Big Take Away From This January

Bus monitor with lots of time to think

January has been crazy busy, heartbreaking, and exhausting but my big take away for myself is love every minute of your life. You never know when it will change. It is something I have thought about always as a motherless daughter from the age of 12 and know that life is a blessing and that we cannot take one moment for granted.

This January a local mom has lost her husband leaving her with 3 kids. 2 local woman are really fighting for their lives with Cancer and now a dear friend's son is fighting for his life after a tree accident. 

My heart breaks for all of them. You never know how long you have and all you can do is your very best to lead a life of laughter, love, good deeds and try to be the best person you can be to others as much as yourself. 

Whatever you need that makes you happy is important. Sometimes it doesn't align with others in your life and then you need to come to a balance where everyone is getting what they want and need.

What we want and need is different. 

I want a million dollars. I need money to pay my bills. 

I want good health for as long as I can be here. I need to take care of myself.

I want a larger house with state of the art accessories, new furniture, flooring, windows. I need a roof over my head. 

Wanting is great but as long as your needs are being met you can work on the want BUT if your needs are not being met is is time for change. 

We are only here for a short time. Make every moment count. 

Stranger Things Set To Finally Return In November But Until Then You Can Travel Back To Hawkins With Jazwares

 

Get Ready To Travel Back To Hawkins: 

 

Jazwares Goes Deeper Into The Upside Down With Netflix’s Stranger Things To Launch All-New Toy Line

 

  From Action Figures and Playsets to Costumes, Toy Vehicles and Goodies for Pets 

 

January 29, 2025 - PLANTATION, FL — Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, and Netflix are teaming up to bring an all-new product collection for Stranger Things fans of all ages. Marking the first global master licensing agreement for Netflix and the iconic Stranger Things franchise, Jazwares will launch a robust product line inspired by the show’s beloved characters and themes from the highly anticipated Stranger Things 5 season and its animated series spinoff currently in the works.  

 

“After our Squishmallows x Stranger Things collection launched with massive fanfare, we knew we wanted to continue working with Netflix and raise our collaboration to the next level,” said Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President at Jazwares. “Knowing how influential and passionate the Stranger Things fandom is, we’re ready to team up with Netflix to bring fans a full line of products that will allow them to engage with the franchise like never before with authentically detailed figures, playsets, costumes, and more. As we all eagerly await the show’s final season and the brand-new animated series, we know fans are going to love our exceptional lineup.” 

 

“Stranger Things has made an indelible mark as a cultural phenomenon, transcending the screen and shaping global trends through 80’s nostalgia, music, food, fashion and so much more,” said Josh Simon, Vice President of Consumer Products, Netflix. “Coming together with an innovative partner like Jazwares to create the franchise’s first expansive toy line was a natural next step in giving fans around the world new ways to immerse themselves in the universe with the authenticity and storytelling elements they love.”

 

Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things debuted in July 2016 and quickly became among Netflix’s most popular television series ever with its fourth season alone amassing over 140.7 Million views globally. Rooted in 80's nostalgia, it has sparked a resurgence of pop culture items from the decade with every season, like Eggo waffles and New Coke.  The show breathed new life into Kate Bush’s track “Running Up That Hill” with the song  entering the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time in its 38-year history.  

 

Designed to delight all ages and fans around the world, the new Jazwares product collection  includes:

· Figures: Bold, detailed, and fully articulated action figures in a variety of styles, scales, and collectibility. Jazwares’ accessorized collectibles are ready to fight off the Demogorgons while inspiring a whole new dimension of play.

· Playsets and Environmental Sets: Dive into epic worlds crafted with precision and detail, perfect for every collection. Whether packed with features, accessories, vehicles, or figures, these playsets will authentically elevate Stranger Things play.

· Toy Vehicles: From show-inspired vehicles to daring BMX bicycles, these action-packed rides come in a variety of designs — some with features, some with figures, and some with extra accessories to amp up the adventure! Plus, radio-controlled options for a next-level experience.

· Plush: From feature-packed and co-branded plush of every size to iconic characters like the already-released Squishmallows x Stranger Things line, these plush figures are set to bring style to any sci-fi collection. 

· Costumes and Accessories: Stranger Things costumes are crafted for fans of all ages and are perfect for any occasion, from Halloween dress-up to everyday cosplay — even pets can join in with character and show-inspired costumes!

· Costumes and Dress-Up Toys: Step into the Upside Down with a variety of premium costumes and role-play toys (in North America)— ready for fans to add their own dress-up twist.

· Pet Toys and Accessories: Style your pets with a curated selection of toys and gear. From wearables to interactive toys, licking mats, beds, and even walking essentials like leashes and collars.

