Sunday, February 12, 2017

It Was Worth the Wait...Everything Was Awesome About The LEGO® Batman Movie!

Friday night was opening night of The Lego Batman Movie.  My kids had it marked on the calendar and I even bought them Lego themed t's at Target for the BIG event.  We decided to buy tickets for the 6:15 showing in 3D.  It was well worth it.  My kids are old enough now that they can sit though an entire movie and keep the 3D glasses on, so it was a no brainer!

The trailer previews leading up to the movie looked cool.  My kids were super interested (of course) in the Lego Ninjago Movie, scheduled to come out in September 2017.  Rated PG it looks like it will have similar appeal as The Batman Movie.  My kids were also drooling over the preview of the Power Ranger movie, set to come out in March.  My kids haven't had much exposure to Power Rangers but they were drawn instantly to the action and fighting in the trailer...Lord help me!

On to the feature!  Without giving away all the details of the movie, I can say that Lego never disappoints when it comes to special effects.  They paired an action packed movie with an endearing storyline.  Batman being the macho, independent superhero thinks that he can protect and save Gothem City on his own.  Along the way he realizes that it's better to have help from friends and family, than being alone.  My favorite part of this movie, by far was Robin.  His giant puppy dog eyes, and sweet endearing personality was the highlight for me.  I also loved his sparkly golden cape!  For me, he was the real hero of the movie!  My kids would beg to differ, but we will agree to disagree on this one.

Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) was also a cool addition to this movie.  Loved that fact that she was a kick-butt female figure in the movie, but also brought out a softer side of Batman.  I would say that the animation and graphics of the movie were unbelievable.  I am always amazed at how quickly you forget you are watching an animated film.  The addition of real life movie clips of "Jerry Maguire" was a nod to all of us 30-40 somethings.  As were, all the 80's and Micheal Jackson songs.  Oh and the throwbacks to the 1960 Batman character was awesome too!

All in all there was a little something for everyone.  I have to say I loved it from beginning to end.  My kids did too!  Their favorite quote from the movie was when Robin says," Now I'm free, now I'm moving, Come on Batman let's get grooving!"  I've heard it about 1 million times since Friday night.



Our family gives The Lego Batman Movie 5 Stars!  We would LOVE to hear what you think!  Post your comments below.



Wednesday, February 8, 2017

My Master Builders LOVE Pokémon {Our Mega Trading Card Adventure}


Last Sunday, (yes Super Bowl Sunday) the boys and I ventured out to the public library in Brandon FL, where every other week they host a Pokémon card trading event.  Let me tell you...my kids were in Heaven.  They proudly brought their pouches of Pokémon cards with them.  Most of the kids had fancy binders, which my kids thought were AWESOME.  Scattered around the room were kids trading cards and playing games of Pokémon.  Now I have to be honest, up until that time, I had never really looked closely at the cards, let alone play the game.  I was embarrassed to admit to one of the other moms, that I had accidentally thrown away the game board and "damage markers" that came in the package...ooopsies.  To my pleasant surprise my kids wasted no time walking up to other kids and asking them to trade.  Both of my kiddos are somewhat shy when it come to new or unfamiliar situations so I was glad that they were eager to participate.  


Here are my little guys trying their hand at Pokémon card trading.  Luckily there was older kids and a Pokémon aficionado there to check the trades for fairness.  



There were also some exciting games of Pokémon being played by some older kids.  My kids were pretty intrigued.  


 Our friends from school (the family that invited us to the event) were there to participate in the trading care fun too!  It was nice to have some familiar faces there.  They even took the time to teach us the basics of the game.  It's pretty addicting.  I think I liked it as much as the kids.  Surprisingly it's a great way to practice math and reading skills...BONUS!



Awesome time had by all!  The kids went home and traded their own cards for about 2 hours afterwards.  Now they can't leave the house without their cards and somehow I can see organization binders in our future!  


This is a biweekly event at our local library.  Libraries are great places to attend or host a free activity.  We are currently looking into hosting a Lego Playgroup at our local branch.  Keep up to date with our community outreach at BrickSmarts.com




Monday, February 6, 2017

Spread the LEGO Love...5 LEGO Themed Valentine's Ideas




















For most, Valentine's Day is a sweetest day of the year.  I remember as a kid loving the feeling of getting those personalized little notes from my classmates.  I can sense the same excitement in my kiddos as the big day fast approaches!  Theses days there are so many options for Valentine's cards and treats both edible and non-edible.  Here are some Lego themed Valentine's ideas that you will L❤VE.

Don't miss our BrickSmarts.com promotional offer for the month of February at the bottom of the post!  

Lego Candy Gift Bags



 www.momvstheboys.com photo credit and FREE printable.
These brick candy treat bags are so cute!  The kids will absolutely LOVE helping to put these adorable little bags together.  I bought these brick candies on Amazon in bulk.  They are almost too cute to eat!  They come in a 2 pound bag (about enough for 10-15 Valentines).  The best part is that the bricks are stackable...you won't mind letting the kids play with their food!



Free Lego Printables


We found the cutest FREE Lego Inspired Printables!  Makes DIY Valentines quick and easy...and won't break the bank!  There are so many options to choose from.  Follow any of the links below to print and create your own Lego Inspired Valentine.


Thanks KiKi and Company for the Free Printable!


Mini Figure and Lego Brick Crayons



There are so many cool gift ideas when it comes to Legos.  We found the most adorable Lego inspired crayon mini figures and bricks on Etsy.  They come in a variety of colors.  If you are really ambitious or are on a budget, consider buying a silicone mini figure or brick mold and make them yourself.  Super simple and quick to make.  See the instructions below.  You can also use silicone molds to make Lego inspired candies.  Place melted chocolate or pieces of your favorite flavor of Jolly Rancher candies in the silicone molds to create your own yummy treats!




DIY Crayons
  1. Remove the paper covering from old, broken crayon pieces and fill the molds.  
  2. Pop them in the oven at low heat until the crayons are melted.  
  3. Pull them out and let cool.  
  4. Once cooled remove from the mold.  




Card with Lego Heart


Use two Lego arch pieces to create these adorable hearts.  These are near and dear to my heart because they are the inspiration for our BrickHearts program.  Attach them to your Valentines for a special added touch.  Or use the holes to attach a necklace chain or chains to create a fashionable necklace or set of necklaces.  One for you and one for your Valentine!

Spread the Lego Love


These Lego messages are sure to let your little Lego lover know they are loved!

Hold Me and Never LEGO
Lets Build Something Together 
We Were Built To Be Friends
We're the Perfect Fit
You Complete Me
We Just Click
We Fit to Together



To show our readers how much we LOVE them, we are offering 10% OFF your total purchase for the month of February! Use the Promo Code: LEGOLOVE