Harry Potter Magical Moments Official Advent Calendar – Review

Something magical this way comes just in time for Christmas…or maybe something epic! Insight Editions has created a huge collection of Advent Calendars that feature different popular fandoms or Christmas themes, including this beauty inspired by Harry Potter!

What is an advent calendar?

An advent calendar is a special calendar that counts the days before Christmas. Typically an advent calendar has little doors with a number representing the day of the month. We open the door on the day shown to get a small surprise. Some Advent Calendars have chocolates and others have little toys or prizes. Whatever the case, it is a great way to count down the days to the most wonderful day of the year.

This Harry Potter Advent Calendar also counts the days to Christmas, however, each surprise is a little gift inspired by the Harry Potter films. With mini books, mementos, mini replica props, and more, there is a ton of holiday magic inside.

I received the Harry Potter: Holiday Magic advent calendar and here is what I think.

The Harry Potter: Holiday Magic Official Advent Calendar is huge. The cover of the book is 14 inches high and 10 inches wide, almost the size of two standard pieces of paper. It certainly commands attention where ever it is placed. The hardcover captures the eye with a picture of Hogwarts in the center. Gold toned images decorate the cover featuring some of the most popular items from Harry Potter, such as the goblet of fire, symbols of each house, and even a snitch. The cover’s design will look perfect under a tree or on a table as a decoration.

Once we open the cover, we are greeted with 25 envelopes! Each envelope features a gold number (matching the gold on the cover) and a picture representing something from Harry Potter. A few of the pictures featured are from some of the Harry Potter films. The numbered envelopes are randomly placed making it a game to find the next envelope to open, sort of like a seek and find. Many of the envelopes are layered on top of others in different shapes and sizes. The paper is thick and sturdy to help prevent ripping and damage as fans open an envelope each day. The entire piece feels elegant and worthy of display, which is good since it will be sitting there for 25 days.

I find the entire design beautiful and impressive. It holds the elegance of Christmas and the magical feel we get from Harry Potter. It is sturdy and promises to give wonderful treats inside.

NOTE: Spoilers below . I will be divulging several items from the envelopes, and later giving a rundown of each item within.

At first glance, anyone can see that the envelopes are fairly flat. That being said, we can deduce that each item will be thin, possibly made of paper. From their size, it is reasonable to state that they will be small items inspired by the Harry Potter films. Honestly, that is to be expected. Most Advent Calendars have small prizes inside. They give the initial joy of opening a mysterious gift each day as we count down to Christmas. Personally I can’t wait to see what is inside. Thankfully, I am writing a review, so I get to see all the awesomeness in advance.

From a few random envelopes I found several adorable prizes.

In envelope 13 I found a paperclip with a plastic topper featuring the Book of Monsters. I believe that it is used as a bookmark, however, I am sure fans can find other uses for it. How cool would it be to have that holding a stack of important papers together?

In envelope 1 I found a small book called Harry Potter Hogwarts Holidays. This book comes on glossy paper with a little tinsel like ribbon to hang it on the tree. Inside is a story of how the wizarding world celebrates the 25th of December. From the amazing ceiling in Hogwarts to the Yule Ball, all 6 tiny pages have cute images and a little about the celebrations. What is cool, is that this item can come out each year to decorate the tree with a little magic.

In envelope 5 I found the most adorable Mini Christmas greeting cards! All 5 greeting cards are printed on thick cardstock with vibrant designs that are sure to make any Harry Potter fan giggle with glee. There is nothing written inside, leaving it up to the writer to make a unique Christmas greeting.

  • Card 1 is burgundy with Harry, Ron, and Herminie on the cover with images of iconic wizarding world items.
  • Card 2 Is a light blue with a line art of Hogwarts in the center. (It has sort of a Disney feel to be honest)
  • Card 3 is my favorite with Harry, Ron, and Herminie standing in front of a Christmas Tree.
  • Card 4 features Harry’s owl Hedwig, his scar and glasses, his Patronus, and The Deathly Hallows symbol.
  • Card 5 features the symbols of each house: Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff.

