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12 Whimsical, Fun, and Clean Movies for When You’re Feeling Down | Wealth of Geeks

Post By Money Making 12 Whimsical, and Clean Movies for When You’re Feeling Down, Fun, Wealth of Geeks

As a nice gesture, a man took to the internet to hunt for suggestions for whimsical, fun, and clean movies that would cheer up his sick wife. These are the top 12 movies these film enthusiasts suggested. One of them may help you feel better today, too.

1. Best in Show (2000)

Photo Credit: Warner Brothers.

This mockumentary is a delightful and hilarious examination of the quirky and competitive world of dog shows. The film is populated with an array of eccentric characters, from a yuppie couple who are overly concerned with their dog’s diet to a middle-aged couple who have dressed their beloved terrier in an array of ridiculous costumes.

2. Legally Blonde (2001)

This modern classic has become a cult favorite for its upbeat and empowering message. The film centers around Elle Woods, a seemingly shallow sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. However, as she navigates the challenges of law school, Elle discovers her true potential and learns to embrace her intelligence and ambition. Reese Witherspoon delivers a delightful and charismatic performance as Elle, and the film is full of memorable moments and witty one-liners.

3. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

This Wes Anderson film is a whimsical and poignant coming-of-age story that will enchant audiences of all ages. Set on a picturesque island off the coast of New England in the 1960s, the film tells the story of two young misfits who fall in love and run away together, sparking a search party and causing chaos in their small town.

The film captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, as well as the heartache and confusion of adolescence. Through the eyes of its young protagonists, Moonrise Kingdom reminds us of the beauty and magic of life, even amid its struggles and sorrows.

4. Coraline (2009)

This stop-motion animated film is a dark and enchanting fairy tale that is beautiful and terrifying. Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, the film tells the story of a young girl who discovers a mysterious parallel world behind a secret door in her new home. But the world is not what it seems, and she must fight to save herself and her family from a sinister and manipulative other mother.

Coraline is a masterful blend of fantasy, horror, and humor, and its stunning visuals and haunting score create an atmosphere of wonder and dread. While it does have some darker moments, it ultimately explores the power of imagination and the importance of family.

5. Juno (2007)

Blank 1600 x 900 47 — Image Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

This charming and offbeat comedy-drama is a refreshing and heartfelt exploration of teenage pregnancy and its aftermath. The film stars Elliot Page as Juno, a quirky, confident teenager who becomes pregnant and decides to give the baby up for adoption. Along the way, she bonds with prospective parents and learns valuable lessons about love, responsibility, and growing up.

6. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy — Image Credit: Cinesite/Touchstone Pictures.

This science fiction comedy is a hilarious and irreverent romp through the galaxy that is sure to delight fans of Douglas Adams’ beloved book series. The film follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, a hapless earthling who finds himself thrust into a universe of bizarre creatures and wacky situations. Along the way, he befriends a depressed robot, falls in love with an astrophysicist, and learns the ultimate answer to the question of life, the universe, and everything.

7. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

This uplifting and visually stunning film is a modern retelling of James Thurber’s classic short story. The film stars Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty, a meek and unassuming man who escapes his mundane life through vivid daydreams of adventure and romance. But when his job and the future of his magazine are threatened, Walter embarks on a real-life adventure that takes him from the streets of New York to the mountains of Iceland.

8. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Ferris Buellers Day Off Paramount PIctures — Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a classic teen comedy. It’s a lighthearted and joyous celebration of rebellion and fun. The film stars Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller, a charismatic and mischievous high school student who convinces his best friend and girlfriend to skip school and spend the day exploring Chicago. Along the way, they dodge their principal, visit art museums, and sing in a parade.

9. Liar Liar (1997)

This Jim Carrey comedy is a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of the consequences of lying. The film stars Carrey as Fletcher Reede, a slick and successful lawyer who is forced to tell the truth for 24 hours after his son makes a birthday wish that his dad can’t lie. What follows is a series of comedic misadventures as Fletcher struggles to navigate his personal and professional life without the ability to lie.

10. 50 First Dates (2004)

50 First Dates Adam Sandler Drew Barrymore Rob Schneider — Image Credit: Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.

