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There are only a few more summer nights left!  School will start back up in a few weeks and so will routine and bedtimes and homework.  Ugh!  We feel your pain!  That’s why we want to offer a solution for the end-of-summer blues.  We want to help you bring your family together to create a few more summer memories before the tans fade and the lightning bugs go into hiding.  How about a movie night? Sound cliche? How about a few added bonus features?
What You’ll Need:

  • 3-5 bags of microwave popcorn or the equivalent of stovetop popcorn
    • We recommend PopSecret with Sea Salt for a microwave bag that tastes like stovetop
  • 3-5 popcorn bowls
  • 3-5 small bowls
  • Toppings: Get creative here!
    • Chocolate chips
    • M&Ms
    • Melted peanut butter
    • Melted chocolate
    • Reese’s Pieces
    • SnoCaps
    • Caramel sauce
  • Condiments:
    • Grated cheese (in a variety of flavors)
    • Cocoa powder
    • Chili powder

How You’ll Do It: 

  • Assign each of your kids to a job:
    1. Choose the movie: See the list below for old and new favorites.
    2. Pop the popcorn: If it’s stovetop, have an adult supervise.
    3. Pour toppings into bowls: Make sure there’s enough for everyone!
    4. Set up the Popcorn Bar: Use your kitchen table or a coffee table near the TV.
    5. Pass out bags or bowls to movie night attendees: This is a real event! You have to have a doorman!
  • Sit back, munch on your treats, and enjoy a movie with your whole family.

Don’t forget to snuggle on the couch.  There’s no better way to watch a movie than under a blanket, as close to each other as possible.  We admit, one of our favorite parts of this movie bonus feature is the easy clean up.  At the end of the night, put your bowls in the dishwasher and scrap the popcorn kernels.  Tuck your sleepy kids into bed with a kiss and a wonderful memory.
If you’re feeling adventurous, dig around in your attic for that old projector and screen and set it up on the back lawn.  Have everyone bring a blanket outside once the sun goes down and enjoy your popcorn under the moonlight.
Bonus Tip: Movie Ideas

  1. RV
  2. Robin Hood
  3. Despicable Me
  4. Big Fat Liar
  5. The Emperor’s New Groove
  6. It Takes Two
  7. The Goonies
  8. Hoot
  9. Air Bud
  10. The Land Before Time