 

In 2024, Jazwares announced Squishmallows x Stranger Things, its first collaboration with the Netflix show in celebration of the final season. Ranging from 3.5 to 10 inches in size, beloved characters from the show like Eleven, The Demogorgon, and more are currently available as ultra-soft Squishmallows. Additional characters will be added to the line soon.

 

Stranger Things returns this year with its highly anticipated fifth and final season, and continues to deliver many ways for its global fandom to engage with the cultural phenomenon year-round, including: the Olivier-Award winning stage play: Stranger Things: The First Shadow which is making its Broadway debut this March; a Stranger Things animated series; a collection of books; the touring Stranger Things Experience; and a global assortment of lifestyle products and brand collaborations. Additionally, fans around the world celebrate November 6 - the day Will Byers went missing - as ‘Stranger Things Day,’ a special day to share their love for the world of Stranger Things.

 

For more information on the Stranger Things lineup and other products, visit Jazwares on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, and www.jazwares.com 

 

 

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ABOUT JAZWARES

Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows™, Pokémon™, Hello Kitty™, Star Wars™, Disney™, BumBumz™, and Adopt Me™. In addition to toys, offerings include virtual games, costumes, and pet products. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries. For more information, visit www.jazwares.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

ABOUT STRANGER THINGS

A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, STRANGER THINGS is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After a boy vanishes into thin air, his close-knit group of friends and family search for answers and are pulled into a high-stakes and deadly series of events. Beneath the surface of their ordinary town lurks an extraordinary supernatural mystery, along with top-secret government experiments and a dangerous gateway that connects our world to a powerful yet sinister realm. Friendships will be tested and lives will be altered as what they discover will change Hawkins and possibly the world — forever.

· CREATORS: The Duffer Brothers

· EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: The Duffer Brothers (Ross Duffer and Matt Duffer), Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen.

· CAST: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Priah Ferguson, Jamie Campbell Bower, Cara Buono, Amybeth McNulty, Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, Alex Breaux, and Linda Hamilton

· ASSETS: ST5 Title Tease | Media Center

 

Super Bowl Air Fryer Recipes That’ll Have ‘em Hungering for More

 My house is gearing up for this years Superbowl and there will be plenty of trash talking going on but when it comes to food we all agree. These Air Fryer recipes look amazing

5 Game Day Air Fryer Recipes Sure to Score

1. Air Fryer Loaded Potato Fries

Quick and easy loaded fries made in the air fryer is one of Cathy’s favorite party appetizers!

Ingredients

• 14 oz frozen French fries of choice
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• avocado oil
• 4 oz cotija cheese grated, or see recipe note
• ½ tomato diced
• ½ avocado diced
• 2 green onions sliced

Sauce

• ⅓ cup sour cream see note
• ½ teaspoon taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon sriracha sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer at 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
2. Place the fries in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with avocado oil and toss with taco seasoning.
3. Cook at 400°F/200°C for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes.
4. While the fries are cooking, grate the cotija cheese, whisk together the sauce ingredients, and chop the tomato, avocado, and green onions.
5. Once the fries are finished, remove them from the air fryer basket and line the basket with air fryer parchment paper.
6. Place the fries back into the air fryer basket and top the fries with the cheese.
7. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes at 350°F/175°C , or until the cheese is melted to your liking.
8. Carefully remove the fries. Leaving them on the parchment paper makes clean-up a snap!
9. Top the fries with tomatoes, avocados, and green onions, and sauce.

Recipe Notes

Cheese option: You can substitute for Colby Jack cheese if you want your fries to stick together more with that “cheese pull”.

Sauce option: You can use mayo instead of sour cream here if you want less of a sour cream sauce and more of a spicy fry sauce.

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2. Air Fryer Ham & Cheese Sliders

Score with these easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing ham and cheese sliders! Perfectly toasted in the air fryer with a delicious sweet and savory poppyseed glaze. 

 Ingredients

• 1 dozen Sweet Rolls or Hawaiian Rolls
• 3/4-1 pound honey ham sliced
• 8 slices swiss cheese or favorite cheese of your choice

Poppyseed Glaze Ingredients (see Recipe notes)

• ½ cup butter unsalted (if using salted omit the salt below)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon salt *omit if using salted butter
• 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking oil such as avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. I like to use oil in my reusable oil sprayer. If you don't have an oil sprayer (don't use PAM), brush oil onto the air fryer basket or use a piece of parchment paper.
2. Take the sweet rolls and cut them in half. Make sure to not break them apart.
3. Place the bottom layer into the air fryer basket. If your air fryer basket is smaller, then break apart the rolls until they fit in your air fryer basket.
4. Add a layer of half of the cheese to the bottom half of the sweet rolls.
5. Add a layer of the ham, the rest of the cheese, and then top the sandwiches with the top half of the sweet rolls.
6. In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and melt in the microwave. Add the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
7. With a baster brush, brush the tops of the rolls with the butter and seasoning mixture glaze. Pour any excess glaze in-between the nooks and crannies of the rolls.
8. Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 330 °F, or until cheese is melted and tops are browned to your liking.