In this romantic comedy, you’ll be charmed by a beautiful love story. The film stars Adam Sandler as Henry Roth, a veterinarian who falls in love with Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), a woman with short-term memory loss who can’t remember him the next day. In an effort to win her heart, Henry must woo her every day, and he finds himself falling more and more in love with her each time.

11. Ratatouille (2007)

This Pixar animated film is a whimsical and heartwarming tale about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef in a fancy French restaurant. The film follows Remy as he befriends a hapless kitchen worker named Linguini and helps him become a renowned chef, all while keeping his true identity as a rat hidden.

Ratatouille is filled with stunning visuals and imaginative set pieces, from the bustling kitchen to the bustling streets of Paris. What makes Ratatouille so special is its message about the power of following your dreams and the importance of embracing your true self.

12. Jumanji (1995)

Jumanji animals — Source: Columbia Pictures/Tristar Pictures

Jumanji is a thrilling ride through a magical board game that comes to life. The film stars Robin Williams as Alan Parrish, a man who has been trapped in the game for 26 years and is released by two siblings who accidentally start playing the game. The film is filled with heart-pumping action and edge-of-your-seat suspense as the characters must navigate through dangerous jungle environments and confront fearsome wild animals.

This thread inspired this post.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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Fun Things to Do in Denver – And Then We Saved

Post By Money Making Cheap Things To Do in Denver, Fun, things to do in denver, Wealth of Geeks

Denver, Colorado, is a vibrant and exciting city with much to offer. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are endless fun, cheap things to do in Denver that will keep you entertained and engaged.

Firstly, let’s clear up some misconceptions about Denver’s climate. Despite being nestled in the base of the mountains, Denver is surprisingly sunny and gets around 300 days of sun per year. While winters are mild, there’s still plenty of snow for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Let these fun and inexpensive things to do in Denver inspire you to see the Mile High City.

Things to Do in Denver: Tips to Explore Like a Local

Familiarize yourself with this list of Denver neighborhoods that will help you find your way around.
The mountains are West, so everyone uses them as a reference point when figuring out where things are located (you can do it too, and then you’ll practically be a local.)
Downtown Denver is on a diagonal, and the rest of the city is not.
Denver is a mile high above sea level, so learn about altitude sickness to recognize and treat it if you experience symptoms.
Pick up a free Westword Newspaper from one of the red newspaper stands to get the low-down on events happening while you’re in town. Or, check them out online to find events before your visit.
Grab a 5280 Magazine, named for Denver’s altitude, for a more in-depth look at stories and events happening in Denver.

1. Denver International Airport to Downtown Denver

Denver International Airport (DIA) is 23 miles from the city. A cab or ride share will run approximately $55 each way.

You can also take the RTD SkyRide bus from the airport to downtown Denver, which is approximately a one-hour ride. The RTD SkyRide runs about every hour, so check out the schedule as you plan your travel.

The light rail is another option to get from the airport to downtown Denver Colorado.

Denver’s Controversial Landmark

Be sure to look at the controversial raging blue horse Mustang when you’re coming or going. You can get a better view when you’re departing the airport. The city of Denver commissioned this piece of art, and people either love it or hate it.

Some see the sculpture as a kitschy play on Denver’s cow-town image. Some dark Denver history: the 32-foot horse killed sculptor Luis Jimenez when it fell on him during the creation of the sculpture.

2. The 16th Street Mall

The 1.7-mile-long 16th Street Mall is the longest outdoor mall in the United States. If you don’t feel like walking, a free hop-on-and-off shuttle runs the length of the mall.

Don’t miss spots include Tattered Cover and Larimer Square.

The Denver Pavilions

The Denver Pavilions is considered the heart of the 16th Street Mall. There are tons of shops, a movie theater, and a bowling alley. Don’t miss the I Heart Denver Store for non-cheesy souvenirs and other items made by local artists.

Find up and down escalators on either side of the Denver Pavilions. There’s one set of public restrooms on the second floor.

3. Quirky Art: The Blue Bear and More

Denver has a love of substantial blue animals. This piece of public art is titled “I See What You Mean” and comes in at 40 feet high. Sculptor Lawrence Argent created it. This bear is so adorable as he peers into the large front windows of the Denver Convention Center.

