Earlier this month, we met with the talented cast of Netflix’s “Tall Girl. ” This movie is great for teens and the entire family, and you can now stream it on Netflix!
Miss Ava Michelle plays “Jodi”, a self-conscious teen who feels she doesn’t fit in because of her height, until she falls for a handsome foreign exchange student. Jodi becomes embroiled in a surprising love triangle and realizes she’s far more than her insecurities about her height have led her to believe.
This movie has a great message especially for teens, who are constantly feeling beat down for being different or unconventional.
Correspondent Victoria Camacho, got the behind the scenes scoop, and spoke to the cast of the new film. Check it out!
My family also had the opportunity to screen the film beforehand, and it brought up some much needed conversations in our home. My girls expressed they felt many relatable moments, and thought this film would be great for teens. Clarissa said, “This coming of age film empowers victims of bullying, and females of all ages. Whether you are bullied for your height, your age, your ethnicity, or your beliefs, this film encourages young individuals, to stand tall and live fearlessly. Bravo, Netflix!”
My son Andrew is 12, and he has seen it a few times since we screened it. He just loves it. Just fyi there may be some mature content in this film, so parents make sure to watch it beforehand to make sure it is appropriate for your preteens.
Oh what a sweet treat!
Last week, I decorated cakes at Duff’s Cakemix with Angela Kinsey (The Office), who stars as Helanie Kreyman in the new film. (love her) We talked about her new cooking channel “Baking with Josh and Ange” and about her role in Tall Girl. Her new cooking show if full of laughs, so be sure to check it out!
Lily – I am a 17 year old Texas girl. I’m a junior in high school. I have been homeschooled my whole life, and I absolutely love having the freedom homeschooling gives me. I have many passions that include public speaking, art, video editing, dance, and writing. My favorite foods are Lucky Charms and whipped cream. I started vlogging in 2017 because I was inspired by Annie Rose, my little sister. I watched her have fun, get wonderful feedback and work hard so I decided that I wanted to try!
What inspired you to start your vlog?
Lily – I started vlogging in 2017 because I was inspired by Annie Rose, my little sister. I watched her have fun, get wonderful feedback and work hard so I decided that I wanted to try!
Bullying is a huge issue with teens. What message do you have for young people struggling with bullying?
Lily- I have been lucky, since I am a Christian and have been homeschooled, I have not dealt with severe cases of bullying. I am very thankful for that. But something I would encourage is for you to find yourself and never let go of that. Find your own identity and build it up strong; to the point where nobody can break it down. I like to think of it like playing Capture the Flag, once you have your hands on the flag, you never let the flag go! That flag can be your sense of self – never to be let go or lost, and if it is, you exhaust every resource to get it back. Us being secure in ourselves is the most important factor to success in this life. So we must retrieve that flag and show it off proudly.
Plus, remember that:
You are beautiful
You are unique
You are allowed to be different
You are intelligent
You are so very, very loved
And you are not alone.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Lily – 10 years… that is a long time! In 10 years, I want to have published at least three books (currently writing them), I want to have at least 3 degrees, I want to be married and financially stable. I plan to keep doing YouTube as long as the platform exists, I love Instagram and want to continue building my audience there. I am about to begin selling products on Amazon. My goal is to create a lifestyle that I believe in, market it and help others achieve the golden life through aesthetics, books, videos and products. Sprinkled throughout all of this, I want to be a credible public speaker. I have been told that public speaking is my ‘spiritual gift’ (lol). I feel completely comfortable in front of big crowds and I want nothing more than to speak my truth and inspire people to take control of their lives and make them beautiful!
What’s your goal and overall message that would you like to share with your viewers?
Lily – That they are beautiful. That’s it.
So many times in my life I would look in the mirror at that roll of chub over my gut, at the metal braces in my mouth, how round and puffy my face was, or how huge my thighs were and I hated it. I hated myself. I saw myself as a burden to my parents, the least important friend, and I had no self worth. But eventually, with kicking, screaming and lots of sleepless nights, I found myself, my passions and I pulled myself together into a little heap and decided that I was going to be different from everyone else; I was going to be confident and love myself.