Recipe Notes

Sub the poppy seeds for sesame seeds or dried onion and the ham for roast beef for a different flavor!

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3. Bacon Pineapple Air Fryer Appetizer

This bacon and pineapple appetizer made in the air fryer is everything you didn't know you needed. It is simple, quick and delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple, cubed or use canned/jarred, drained pineapple cubes.
• 1 pound bacon
• ½ cup brown sugar optional

Instructions

1. Roll and cover the pineapple in brown sugar if desired.
2. Wrap the pineapple in bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place in a lightly sprayed air fryer basket.
4. Cook at 400˚F/200˚C for 10 minutes, flipping at the halfway point.

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4. Perfect Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Marinade

This air-fried pork tenderloin with balsamic marinade makes sliders, tacos, or serve as a standalone dish—all with minimal prep and cleanup for your Super Bowl spread.

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin 1 to 1 1/2 pounds

Marinade Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Remove excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin.
2. Add balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, pepper, kosher salt, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder to a gallon-size, resealable bag. Shake to mix. Add the tenderloin to the bag, roll up to keep marinade on pork, and seal. Let it marinate refrigerated for at least 30 minutes, or as long as overnight for even better flavor.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F. Line the air fryer with air fryer parchment paper or spray with avocado oil. Place tenderloin on parchment and air fry at 400 °F for 10 minutes. Flip tenderloin, then cook for another 5-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145 °F. Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and size of tenderloin.
4. Remove tenderloin when done and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut into 1/2-inch slices and serve.

 

5. Simple and Easy Air Fryer Maple Bars

Air fryer maple bars are ready in just 15 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. A fluffy texture and homemade maple glaze make them a crowd-pleasing addition to any celebration!

Ingredients

• 1 Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits 8-count package

Maple Glaze

• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons maple extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer at 400 °F for 5 minutes.
2. Stretch out the dough into an oblong/donut bar shape. You can stretch it out a lot further than you think, especially if you want more crunchy donuts. But if you want more biscuit donuts, only stretch it out a little.
3. Place the biscuits (about 4) in the air fryer basket- no need to spray the basket.
4. Air fry for 5 minutes at 350 °F. You do not need to flip the donuts.
5. Let the donuts rest in the air fryer basket for about a minute or two. Then, transfer the donuts to a cooling rack or plate and let cool for 3-5 minutes.
6. Dip the donuts in the maple glaze. Let the glaze cool onto donuts for a couple of minutes or so. Then, enjoy!

Maple Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, add the butter and brown sugar until mostly melted and combined.
2. Whisk in the milk and heat for about 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring often, until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add in corn syrup and maple extract.
4. Add the powdered sugar a 1/2 cup at a time to the saucepan. Whisk with each addition, until it is smooth. Keep adding powdered sugar until it reaches desired consistency.
5. Once all powdered sugar is added, keep maple glaze warm on the stove, whisking occasionally. Because it will begin to harden if you leave it sitting (but we do want it to get thick). Add 1-2 tsp more milk if needed to help thin it out if it gets too thick and hard.
6. Whisk the maple glaze a little before you dip the donuts in it.

Recipe Notes

You can replace the corn syrup with honey.

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Widely regarded as the "Queen of Air Fryers," Cathy Yoder—a mother of eight—wanted to prove that air fryers could do more than reheat frozen foods and leftovers. So, she documented her journey on YouTube. Today she boasts over 742,000 YouTube followers and yet more across other socials, over 6 million video views and tens of thousands of cookbooks sold. At Yoder’s EmpoweredCooks.com multimedia platform, users have access to numerous resources: her "Air Fryer Recipes" cookbook filled with over 150 recipes; an array of specialized digital download air fryer recipe e-cookbooks; an air fryer cooking catalog with over 300 video recipes; cooking accessories; a transformative video course; and interactive “Cooking with Cathy” class sessions that happen live, in real time. Yoder also offers a curated selection of budget-friendly tools and resources through her online store, PineandPepper.co that provides an array of video instruction and other resources specific to the joy of air fryer cooking. Her FabulesslyFrugal.com platform is rife with recipes and tips on how to live a healthy, wealthy, wise life full of independence and confidence.