Want to see more quirky art? Look for the two huge, white naked, dancing aliens right around the corner from the Denver Convention Center, right behind the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

4. Visit The Brown Palace Hotel

Walking into The Brown Palace Hotel lobby at 17th Street and Tremont is a treat. Fancy wallpaper lines the walls, and a vast circular staircase goes up to the ceiling, with the opening in the center serving as the hotel’s lobby. The Brown Palace also serves high tea in the lobby every afternoon. We recommend reservations.

Fun history: President Theodore Roosevelt was reported to be a big fan of The Brown Palace and visited often. There are rumored to be underground tunnels linking the hotel to a brothel so “men of means” could visit them without being seen.

5. Visit the U.S. Mint Denver Facility

Take a tour of the Denver Mint and see money being processed. Reserve tours in advance and check the website for current visitor information.

6. Denver Food Trucks in Civic Center Park

Food trucks park in Civic Center and serve lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. They are set up through the end of September.

7. Ride the #15 Bus

Are you looking for an urban adventure and some active people-watching? Would you like to see some real-life, grittier Denver in action? Then this is just the thing you need. Catch the 15 right outside of Civic Center Station. This bus runs up and down Colfax Avenue. This is the most notorious bus route in Denver.

8. See Denver’s Art Scene

Check out the following art museums and other spaces to enjoy art.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

Check out the permanent exhibits and special events here.

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum has a variety of exhibits and special events throughout the year. The Denver Art Museum is the only U.S. art museum that displayed the Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective exhibit.

Clyfford Still Museum

This museum features the abstract art of Clyfford Still.

Denver Art Districts

There are seven art districts in Denver, each with a different vibe. The one closest to downtown is the Santa Fe art district.

9. Check out the Downtown Aquarium

While Denver’s Downtown Aquarium is not a free activity, there are bundled prices that can make checking this out more affordable. The Downtown Aquarium is part of Denver’s City Pass and kids two and under are admitted free.

10. Eat Breakfast

Here are some of Denver’s favorite breakfast spots to check out. Pro tip: To avoid a long wait, go during the week or before 9:30 am on the weekends.

11. See the Sunset From Linger Restaurant’s Rooftop Patio

Linger’s is a fantastic place to see the sunset over Denver’s skyline. It is in the popular LoHi neighborhood, just a short walk from Union Station over the Pedestrian Bridge. The meals at Linger can be on the pricier side, but they have a good Happy Hour food menu.

Fun fact: The building used to house Olinger Mortuaries. The new owner dropped the O when it became a restaurant. They even cleverly turned the word “Mortuaries” into “Eateries” on the massive sign on their amazing rooftop patio. That worked out well.

12. Must Visit Restaurants & Bars in Denver

There’s a little bit of everything here, from diners to upscale to great places to get coffee.

13. Shopping and More On Broadway and South Broadway

Catch the 0 bus from Civic Center Station to check out:

14. Explore the Cherry Creek Regional Trail

If you need a break from the city, you can check out the Cherry Creek Regional Trail which is part of a massive network of 850 miles of paved paths that run through the city. The Platte River runs along the path, and there are always plenty of people walking, roller-blading, and biking during the day.

15. Ride a B-cycle

The B-Cycles are these bright red cruiser-style bikes and you can ride them for up to 30 minutes for free. You’ll find B-cycle stations throughout the entire city.

Pro tip: No bikes allowed on 16th Street Mall.

16. Visit a Local Farmers Market

Mix with the locals and check out fresh produce and other items at one of the area’s many farmer’s markets. The full list can be found here.

27. History Colorado Center

If you’ve already fallen in love with Colorado, you can learn everything there is to know at the the History Colorado Center.

18. Explore Denver’s Parks

Denver has over 200 city and mountain parks. Local favorites include Washington Park and Cheesman Park, formerly a cemetery. The bodies were removed and relocated so the city could turn the space into a park where people now run and play frisbee. Unsurprisingly, Cheesman Park is rumored to be haunted.