In envelope 19 I found the tiniest Postcards known to man; they measure 3.5″ by 2.5″ (about the size of a playing card). In fact, I am not sure they will make it to their destination; as tiny as they are; they may get lost in the mail. However, mail one in an envelope and it will still be a magical surprise.

If the rest of the items are as amazing as these four random ones I just opened, then this Advent Calendar is a wonderful item to have for any Harry Potter fan. All of them are made out of paper, but the quality has been amazing with bright colors and wonderful designs.

I will release a warning here as well.

WARNING: the images below depict what is inside all 25 envelopes. If you wish for these to be a surprise, do not view the slideshow.

I think all of the gifts are wonderful and any fan would love to get the special surprises each day. Although most of these were paper products, I think they were well made and sure to add a touch of magic to the holiday season. If well cared for, several of the items can come back year after year to decorate the tree. As for the book, once everything has been emptied it can be saved again for next year. This time, we can fill it with special items of our own creation to surprise a friend or family member. It is durable enough to be a family tradition.

I give this Advent Calendar five stars and will be using it this holiday season even tho I know what’s inside hehehehe.

Disclosure: SKGaleana receives products in order to conduct reviews. Unless noted otherwise, no monetary compensation was provided. I only share and recommend products or services I think will be a good fit for my readers. All the opinions are 100% my own. In exchange for referrals, some posts may contain affiliate links that I may receive commission for payment. (See more here)

Croods Return in an all new Animated Series The Croods: Family Tree

DreamWorks Animation announced today The Croods: Family Tree series, inspired by the hit film The Croods: A New Age, premieres on Peacock and Hulu September 23! Fans willl get to follow the first family as they transverse the new world and learn toget hget along with the Bettermans.

Kelly Marie Tran returns as the voice of “Dawn” alongside new addition Amy Landecker as “Ugga.” Mark Banker (Go, Dog. Go!) and Todd Grimes (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants) serve as executive producers.

Check out the trailer below to start the adventure with The Croods

THE CROODS: FAMILY TREE SERIES DETAILS:

Release Date: September 23, 2021
Episodes: 6 episodes
Platform: Hulu and Peacock

Synopsis:
The Croods: Family Tree continues the ever-evolving story of the Croods and the Bettermans as they learn to live together on the most idyllic farm in prehistory. The journey from sparring rivals to unlikely friends is fraught with hilarious misadventures as the two families slowly overcome their differences to turn a tree house divided into a tree home united.

Executive Producer: Mark Banker (Go, Dog. Go!) and Todd Grimes (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants)

Voice Actors: Kelly Marie Tran (Raya and the Last Dragon) as Dawn; Amy Landecker (Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts) as Ugga; Kiff VandenHeuvel (This Is Us) as Grug; Ally Dixon (The Interview) as Eep; AJ Locascio (Voltron Legendary Defender) as Thunk; Dee Bradley Baker (Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts) as Sandy; Artemis Pebdani (Big City Greens) as Gran; Darin Brooks (The Bold and the Beautiful) as Guy; Matthew Waterson (Tales of Arcadia) as Phil; Amy Rosoff (Scandal; Criminal Minds) as Hope

How To Make Pumpkin Pie Spice Coffee – Recipe

I am so excited! August is almost over and I can start looking to fall: fall foods, fall clothes, and fall weather! I suppose I have to admit that fall is my favorite season. I love everything about it…including Pumpkin Pie Spice everything!

Yup, I’m a pumpkin pie spice fiend. Once September 1st hits, my house smells like a pumpkin pie with ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg flying through the air as bake every yummy pumpkin puree recipe I can find. I have a special for pumpkin cookies, a delicious pumpkin cheese cake, and even a pumpkin pie spice coffee.