MOANA AND MAUI ARE BACK! DISNEY’S MOANA 2 ARRIVES ON DIGITAL JAN. 28 AND 4K UHD, BLU-RAY & DVD ON MAR. 18 #moana2

Can I Get a Chee Hoo? Be The First To Watch At Home –
Disney’s MOANA 2 is Now Available on Digital and Coming
to 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on Mar. 18

Discover New Adventures With Hours Of All-New Exclusive Bonus Extras
Including a Full Feature Sing-Along, Deleted Scenes, & Featurettes!

Watch New Trailer HERE

BURBANK, CA (January 28, 2025) – Gather your family to experience Moana and Maui’s latest adventure at home when Disney’s Moana 2 arrives to digital retailers (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) today and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 18. The highly anticipated sequel to the Walt Disney Animation Studios fan favorite is the #3 highest-grossing film of 2024 and recently crossed a billion dollars at the global box office. It is the fourth WDAS film ever to do so (Frozen, Zootopia, Frozen 2).

Critics and fans alike have hailed Disney’s Moana 2 as “a fantastic voyage” (Brian Truitt, USA Today), and “a joyous adventure the whole family will love” (BJ Colangelo, Slash Film). The digital and Blu-ray release goes far beyond with hours of exclusive bonus content for the whole family featuring a full-length Sing-Along version of the film, deleted scenes, featurettes and much more. The 4K UHD will be available in a collectible limited edition SteelBook® with custom artwork and packaging.

Film Synopsis
Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.

Bonus Features*
Full Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.

Call of the Wayfinder – Celebrate Pacific wayfinding with the Moana 2 filmmakers as they meet real-life navigators from the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Hear from Nainoa Thompson, CEO of PVS, and other crew members as they discuss the cultural renaissance of wayfinding.

A New Voyage – Join the filmmakers and artistic leads for a deep dive as they reveal the development of this sequel and discuss the impact that the first film had across the globe. Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson talk about what it means to them to return.

Songs of the Sea – Sit down with songwriters Abigail Barlow & Emily Bear, Pacific Islands music legend Opetaia Foa‘i, and composer Mark Mancina as they discuss making the music. Get to know this talented team as they share insight into writing each brand-new song.

Kakamora Chronicles – Ever wanted to know more about the Kakamora? Gather ’round while Moni, everyone’s favorite Motunui historian, tells the tales from real Solomon Island folklore surrounding the mysterious and unforgettable beings known as the Kakamora.

Fun in the Booth – Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors of Moana 2 for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life.

Deleted Scenes – Overall introduction to Deleted Scenes by directors David G. Derrick Jr, Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller.

• Call to Motufetū
• Late to the Party
• Crew’s In for a Bruisin’
• Help Wanted
• Odd Birds
• Reunited
• Simea’s Chant

Song Selection:

• “We’re Back”
• “Beyond”
• “Finding the Way”
• “What Could Be Better Than This”
• “Get Lost”
• “Can I Get a Chee Hoo”
• “Mana Vavau”
• “Beyond” Reprise
• “Finding the Way” Reprise

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

Cast
Auli’i Cravalho as Moana
Dwayne Johnson as Maui

Produced by
Christina Chen, Yvett Merino

Executive Producers
Jennifer Lee, Jared Bush and Dwayne Johnson

Written by
Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller

Directed by
David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller

Product Specifications
Release Date
Digital: January 28, 2025
Physical: March 18, 2025

Product SKUs
Digital: 4K UHD, HD, SD
Digital Bundle: Moana & Moana 2 2-Movie Collection (4K UHD, HD, SD)
Physical: Limited-Edition Collectible SteelBook (4K UHD, Blu-ray, Digital with SteelBook Packaging), Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD+ Digital), DVD, Moana& Moana 2 2-Movie Collection DVD

Feature Run Time
Approx. 140 minutes

Rating
U.S.: Rated PG

Disc Size
4K UHD Blu-ray: 66GB
Blu-ray: 50GB
DVD: 8.5GB

Aspect Ratio
Physical: 2.00:1
Digital: 16:9 (2.00)

Audio
4K: English Dolby Atmos, Spanish and French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital
Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital
DVD: English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby, English AD 2.0 Dolby
Digital: English Dolby Atmos (UHD only, some platforms), Spanish and French 7.1 Dolby Digital, English, Spanish and French Dolby 5.1, English, Spanish and French 2.0 Dolby Digital and English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital

Subtitles
4K: English SDH, Spanish and French
Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish and French
DVD: English SDH, Spanish and French
Digital: English SDH, Spanish and French