Pro tip: The Denver Botanic Gardens is next to Cheesman Park and is worth checking out.

19. See Colorado Rockies Baseball on the Cheap

The Rockpile is a 2,300 seat bleacher section behind centerfield. The seats are no frills but they’re inexpensive and a bargain at just $4 per person. Guests 12 and under or over 55 get $1 tickets.

20. Visit the Animals at the Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is great for an inexpensive day out. Visitors are allowed to bring their own food in the zoo, which may save you money on lunch.

Pro tip: City Park, designed to be like New York City’s Central Park, is right by the Denver Zoo! You can look at the city skyline behind the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which is also worth checking out.

21. Day Trips from Denver

If you have more time, consider planning one of these great day trips:

Red Rocks Amphitheater

See a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater, located just 15 miles from Denver. Check the schedule to see what films and events might be going on. If you visit Denver at Easter, there’s a sunrise church service.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is 66 miles from Denver. Fun fact: Colorado has a total of four national parks.

Winter Park

Winter Park is a cute mountain town 67 miles from Denver. Winter Park stays busy in both the summer and the winter. Don’t miss the Alpine Slide.

Boulder

Boulder is 30 miles from Denver. Take the “B” bus from Market Street Station. The ride will take approximately 40 minutes. Be sure to check out Pearl Street Mall.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks Travel.

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30 Spring Crafts for Kids That Are Simple, Fun, and Sweet | Wealth of Geeks

Post By Money Making 30 Spring Crafts for Kids That Are Simple, and Sweet, Fun, spring crafts for kids, Wealth of Geeks

Spring is here, and it’s time to get out the craft supplies to celebrate. Spring crafts for kids are a great way to connect with kids of all ages.

I love setting up a craft table on the back porch. That way, we get to enjoy the beautiful weather and a bit of creativity.

These spring craft ideas include gardens, animals, flowers, rain, bugs, and butterfly creations. Add a few creative art pieces to your kindergarten, preschool, or toddler springtime activities plan.

On another note: crafty fun might be the perfect reason to take a break from spring cleaning.

Spring Crafts Perfect for Gardeners

Many of us think of gardening when springtime starts to show its face. These crafts are a great way to excite your kids about the garden. While they are simple enough for the kids to enjoy, you might join in! You can always pair these spring crafts with a gardening joke or two.

1. DIY Seed Paper

Make seed paper hearts using the seeds you’re about to plant to add something extra. All you need is tissue paper, scissors, and a dab of glue.

2. Flower Pot Dessert

Celebrate spring with an art project everyone can eat. Fill a pot (cleaned thoroughly) with chocolate pudding and crunched-up chocolate cookies. Stick an artificial flower in the “dirt” and add a couple of gummy worms to the top layer.

3. Terrarium Necklace

A mini terrarium necklace screams spring craft for kids! It brings nature right to your heart, and it’s unique. You’ll need mini glass jars, seeds, dirt, and twine.

4. Garden Markers

Rock garden markers are a great way to ensure you know where your vegetables will sprout. Paint rocks using acrylic paint and thin paintbrushes. Write out the name of each item planted in your garden, or paint a picture instead. Make sure to add a varnish to protect your creation.

5. Build a Bird Feeder

Get fancy by setting up a space with wood scraps and nails so the kids can create a bird feeder from scratch. Or stop at your local craft store and pick up a premade birdfeeder to paint. Either way, your little one will have fun filling it with birdseed and watching birds all spring. We once had a bird family build a nest in our feeder. That year brought us sweet spring memories.

Rain Crafts for a Rainy Day

April showers bring… lots of inside days! I’m a mom who likes to play outside, and, when the opportunity presents itself, will indulge my kids (and my inner child) in a spot of puddle splashing. After drying off inside, these rain and rainbow crafts are perfect spring crafts on a rainy day.

6. Umbrella Craft

This craft includes things you most likely have on hand. Cut a paper plate into the shape of an umbrella top; use pipe cleaners or yarn for the handle and cotton swab tips for the raindrops (you can soak them in blue food coloring). Your little artist can arrange the pieces on construction paper, glue them, and color them however they want.