So many teens hate their image, personality, status or all of the above, and the sad truth is… that mindset is utterly normal. It is common to be depressed, tired and self-loathing. Teens say ‘want to die’ or ‘I hate myself’ and actually believe it. It is often covered as a joke but, behind every just kidding – there is some truth. This generation suffers so strongly from self hate that right now, the way to be different or to stand out is to fully love yourself and actually accept yourself. The new different is seeing yourself as beautiful, valuable and enough.
Please provide a link to your favorite YouTube video to share on my site.
Annie- I’m a 13 year old entrepreneur, youtuber, author, actor, singer, and fashion LOVER!! I started my first youtube channel 4 years ago simply to have fun (considering I was 9). Now I work everyday editing, filming, communicating with my followers, creating new ideas, and let me just say .. I LOVE IT!! Before age 9 I never had a ‘thing’ while my 3 older siblings Matthew, Lily, and Laura were enjoying their own activities and I felt left out. I’ve always been a chatterbox and a storyteller so finding youtube was such a perfect way for me to express myself. I also have discovered my love for writing and fashion along the way and have created my own poetry book and merch line! I’m so grateful for my almost 800k fans and hope I can inspire girls to live their life to the absolute fullest!
What inspired you to start your vlog?
Like I said, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a safe place to express myself.
Annie- Keep your head high. If you have a dream, chase it. Have you heard “Mean” by Taylor Swift? She sings, “Someday I’ll be living in a big city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” Your time really is coming so don’t listen to bullies and haters. Remember that you are strong and beautiful.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
Annie- English, literature, or writing .. can’t really pick one hehe. When I was eight I would spend all day writing stories and to this day I have loved grammar / writing / poetry. It’s all so beautiful to me. Writing is like an extension of talking, just quieter.
What makes you unique, and why do you think people should follow you?
Annie- Not many girls have the same outlook on life that I have. I see everything in a positive and happy way. I think I can help other girls realize life isn’t so bad and it’s worth living to the absolute fullest.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Annie- I have many dreams. My biggest goals in life are to create my own fashion, and a own my own physical store, publish more books, travel, build my own house, start a family, inspire others, and I hope that in ten years I still live my life to the absolute fullest because like Meghan Trainor says “No we ain’t promised tomorrow”
What advice would you give to young girls that want to start a vlog?
Annie- Don’t stop. If you love it, do it. Don’t stop if you get picked on or because someone tells you to. If I stopped because someone hated on me I wouldn’t be where i am today! If you enjoy doing youtube, that’s all that matters! Not the money, fame, or haters. Keep your head high. If you have a dream, chase it. Have you heard “Mean” by Taylor Swift? She sings, “Someday I’ll be living in a big city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” Your time really is coming so don’t listen to bullies and haters. Remember that you are strong and beautiful.
Please provide a link to your favorite YouTube video.
My teenage daughter is ready to hit the road but as a mom, I’m concerned she doesn’t know how dangerous driving can be. Thanks to Mercury Insurance’s #DriveSafechallenge I think my daughter will be much more prepared when she gets her driver’s license.
Last week at the Honda Center of Anaheim, teens were put to the test in different driving scenarios. Mercury insurance created an obstacle course that put them in dangerous driving situations. While driving with instructors, they were distracted with phone calls, texts, and talking to friends. They also learned how to take control of the car while skidding, and learned how to make sharp turns in an emergency. These were all very valuable lessons, and parents learned too!
Sponsored: Thank you Mercury Insurance for sponsoring this post. All opinions and experiences are our own.
Here are some important facts teens and parents should know before your kid gets behind the wheel.
Teenagers raise their risk for an accident by every increment they go over the speed limit. So yes, the speed limit is extremely important. In order to prevent collisions, your teen should cautiously maintain the designated speed ALWAYS.
Statistics show 16-17 year olds are more at risk for a deadly collision with each additional passenger. Your child should definitely not be driving with minors in the car 6 months after they’re licensed (it is illegal, and just extremely dangerous!)
