Peabody & Sherman
2. Princess Diaries 2
3. The Perfect Game
4. ANTZ
5. Avengers Assemble
6. School of Rock

And for teens and parents:

1. Silver Linings Playbook
2. Chef
3. Safe Haven
4. Catching Fire
5. Freaks and Geeks
6. Dirty Dancing

For my personal fave, I’m going to have to go with Dirty Dancing. Baby changes herself that summer and becomes stronger. The rose colored glasses she’s been wearing fall away. And she becomes unbreakable!

Disclosure: I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team for the second year. I was supplied with a year’s subscription to the streaming service and an iPad Mini in exchange for being on the Stream Team.  All opinions are my own. Photos and courtesy of Netflix, Kelly Ladd Sanchez and Andrea Lynn and are used with permission.

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This month’s Netflix post is about forging your own path. As a mom to a 9 year old boy, 7 year old girl, and 4.5 year old boy, I love seeing their individuality come out.

Ever wonder what happened to the storybook characters we grew up with like the Mad Hatter, Snow White, and the Evil Queen? Turns out they are parents now too, and their children are studying at the enchanted high school of Ever After High, a boarding school for teens destined to follow in their famous parents’ fairytale footsteps. The all new original special Ever After High: Spring Unsprung, premiering Friday, celebrates the idea that the story of your life is not written in permanent ink. You have the power to create your own destiny.

In two other Netflix original series premiering this month, there are kids also creating their own destinies. Teenage mermaids stand out from the crowd in Season 2 of Mako Mermaids (2/13), and Richie Rich (2/20), the same entrepreneur we grew up with, is back but this time his refusal to eat his veggies has made him a trillionaire.

In your house, how do you encourage your kids to forge their own paths?

Create Your Own Destiny

1. Ever After High 

2. Mako Mermaids (Premieres 2/13)

3. Richie Rich (Premieres2/20)

Here are a few other ways to get your kids’ wheels turning:

For your little kids:

Someday, I will…

1. Build and fix things: Handy Manny

2. Make a discovery: Sid the Science Kid

3. Walk on the moon: Justin Time: Blast off!: S1E13

4. Explore the ocean: Octonauts
My little guy just discovered Handy Mandy and it’s inspired him to start taking things apart to see how they work (which isn’t always fun at times).

For your big kids:

1. Make sweet treats: Cupcake Wars

2. Get into show biz: Fame High

3. Represent Team USA: The Gabby Douglas Story

4. Master the kitchen: Chopped

And for teens and parents:

1. Get the corner office: Undercover Boss

2. Travel the world: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

3. Walk the red carpet: Liz & Dick

4. Run my own restaurant: Wahlburgers

Make This!

To keep the kids chasing their dreams, map out those big ideas on a DIY vision board. Cut inspirational words out of magazines, print photos of favorite characters or add your own knick-knacks and trinkets.

Disclosure: I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team for the second year. I was supplied with a year’s subscription to the streaming service and an iPad Mini in exchange for being on the Stream Team. All opinions are my own. Photos and courtesy of Netflix, Kelly Ladd Sanchez and Andrea Lynn and are used with permission.

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As the weather gets chillier and the Holidays get closer, we’re dreaming about more than stuffing and pumpkin pie. This month, how about celebrating Friendsgiving? Which is a popular take on Thanksgiving, when friends come together to celebrate good food and great company.
Whether you’re planning a Friendsgiving feast or sticking to your traditional Thanksgiving routine, friends are definitely worth being thankful for. Netflix offers so many great shows to show your kids why friends are worth being thankful.

Explore lessons about friendship from a few of the greatest duos, including Rory and Lorelai, Charlotte and Wilbur and Bob and Larry, whose all-new Netflix original, “VeggieTales in the House,” starts streaming Nov. 26.

We’ve got some terrific examples of ‘dynamic duo’ titles to stream on Netflix, which demonstrate the value of all kinds of friendships — whether it’s a sibling bond, classmate or furry friend. If you need some thought starters on how to spark a conversation around friendship with your kids, check out these tips from Common Sense Media.

And “Friends” Fans,  — all 10 seasons of “Friends”comes to Netflix on Jan. 1.

20 Dynamic Duos Available on Netflix

For your little kids:

1. Bob and Larry: VeggieTales in the House
2. Bert and Ernie: Sesame Street: Elmo and Friends
3. Bo and Dezzy: Bo on the Go!
4. Justin and Olive: Justin Time
5. Tod and Copper: The Fox and the Hound 2
6. Clifford and Emily Elizabeth: Clifford

And your big kids:

1. Phineas and Ferb
2. Shaggy and Scooby: Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
3. Vada and Thomas: My Girl
4. Martin and Chris: Wild Kratts
5. Finn and Jake: Adventure Time
6. Mario and Luigi: The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
7. Charlotte and Wilbur: Charlotte’s Web

Plus a few for mom and dad:

1. Rory and Lorelai: Gilmore Girls
2. Schmidt and Nick: New Girl
3. Ted and Barney: How I Met Your Mother
4. Liz and Jack: 30 Rock
5. Walter and Jesse: Breaking Bad
6. Mulder and Scully: The X-Files
7. Wayne and Garth: Wayne’s World

Craft This: Vegetable Stamps

Fun idea — while you’re prepping Friendsgiving dinner, give the kids a few extra veggies, paint and paper to see what fun designs they can make. Click here to learn how to make your own veggie stamps, including instructions for making our favorite veggie friends, Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber.