Wait, what? you don’t need Starbucks for a pumpkin pie spice coffee? Answer: nope. I mean, yeah, I am a Starbucks connoisseur. I often grab a Pumpkin Pie Spiced Latte or a Caramel Macchiato (I think I need coffee now), however, there is a way we can add the wonderful pumpkin pie spice flavor to our own homemade coffee.

It turns out that making pumpkin pie spice coffee is as easy as, well, making coffee. Everything is done the same except you add the pumpkin pie spice to the coffee grounds.So all we have to do is:

  • Grind your coffee beans and place them in the filter,
  • make the pumpkin pie spice mixture
  • sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice over the top of the coffee grounds (do not mix),
  • turn on the coffee machine and make your coffee,
  • Add brown sugar and milk to taste and your pumpkin pie spice coffee is ready to enjoy.

The amount of pumpkin pie spice can be adjusted to the coffee drinkers liking; I use 1 tsp. for 1 cup of coffee or sprinkle all 4 tsp for a large pot of coffee. Use the recipe below to make the perfect pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

  • Servings: 5
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Pumpkin Pie Spice coffee



Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Directions

  1. In a small bowl mix all the ingredients together
  2. Store in an airtight container.

PAW Patrol Has an All New Line Look!

PAW Patrol: The Movie, was released in theaters August 20, 2021! To celebrate, Paramount and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment have released an all-new Line Look of their top-selling catalog titles of 2020. Each DVD features a faceplate that showcases a fan-favorite pup and includes a giant sticker that introduces each pup’s unique movie look. Parents and kids will want to collect them all!

I received the chance to review the DVD collection with their all new line of covers and here is what I thought.

For those that know PAW Patrol and the characters involved, these new Line Look DVDs will be an excellent addition to their already growing collection. The episodes and movies contain the same morals and adorable stories fans love. Themes such as teamwork, caring for others, and the never-give-up mentality still resonate throughout the series.

The DVDs with the new Line Look are:


Ultimate Rescue featuring Marshall
Gear Up with Marshal and his team as the roll out in the Ultimate Fire Truck to cool off a fire-breathing robot. Then join Skye, Chase, Rocky, and Zuma for more ultimate rescue missions, including 3 double episodes!

  • Pups Save the Royal Kitties
  • Pup Save the Tigers
  • Pups Save the Movie Monster
  • Pups Save the Swamp Monster
  • Pups and the Hidden Golden Bones

Mighty Pups featuring Chase
When a fallen meteor gives the pups mighty powers, they’ll need to use them on a super-heroic mission to keep Mayor Humdinger and his nephew Harold from takingover Adventure Bay!

The Great Pirate Rescue featuring Rubble
Get your tail scaily-wagging and hit the high seas fo 6 pirate adventures!. The pup explore a secret pirate hideout on a search for sunken treasure, keep a ghostly guest from sailing away with Cap’n Turnbot’s pirate ship parrrty and more

  • Pups and the Pirate Treasure
  • Pups and the Ghost Pirate
  • Pups Save the Bay
  • Pups Save a Goodway
  • Pups Save a pool Day
  • Circus Pup-Formers

Ready, Race, Rescue featuring Skye
It’s the Adventure Bay 500 and legendary race car driver, The Whoosh, can’t compete! The pups speed into action to help Marshall take the wheel against cheating rival, The Cheetah, for the championship trophy in this all-new PAW Patrol Movie!

Pups Save Puplantis featuring Zuma
Dive deep into 6 epic underwater missions with the PAW Patrol featuring two double-length episodes! When the mer-pups’ magical city of puplantis begins to collapse, it’s up to the Sea Patrol to find out why before it’s too late. Then, see how the pups stop Sid the Pirate and his first mate Arrby from stealing the Sea Patrollers, and save the giant sea slug’s home.