16 year olds have higher crash rates then any other other range. Now this is just natural – as teenagers are more inexperienced when it comes to driving. We should encourage our teens to drive distraction free, and have consequences for reckless driving.
44% of teens said they would definitely speak up if someone were driving in a way that scared them. Parents need to teach their kids to speak up, because an accident isn’t worth being nice.
Teen drivers with involved parents are twice as likely to wear seat belts. Teens need to be responsible even when their parents are not in the vehicle.
More than 40% of teen of deaths occur when driving between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident as well as slow a young driver’s reaction time down to that of a 70-year-old elderly person. (Scary but true)
1 in 5 of 16-year-old new drivers has an accident within their first year of driving.
6% of teenagers rely on their parents to learn how to drive. So parents teach the well!
After this challenge, my daughter and I talked about all the possible obstacles and challenges she may face as a new driver.Drivingis a privilege, and it’s important to open the line of communication with your teen drivers and set the expectations upfront.
Are you a Marvel Fan? If so you gotta watch this new animated film!
Last week, we celebrated GIRL POWER in Burbank, California at the Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors event. This new Marvel film premiered on Disney Channel and Disney XD on September 30th.
Thank you Disney Channel for inviting my family to your Marvel Rising event. All opinions are my own.
We got behind the scenes and spoke to writer, Mairghread Scott. She has super powers of her own! She’s a mom, freelance writer, and film creator. Love her!
About
This incredible story centers on teenage superhero Ghost-Spider who is running from the law after being framed for her friend’s murder. Oh no! Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Quake, and Patriot bring her in before they all find themselves teaming up to fight and battle a threat no one had expected…
Watch the trailer here!
The kiddos sat at the edge of their seat while screening this film!
My fam bam absolutely LOVED this new film. It definitely aims to create adventurous and empowering superhero stories for a new generation of fans.
If you did not have a chance to catch the film. Watch it now.
I am a HUGE fan of Freaky Friday… As a kid, I would run around the house in red spray painted hair, and reenact scenes from the 2003 film starring Lindsey Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis .
Anna (in Tess’s body): I’m old!
Tess (in Anna’s body): I beg your pardon!
Anna (in Tess’s body): Oh, I’m like the Cryptkeeper
My mom would laugh, and even played along. When I heard Disney was producing a new Freaky Friday, I was a bit reluctant to watch it because I loved the 2003 version so much. But let me tell you, this new remake blew me out of the water! Last week we got a sneak peek of the new film before it aired on the Disney Channel, and I can’t get the catchy tunes out of my head.
Thank you Disney Channel for inviting us to see Freaky Friday, all opinions are my own.
Disney Channel’s “Freaky Friday” is a madcap body swap musical comedy about a mother and daughter (Katherine and Ellie Blake) who magically spend a day in each other’s shoes. Katherine and Ellie face a variety of challenges trying to get through the day as each other and ultimately learn a lot about what life is really like on the other side of the generation gap. In the process, mom and daughter navigate relationships, work, school, fitting in, standing out, and getting by all while facing the hard truth of their altered reality.
This Disney Channel Original Movie is the fifth iteration of “Freaky Friday,” but the first in telling the story through music on screen, with the musical numbers progressing the story as well as heightening the emotion of the actions of the story. Adding song and dance to the subtext of each scene, each character’s inner dialogue is emphasized and all the more relatable to the viewing audience. The story and the music gets a message across about empathy — and how the empathy we develop for our parents extends to the rest of the world.
I loved the ethnically diverse cast, a strong girl lead with short hair, and the inspiring entrepreneur mother in in the new film. Did I mention how amazing the music was? My little brother and I danced in our seats. He told me how much he wanted to sing at school because of the Adam’s funny character. Freaky Friday opened up our hearts, and reminded us how much we love performing!
I am senior in high school, and I will be attending a Cal State University in the fall. It’s definitely been a journey, both emotionally and academically. Deciding which school would be a right fit for me, has definitely been a challenge. Recently, the editors of Seventeen Magazine released a new book entitled Seventeen: College Goals, an insiders guide to finding and getting into a school you’ll love. Upon reading it, I am in awe with the resources it provides. It gives me the tools to take on University in terms of study hacks, self care, sex, adulting, drugs and alcohol prevention.