Make This: Cucumber Rolls with Veggie(Tales) Cream Cheese

Celebrate the launch of VeggieTales (or just enjoy a pre-Friendsgiving snack) with cucumber roll-ups stuffed with veggie cream cheese. Anything can go into cucumber rolls, but for this version we’re sticking to sun-dried tomatoes for Bob the Tomato, a celery stalk for Frankencelery and baby carrots for Laura Carrot. Click here to see how to make your own.

Disclosure: I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team for the second year. I was supplied with a year’s subscription to the streaming service and an iPad Mini in exchange for being on the Stream Team.  All opinions are my own. Photos and courtesy of Netflix, Kelly Ladd Sanchez and Andrea Lynn and are used with permission. 

The post Netflix: Dynamic Duos Set A Great Example of Friendship appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

And inside was…..

…..a new iPad mini!
I am very excited to be joining Netflix for year two of the Stream Team! My family and I love Netflix. We watch the bulk of our television shows and movies on Netflix. I love that I can stream classic kids shows, educational kids shows, family movies– as well movies for my husband and I. We stream series that we haven’t gotten a chance to see in the past — we just finished The United States of Tara (excellent shows). Netflix means something to my family and I am very proud to join them for year two of this program.

Disclosure: I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team.

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As we slowly get back to our school year routines, in my family — we try to go a little slower on the weekends. We cram so many activities into the weekdays, so relaxed weekends are a must. Movie night (and Netflix) is part of that.

For your little kids:

For your big kids:

1. Strange Hill High

2. The Avengers

3. The Smurfs 2

4. Star Wars: The Clone Wars

5. Free Birds

6. Mako Mermaids: An H2O Adventure

For teens (and you!):

1. Clueless

2. The Breakfast Club

3. Friday Night Lights

4. The Vampire Diaries

5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

6. 13 Going on 30

Before you sit down to watch one of these titles – or your own family favorite – check out these tips from Common Sense Media on how to make family movie or TV night a success.

Make This:

Family Room Blanket Fort

Get the whole family in the mood for movie or TV night by transforming your family room into a cozy blanket fort. Click here to learn how to make your own.

Eat This:

Pizza Nachos

Nothing completes family movie night better than a delicious treat. If you love pizza and you love nachos, you’ll die for these pizza nachos – a twist on two of our all-time favorites. Click here to learn how to make your own.

Disclosure: I am a member of Netflix’s Stream Team. I was supplied with a year’s subscription to the streaming service and an Apple TV in exchange for being on the Stream Team.  All opinions are my own. Photos and courtesy of Netflix, Kelly Ladd Sanchez and Andrea Lynn and are used with permission. 

The post Enjoy a Movie Night (In) with Netflix appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.

Here are some good educational suggestions for your big kids:

And for your little ones:

We love the Leapfrog movies, they are around an hour long and perfect for my 3 1/2 year old and my 6 1/2 year old.

If you are looking for more brain-booster titles, Common Sense Media has a list of 12 age-appropriate documentaries that encourage kids to explore worlds they may not normally encounter, all currently streaming on Netflix – check out the list here.

Create This!

After streaming these fun and educational titles, get your little ones’ minds moving by create these story cubes byKelly Ladd Sanchez to give your kids the chance to activate their imagination and come up with their own storybook adventure.

Make This!

Strawberries and Greek yogurt make a brain boosting popsicle – which makes a terrific breakfast, an afternoon snack or healthy dessert. These sweet treats  by Andrea Lynn are not only delicious, but are filled with brain-powering ingredients, like berries and Greek yogurt – click here to learn how to make your own.

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Every Thursday our facebook, instagram, and twitter feeds are filled with baby pictures, awkward family photos and bad, bad haircuts. And we love it. So in this month’s Stream Team post, I’m taking a page from the #TBT trend with a trip down memory lane, compiling a list of my favorite blasts from the past.

We love streaming the 80’s series Transformers and classic Sesame Street (from the 70’s and 80’s) for our kids. It’s how we spend our Saturday mornings.

14 Classics to Share with Your Kids on Netflix

For your big kids:

1. Saved by the Bell
2. The Baby-Sitters Club
3. Family Ties
4. Jem and the Holograms
5. The Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Mysteries
6. Spiderman and His Amazing Friends
7. Transformers

For your little kids:

1. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
2. The Care Bears Movie
3. The Smurfs and the Magic Flute
4. Strawberry Shortcake
5. Curious George
6. Sesame Street
7. Dumbo

Make it!

You spent hours with your EZ-Bake Oven making Shrinky Dinks — now you can inspire a new generation. If you need a refresher, click here to learn how to make your own.

Who can forget Billy Cosby and his J-E-L-L-O commercials? Relieve the 80s with homemade pudding pops. Click here to learn how to make your own.

Giveaway: You can win a three-month subscription code for Netflix (you can add this to an existing subscription).

Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Classic 70’s and 80’s TV with Netflix (+ Win a 3 Month Netflix Subscription) appeared first on The Mama Maven Blog.