  • Pups Save Puplantis
  • Pups Save a Sunken Sloop
  • Pups Save a Wiggly Whale
  • Pups Save the Flying Diving Bell
  • Pups Save a Soggy Farm
  • Pups Save their Pirated Sea Patroller

Jungle Rescues featuring Rockey
Go Bananas with the PAW Patrol in seven Jungle adventures, featuring a double length rescue in which they’ll need to solve the mystery of the Monkey Queen! Swinging into more action when an enchanted coconut turns Mayor Humdinger into a baby, an elephant tapped on an island gym, and a giant ape wonders into Adventure Bay!

  • Tracker Joins the Pups!
  • Pups Save Baby Humdinger
  • Pups Save an Upset Elephant
  • Pups Save BigHarry
  • Pups Save Big Paw
  • Pups Save Monkey-Dinger
  • Pups’ Jungle Trouble

The new Line Look is adorable. I love each pup being featured on the DVDs. The little posters fit perfectly into the cover sleeve and add a whole new look to the PAW Patrol. My family had a great idea about removing the Line Look covers, taping them together and creating a large poster out of the set. We haven’t done it yet, but it is certainly a fun idea. Who wouldn’t want a cool poster featuring the PAW Patrol team?

The stickers included in each DVD are HUGE! Each Line Look comes with a DVD-case-size sticker featuring a random PAW Patrol Pup! For example, Ready Race, Rescue had a sticker of Skye in her uniform. The whole sheet is one large sticker that fits great on binders, notebooks, and wherever else you can find a place to display them.

The quality of the included stickers is wonderful. They stick and stay put, which is great news for all the fans. Be aware, kids will try to stick these everywhere. Dressers and bookcases may be embellished with PAW Patrol love forever. Check out the slideshow below for images of the DVDs when the Line Look is removed and their corresponding stickers.

I think this whole new Line Look is adorable and I love the focus it puts on each member of the PAW Patrol team. The stickers are a wonderful gift with each DVD and create a “gotta collect them all” excitement. The Look absolutely deserves a 5 star review!

Watch and Play with Gabby’s Dollhouse Using this Fun Printable!

Gabby’s Dollhouse season 2 is now streaming on Netflix! Fans get to watch and play through the season with fun games, activities, and crafts. There is no stoping the fun as the audience embarks on each magical journey through the dollhouse.

Speaking of fun, Dreamworks has released an excitng game of Bingo starring Gabby’s feline friends! This cat-tastic game comes with 4 cards with 9 cats on each card. Players pick a card and start watching an episode. Each time one of the cats on their card shows up, they mark off the cat on their bingo card using beans, coins, or other items. The first one to get 3 in a row wins.

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This game can also transform into an epic Memory Matching Game. Simply print Page 1 of the PDF twice on cardstock. Then cut out the squares, place them face side down on a flat surface, and start finding the matches by flipping the cards over.

To get these bingo cards click the image below and save the PDF to your computer. Then print and play with Gabby and her friends.

Midnight Society Fish and Chips Seasoning Blend Recipe Inspired by Are You Afraid of the Dark?

The Midnight Society has returned with a new story called Are Your Afraid of the Dark? Curse of the Shadows! In this new installment, an all-new group of kids tell the tale of a curse that has been cast over their small seaside town, which is now haunted by the Shadowman. In order to save their friends, the town, and their leader of the Midnight Society, this remaining members will have to break the curse before they too, disappear into the shadows.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? Curse of the Shadows is now available on DVD. Fans can get it from Amazon.com (affiliate link) or try your luck and enter our DVD giveaway (ends Aug 27, 2021)! Many will enter only one will win!

With this new case, new adventure, and new villain, it is important for villain fighting heroes to never defeat the Shadowman on an empty stomach. Thanks to Nickelodeon, we now have a delicious seasoning to toss with our Fish and Chips to make them cast away the shadows and add a touch of tang to our day. First, one must make the fish and chips. The Spruce Eats has created a magnificent recipe for us to follow and make. After the fries are cooked and the fish is fried, take the seasoning and toss them all together.