My parents have always stressed the importance of education. After my SAT and ACT prep classes, my mother would feed me and show me how to make protein packed wraps, chicken noodle soup, tofu and other Pinterest worthy meals to prepare me for college. At each of these meals, she would teach me something new that she felt would be vital to my college experience. She would even talk about topics that are considered taboo in my Hispanic culture.
A copy of Seventeen: College Goals and a $50 dollar Visa Gift Card for all your hard work after SATs, ACTs, and for making it through this school year! (U.S. addresses only)
Disclosure: Bluestreak Books is partnering with me for a giveaway and is providing a Seventeen: College Goals prize pack for one of my lucky readers!
With SATs, ACTs, AP courses, and studying this school year has been just a little insane!
As a very anxious student, I have only known a few self-care coping mechanisms:
1. Cry
2. Binge on junk food
3. Watch 500 Days of Summer until my little brother tackles me for the remote
After reading Seventeen Magazine tips, I realize how unhealthy these coping mechanisms are, and how I can better my life with simple things such as eating healthy, maintaining a sleeping schedule, and taking care, and loving my body!
This school year is BIG for me, and I am both excited and nervous at the same time. I have so much on my mind. I am thrilled that I now have an all- in- one journal/guide to place my thoughts, dreams, and goals!
This incredible book makes a great birthday, graduation, and or a just cuz gift!
The only thing standing between you and that college life is figuring out where you might want to go, completing your applications, writing a killer essay, scoring solid test scores, shining in your activities, getting glowing recommendations, and . . . okay, that’s a lot. But even though being accepted into college can seem big and overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.
That’s where Seventeen: College Goals comes in. This stress-free guide—part-planner, part-journal—will help walk you through the step-by-step process of applying to colleges. There are pages filled with practical cheat sheets, handy life hacks, thoughtful tips, fun quizzes, inspiring quotes from your favorite celebs and leaders, and prompts that will push you to self-reflect. (After all, that’s what college essays are all about!) This way, you can freak out less about if you’ll get in, and actually start thinking about which school’s offer you’re going to accept.
I’m counting down the days to graduation!
When I start attending Cal State, I think I will be slightly more at ease with this book. Not having my mom around will definitely be a struggle as she truly is my best friend, my mentor, and my biggest supporter. This little book will help me organize my thoughts, help with decision making, and reassure me that this is only the beginning of my future…
I grew up in the 70’s watching actress Lynda Carter in the Wonder Woman hit series on ABC. She was an icon for my generation, and the epitome of intelligence, strength, and beauty. After watching an episode, I often would spin in my living room to transform into Wonder Woman and would reenact one of her battle scenes. I felt invincible and strong. There is a new heroine in town, and she will not disappoint fans…
On June 2nd, the new Wonder Woman Movie will hit theaters with a bang!
Actress Gal Gadot had large shoes to fill when taking on this leading female role. I admit I was a little skeptical before screening this film, but Gadot’s performance blew me away…
My daughter and I were thrilled to get an exclusive interview with Gal Gadot and Director Patty Jenkins earlier this month.
This is a sponsored post. Thank you Warner Bros for inviting my daughter and I to screen Wonder Woman and interview Gal Gadot and Patty Jenkins . All opinions are my own.
This film is long overdue, and I am thrilled that there is a new badass female hero for a new generation!
About The Movie
Power of a goddess. Heart of a hero. Gal Gadot is #WonderWoman
From Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Entertainment comes the epic action adventure starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright, directed by Patty Jenkins.
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American Pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers… and her true destiny.
My daughter applauded and cried tears of joy after screening this film. She sat front and center as she waited to meet Gal Gadot.
Question: So, what do you feel is the most important part of being Wonder Woman?
Ms. Gal Gadot: “Well, I think that it’s so important that we show a strong female figure and that we show her story. I think that me growing up, I could go and watch Superman or Batman, but I never had a strong female figure that really inspires me to look up to. And I think that this movie is so important for all of you young girls and also for boys, as well. I’ve seen many boys dressed as Wonder Woman.
