star wars

Start Something Priceless! The Surprise Getaway

September 25, 2019 By Lena 1 Comment

We are a family of travellers. Since 2012, we’ve taken over 100 trips together – exploring, learning, bonding, creating. In fact, the most enriching experiences I’ve had as a parent center around introducing my children to new cultures and cuisines. Family travel is awesome.

However, it was time to bid the kids adieu and TAKE A REAL GROWNUP VACATION!
My husband and I were (over) due for some alone time. Months ago, I started researching quick getaways where we could leave for a few days without overly disrupting the boys’ schedule or putting too much pressure on my mother-in-law (who would be looking after them in our absence). I kept everything a secret from my husband, mostly because I didn’t want to get his hopes up just in case I couldn’t pull something together. …

I Am Your Father.

June 16, 2017 By Lena 92 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you don’t recognize the iconic phrase in the title of this post, we can’t be friends. Because, you see, round here – we’re bona fide Star Wars fans.
Of course, while we don’t think Darth Vader will be getting a Father’s Day card this year (though I am hopeful he’ll make a holographic appearance from beyond the grave in Episode VIII), the phrase “I am your father” has certainly taken on a life of its own. And, we all know someone who has uttered these words to their child at some point in their life.

Although most would argue that the father-son dynamic between Anakin and Luke was far from ideal, the familial relationship – though it happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away – is nonetheless relatable for many families today. Maturity. Betrayal. Awareness. Love. Acceptance. Forgiveness. Of course, if we had to sum up the emotions and choose one prevailing theme, it would be a father’s ultimate love for his child. …

Celebrate Family Day! WIN a Disney Infinity 3.0 Prize Pack!

February 6, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

With Family Day in Ontario just around the corner, I’m sure many families are either a) packing their bags for a mini vacation or staycation, or b) scrambling to find something for the kids to do!

This year, I’m firmly in camp “b”. That’s why I’m so happy my boys love Disney Infinity 3.0! Disney Infinity 3.0 gives my children endless amounts of freedom and opportunity to create their own stories and play experiences, starring their favourite Disney Characters. So, next weekend, we’ll stay in our pjs, eat copious amounts of popcorn, and engage in a galactic battle… Star Wars-style!

And, you can too! My friends at Disney Interactive want YOU to have an epic Family Day weekend! We’ve teamed up to give my readers the chance to win a COLOSSAL Disney Infinity 3.0 Prize Pack. The bundle includes 10 items – including Star Wars Rise Against the Empire and Star Wars Twilight of the Republic power discs – and is valued at $240!
One lucky reader will win: PS4 Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack · Rise Against the Empire Play Set · Darth Vader Figure · Darth Maul Figure · Chewbacca Figure · Ezra Bridger (SW Rebels) Figure · Sabine Wren (SW Rebels) Figure · Zeb Orrelios (SW Rebels) · Power Disc Pack: Star Wars Twilight of the Republic · Power Disc Pack: Star Wars Rise Against the Empire. WHEW! What a prize! …

Welcome to the Dark Side: The Christening

January 15, 2016 By Lena

It happened in the blink of an eye. A brief exchange, a meaningful look. An awakening in the force.

It was the inaugural Star Wars Day at Sea. Just like all guests who opted into character meet and greets, our family was given the opportunity to get up close and personal with our favourite Star Wars heroes and villains. My boys, dressed as Darth Vader (Ryder) and Kylo Ren (Reid), were brimming with anticipation at the chance to take a photo with history’s most famous Sith, Lord Vader.

We waited in a short queue and before long, it was our turn to approach the designated meet and greet area. Reaching into my beach bag for my camera, I suddenly realized that my mini Kylo Ren had approached Lord Vader and was now directly in front of him.
(Warning: Spoilers from Star Wars: The Force Awakens ahead.) …

A Fantasy Like No Other

January 5, 2016 By Lena

It’s the beginning of a new year, and normally, this blog is spilling with news, views and reviews. However, this year is a little bit different. This year, I’m too busy packing.
THREE. MORE. DAYS.

In three days we’ll leave for Orlando, where we’ll embark on the majestic Disney Fantasy cruise ship for the inaugural Star Wars Day at Sea. This sailing marks the first official appearance of the heroes and villains of Star Wars aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship. …

The Force Awakens… the Star Wars Fan in All of Us

December 17, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Some parents hide candy from their kids. Others place parental controls on web pages, television channels and app privileges. Some parents even enjoy a glass (or three) of wine when the kids have retired for the night.

Every morning, after we’ve dropped our children off to school, my husband and I creep downstairs to the basement… clear a path in our storage room… and pull out our Star Wars deluxe animatronic figures from Thinkway Toys.
Exclusive to Toys R Us, these completely interactive, animatronic figures speak to the Star Wars fan in all of us. With dozens of points of articulation plus training and battle modes, they provide hours of role play fun (trust me, I’ve been there) and are eerily accurate thanks to digital data based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens. …

WDW: May the Force Be With You. (And Also With You.)

December 13, 2015 By Lena

(Hands up if you’re Catholic and this *always* comes to mind? Yeah, me too.)

Celebrate, my young Padawans! New Star Wars offerings have landed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, just in time for Star Wars: The Force Awakens which hits theatres on December 18, 2015. From interactive exhibits to galactic-themed food, discover new and updated Star Wars experiences that bring you closer to the epic saga than ever before.
Now, where do I begin? Grab a “Hoth” chocolate (Get it? Hoth? I kill me!) and settle in, because I’ve been geeking out and can’t wait to share the fan fodder with you! …