To get the seasoning recipe, click the image below and save it to your computer. Then collect the ingredients, mix, and toss with your fish and chips.

Gabby’s Dollhouse Season 2 Printable Mini Party Kit

Watch and craft your way through an all new season of Gabby’s Dollhouse, which is now playing on Netflix! Dreamworks Gabby’s Dollhouse is back with more magical dollhouse deliveries! These new deliveries have Gabby, Pandy Paws, and all her kitty friends embarking on new adventures, cozy sleepovers, movie nights, and other cat-tastic party fun. There will even be a special birthday kitty!

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The newest season of Gabby’s Dollhouse encourages their audience to play, learn, and grow as they watch Gabby and her kitty friends explore the world of her fantastical dollhouse. Kids will learn to own their mistakes and grow as a person, celebrate the differences that make each of us who we are, learn to be creative, and discover new experiences every day.

Gabby’s Dollhouse printable puppet craft

To celebrate the newest season of Gabby’s Dollhouse, now streaming on Netflix, Dreamworks has released a mini printable party kit that the whole family can get together and create. Then pull out the sleeping bags, make a fun tent, and have a mini sleepover while watching Season 2 of Gabby’s Dollhouse.

Gabby’s Dollhouse Starw toppers

The mini party kit contains:

  • Snack Bag wrappers – print and wrap around a solid color snack bad to add a little Gabby’s Dollhouse flare
  • Straw toppers – print and cutout each character’s face, punch a hole in the designated areas, and then slide on a straw.
  • Cat puppets – Glue a cat’s body and their face to a toilet paper roll and display the puppet.

To get the mini printable party kit click the image below and save the DPF to your computer. Then print, cutout, and create for a night of creative fun while using the imaginations

NOTE: all cutting should be done by an adult.

Gabby’s Dollhouse Season 2 Printable Activity Sheets!

DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse is back with more magical dollhouse deliveries, crafts, and adventures! In season 2, Gabby, Pandy Paws, and all of their kitty friends will create new crafts, have fun sleepovers, enjoy movie nights, and have cat-tastic parties, including a very special birthday! Anything is possible inside the fantastical dollhouse where imperfection is celebrated and mistakes turn to growth as Gabby and the meow-crew play, learn and discover new experiences every day! Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix!

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To celebrate season 2 of Gabby’s Dollhouse, Dreamworks has release several printables that will get the kids active, encourage them to help others, and they will spark the imagination! The printable activities included in the downloadable PDF are:

  • Itty Bitty Blossom Paper Garden
  • Meow-mazing Exercises
  • Kitty Ranger Patches
    • Snacker Packer patch,
    • Tracking Patch,
    • Builder Patch,
    • Me-Hoo Listening Patch,
    • Meowl Patch,
    • Eat Healthy Patch,
    • Move Your Body Patch,
    • Helper Patch,
    • and Accomplishment Patch)

To get the printables click the image below and save the PDF to your computer. Once the PDF is printed, follow the instructions as a family to have a lot of creative fun.

NOTE: Adults should do all the cutting and handling of sharp objects.

Check out my blog for other fun Gabby’s Dollhouse printables including the papercrafts of Baby Box and Mama Box!

Mama Box Printable Paper Craft Inspired from Gabby’s Dollhouse!

Gabby’s Dollhouse has remained a huge hit in the preschool world. With their fun crafts, cute cats, and amazing lessons, this show is approved by parents and adored by children. The magical world of Gabby’s Dollhouse is an amazing world where we can be, do, and create anything. Whether it is helping those in need or creating something fun, Gabby and her friends have what we need to have a marvelously creative day.

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Since my Baby Box Papercraft has been such a big hit, I have decided to follow through with requests and also make a Mama Box. She is, of course, the mom of Baby Box. She wears a yellow dress with hearts, has red pipe cleaners for whiskers, and pinkish-purple hair. In the show Mama Box is taller than Baby Box. If you want Baby Box to be smaller, print the pattern at a smaller percentage, create, and place them side by side. NOTE: printing baby Box smaller will make her harder to create.