And I think that what’s so beautiful about this character is that she’s very universal. Everyone can find something that he likes for himself about the character. And she stands for beautiful things, for love and for acceptance and compassion and truth, and these values are very important, especially nowadays.
And I think that, if we expose our kids to more of a goodness, then they will become greater. We’ll have a better society.”
Question: I was wondering, so I love Robin Wright, and I think you guys were just so amazing together. And the scenes on the island were incredible. How did you do that, and how did everyone train for that? It was unbelievable?
Ms. Patty Jenkins: “Well, I don’t even know where to begin because it was actually so complicated. To try to build all of the things you need to make this island in the history of Wonder Woman which is always an idealized place that happens to be populated by all of these women but is very real.
And so, it was a visual struggle to find all of the elements to put together to say that almost feels real. But, then to find the greatest women you could. What was cool about it was I’ve grown up knowing so many incredible women and so many incredible people. So, when you try to represent that in an island made up of only women, you end up pulling together so many different interesting people. Some are great at horse riding. Some was the greatest boxer in the world. Someone else is an incredible artisan.
And you end up with such a broad variety of people, and then you want to establish a world where they’re all one.
And so, we found these incredible women. They turned out to be such a broad variety of people, but, we needed the one who knew how to ride a horse to also know how to fight and the one who knew how to fight to know how to ride a horse. And so, we had to do this boot camp for months where each of them worked together every day to learn those other things.
And it turned into this incredibly inspiring cool thing because they all became really tight and really great friends, and how they approach things is slightly different than they might have if they were alone or not together. So, it was really awesome. It was great, and Robin was amazing.”
Ms. Gal Gadot: “It was.”
Question: So, what does it mean for both of you guys to be leading this representation for young girls? I grew up not really seeing anybody on screen to be like that’s who I want to be, that’s who I look up to. And now, my daughter has you.
Ms. Gal Gadot: “It’s amazing, it’s amazing, and I’m so touched by it. It’s funny because it’s my first time seeing girls that actually saw the movie.
And it’s just so moving for me. And your reaction means the world because this is why we make these movies. This is why it’s worth, so I’m very, very happy, and I’m so glad that you all love the movie.”
Ms. Patty Jenkins: “Yes. And for me, when I was a kid, I saw Superman, and it made me feel like I could be a hero one day, and it’s lasted with me ever since and is one of the reasons I’m here today. But, it wasn’t until I saw the show of Wonder Woman on TV, which happened around the same time, when I was Wonder Woman on the playground, I was everything I ever wanted to be.
So, sometimes, we”ve had these moments where we’re like, oh, my God, the idea that we could be a part of kids’ lives in that way is so beautiful and overwhelming, and we hope to give what we were given by other people.”
Ms. Gal Gadot: “Exactly.”
Thank you to Patty Jenkins for creating this wonderful film. I am grateful that you are showing our girls that having strength and brains is a winning combination.
This film has been rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and some suggestive content
Note* The fight scenes my be intense for younger viewers.
The new Wonder Woman Movie empowers and inspires young girls to be leaders in their communities. Girls need to know they can conquer anything that comes their way. They can be the voice for the voiceless, change they wish to see, and most importantly be their own kind of superhero.
“Sugar. Spice. And everything nice. These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect little girls. But Professor Utonium accidentally added an extra ingredient to the concoction… Chemical X. Thus the Powerpuff Girls were born. Using their ultra-superpowers, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup have dedicated their lives to fighting crime and the forces of evil.”
Hulu and Creators Media hosted a fun filled afternoon in Santa Monica, California. The celebration included interactive workshops, inspiring talks, and awesome activities all centered around the celebration of girl empowerment. My cousins and I were ecstatic because we got to be “Real Life Powerpuff Girls” for a day.. I know I am a bit older than the girls, but I didn’t want to miss out on the fun!
The workshops included a Science Station, Dance Instruction, and Art Class. I grew up watching the Powerpuff girls and I learned many life lessons. It taught me to feel empowered and aspire to be a leader in my community.