To make Mama Box, download the PDF by clicking the image below then follow the instructions to assemble the Mama Box Papercraft.

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What you will need to make the Mama Box papercraft:

  • Printed Pattern
  • Exacto Knife
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick or Elmer’s Glue with a Q-tip

NOTE: An adult should do all the cutting with scissors and the x-acto knife.

Directions

  1. Print on cardstock
  2. Cut along the outer solid lines of all 5 pieces.

Head

  1. using an x-acto knife, cut along the white lines around the whiskers. We don’t want these to fold when we build the square head.
  2. Fold along each solid line within the head shape, including the long horizontal line in the center. Be sure all folds have colors side facing out. Be sure not to fold the whiskers.
  3. Along the dotted lines on the side of the head carefully fold color sides together. Be sure the crease is only along the dotted lines.
  4. Place glue on the white tabs on the side of the head and glue it to the inside of the opposite panel
  5. Place glue along the white tabs at the bottom of the head and glue them to the corresponding sides on the inside. Leave the head open for now. It will help when gluing the dress and feet to the head.

Feet

  1. Fold along The solid lines. Be sure not to fold along the black line that makes the doll have two legs.
  2. Place glue on the large tab and glue it to the inside of the opposite panel
  3. Place glue on the 3 white tabs and glue them to the inside of the corresponding panels. This should form a long rectangular box. Let dry.

Body

The body can be a dixie cup painted yellow with heart stickers added or you can use the template provided.

  1. Cut along the red lines of each side of the dress. This is where the arms will go.
  2. Place glue on the large white tab and glue the tab to the inside of the opposite side of the curve. let dry. This should form a bottomless cup

Arms

  1. Fold the arms in half along the top of the paw with color sides facing out.
  2. Place the arms in the slots made by the exacto knife and test how you want them displayed. If you want them straight out then follow the designated lines. If you want them positioned up or down, fold the tabs where desired.
  3. Spread the tabs out and glue them to the inside of the dress. Make sure the paws face the front. before you glue the arms in place. let dry

Assembly

  1. At the top of the dress, fold each small blue tab down half way.
  2. Add glue to each tab and glue the dress to the bottom of the head in the center. Be sure the arms are positioned on each side of the body and that they are facing forward.
  3. Place glue on the top of the white square of the feet. Place the legs up through the dress and glue them to the bottom of the head. Make sure the feet are facing forward with the pom-poms facing front. Let dry

To Finish

  1. Carefully form the milk-carton top of Mama Box’s head. This is done by pushing the sides inward along those dotted-line folds and bringing the ears together.
  2. Place glue on the white tab and glue to the inside of the opposite panel.
  3. Glue the back of the ears together.
    The Head is now done. Be sure to let set and dry completely.
    Mama Box is now done and ready to display!

Blaze and the Monster Machines Pretzel Rod Recipe

While Blaze hunts down the notorious treat thief in his all new DVD, Blaze and the Monster Machines: The Case of the Treat Thief, now on DVD, we can enjoy a treat of our own with these Blaze and the Monster Machines inspired Candy-Sprinkled Pretzel Rods. Be sure to keep an eye on these delicious snacks, that treat thief can be hiding anywhere.

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Blaze and the Monster Machines: Case of the Treat Thief is available on Amazon.com (affiliate link) or you can try your hand at our giveaway! One lucky randomly drawn winner will get the Case of the Treat Thief DVD!

To make these pretzel rods, families will need:

  • Pretzel Rods
  • Chocolate Candy Melts
  • Yellow Sprinkles
  • Red Sprinkles
  • Red Icing
  • Crushed Chocolate Sandwich cookies
  • Microwave safe bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Spoon

Click the image below to download the instructions and enjoy the adventures of Blaze and the Monster Machines! NOTE: all cutting and dealing with the hot items should be handled by an adult.