Thank you Hulu for inviting us to be “Real Life Powerpuff Girls for a day. All opinions are my own.
The Powerpuff Girls centers on three sugar-coated superheroes, whose missions in life alternate between going to school, fighting crime, winning at hopscotch and saving the world before bedtime. The girls are frequently called upon by the town’s childlike and naive mayor to help fight nearby criminals using their powers.
You can now stream The Powerpuff Girls anytime on Hulu!
My little cousins are so darn cute. They learned how to make miniature rocket ships. They were restless for knowledge and asked lots of questions. I could see the wheels in their brains spinning. Their eyes light up while working on the experiment.
The girls also became animators for a day and learned how to draw Bubbles. They were at ease and expressed themselves freely. Within a short time, the girls all become friends. They empowered and complimented each other.
The girls danced to empowering music. They laughed and sang along to the tunes. and “iconically whipped”(dance move). Was it a dance party or a laugh fest? Perhaps it was both.
The girls were introduced to “Real Life Superheroes.” They heard from three inspiring young girls. One was a vegan and animal rights activist, another an entrepreneur, and the third was a Jujitsu Master. They told their stories and talked about the hardships they faced.
Bubbles, Buttercup, and Blossom are truly iconic for young girls. They made a big impact in my life growing up. These three superheroes embody individuality, confidence, kind hearts, and power… I love this!
We had an awesome day at the Powerpuff Girls event. The girls were one in heart and mind. We all felt what it was like to be a real life superhero for a day, and it was amazing!
My aunt says that as soon as my little cousins got home, they watched a marathon of The Powerpuff Girls on Hulu. Sol was so excited she drew this!
Don’t forget to watch The Powerpuff Girls on Hulu!
My girls love to update their wardrobes every season. Recently, they have been experimenting and upcycling old clothing. They discovered that a couple snips can turn an unwanted t-shirt into a great fashion piece.
Before you toss your old tops into the donation bin, you should watch this video.
My girls put this easy DIY video together to share with you!
You will need:
T-Shirt
Fabric Scissors
Tape
Whether you are going out on a romantic date, or going headed for a night out on the town with friends, this piece can be is a great excuse to put on a cute outfit!
My teenage fashionistas recently updated their wardrobes and purchased some fashion pieces that look very similar to clothing I wore two decades ago. Who would have known that velvet, chokers, ripped jeans, and bodysuits would have come back in style?
“Mom this is so cool. You need to wear this!” I cringed as we went through my closet and brought out some old moth bitten clothing. We talked about what I wore in nineties, and similar fashion that has been brought back to life. Unlike my daughters, I was very unattractive, wore bottle cap glasses, and had bleeding gums from my shi**y braces.
I love to hear their fresh take on what’s trending and where they love to shop. The nineties revival has taken a firm hold this season and here are some looks that my girls and I want to share with you!
Metallics brings me back to my night clubbing days…. This top is a great look for a party or night out and can be found at Top Shop.
We spotted lots of velvet on the catwalk at fashion week. Whether it’s a well cut dress, pants, or top, velvet is a chic and BIG this season. This comfortable chic dress is totally affordable and can be found at Tillys.
This simple velvet choker can be layered with metal necklaces for a cool rocker chick look. We love the endless selection of accessories found at Tillys.
Florals are HOT this season. My daughter Clarissa loves this adorable embroidered floral lace bodysuit from Charlotte Russe.
Whether oversized, leather, velvet, traditional, “da bomber” jacket is a big hit this winter. We love this reversible Tokyo jacket from Top Shop.
Here’s another flash back for yah. Yup…Mom jeans are TOTALLY in right now. My daughter Tori picked up a pair from PacSun.
Bodysuits are a timeless trend that is making a big comeback. My girls have been stocking up in different colors and styles. (long sleeve, short, tanks). This full tilt shine bodysuit can be found at Tillys.
Whether you you have a limited or big budget, you might wanna check your momma’s closet for some great fashion pieces this season.
I was the “Nineties Fashion Queen.” Okay… maybe not, but I felt royal after a few red solo cups of Boone’s Farm alcohol.