7. Rainbow Collage

Draw the outline of a rainbow on a white piece of paper (or have your kids do it themselves). Next, set out construction paper (use all the rainbow colors), scissors, and glue. Let your kids cut colored pieces and attach them to the rainbow.

8. Rainy Rainbow Canvas

This one you have to see to believe. It would be a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Start by gluing crayons in rainbow order at the top of a canvas. Warm the canvas in the oven or with a high-heat hair dryer. When the crayons melt, they drip down the rainbow melted crayon. Add a picture of your little one holding an umbrella when the canvas cools, and the crayon wax is set.

9. Umbrella Props

Using toilet paper rolls, some paper, and yarn, make an umbrella craft that you can use to protect your kids’ favorite little dolls from a pretend rain storm.

10. Gravity Painting

Mix science and art with a bit of rain cloud gravity painting. You’ll need cardstock, liquid watercolors, eye droppers, cotton balls, and glue. You’ll also need something to prop the paper up with so the watercolors can run down the page.

Flower Crafts Any Gardener Will Love

It’s hard to think about spring crafts for kids and not think about flowers. These flower crafts and a few spring jokes will surely make your whole family smile.

11. Tissue Paper Tulips

Spend time working with your little crafters to tear up tissue paper into tiny scraps. Cut the shape of a simple tulip out of contact paper. Tear off one side of the contact paper backing and have your kids place the tissue paper pieces onto the sticky side. Once finished, you can stick it straight to the window.

12. Paint With Flowers

Collect a few flowers while walking or buy some from the store. Set up a creative space with paint and paper. Let your little ones paint with flowers.

13. Flower Stamps

Use toilet paper rolls to make flower stamps. All you need to do is cut strips of different sizes in the top 1/3 of a toilet paper roll. Next, fold back the cut pieces to create a flower-like design. Dip the stamp in paint, then stamp it onto paper.

14. Adorable Fake Flowers

If you can get your hands on spring-colored cupcake liners, you can make the cutest cupcake flowers. You’ll need glue, paper straws, or pipe cleaners for the stem and pom poms for the center.

15. Potato Flower Stamp

There are many ways to use a potato as a stamp. This spring craft is perfect for toddlers or young preschoolers. Cut a potato in half, and use the raw side as a large petal. The potato stamp flower will be simple and can stay the head of a flower, or you can add a stem with paper or a different paint color.

Butterfly Crafts That Make Beautiful Art

Butterflies exquisitely embody the essence of spring. These floating beauties of the insect realm easily inspire creativity and are adored by children the world over.

16. Colorful Butterfly

Use a thick marker to draw a large butterfly shape on the clear side of contact paper. Peel off the paper to reveal the sticky side. Let your kids add sequins, cardstock scraps, and pom poms to create a colorful butterfly.

17. Sun Catcher Butterfly

This spring craft is very similar to the one above. Use tissue paper this time and stick it to the window.

18. Coffee Filter Butterfly

Start with coffee filters. Color them with felt markers and wet them so the color spreads. Or use liquid watercolors to paint them. You can cut them into butterfly shapes, draw a butterfly shape outline for your kids to cut, or let them get creative with the shape. Add a middle section with a coffee filter stick butterfly or a clothespin butterfly.

19. Butterfly Puppet

A craft that can become a toy has always been my favorite! Make butterfly puppets with a paper lunch bag and cut out butterfly pieces.

20. Butterfly Prints

Pair a lesson on symmetry with crafting and create butterfly prints. You can use an online image search or a butterfly book from the library for inspiration. Fold a piece of paper in half. Draw a butterfly with the center of the butterfly on the paper crease. Have your little crafter paint only one side of the butterfly. While the paint is still wet, fold the paper and gently press the sides together. Open and enjoy.

Bug Crafts for a Creepy Crawl Craft Time

Butterflies aside, you may not love all the insects that start showing up in the spring. Nonetheless, you’ll have a hard time resisting these cute bug crafts.

21. Paper Plate Ladybug

Use two paper plates, black paint, red paint, a black foam sheet, and some googly eyes to create an adorable ladybug. Cut one of the paper plates in half. Paint the halves red, and once they are dry, add black dots. Paint the full paper plate black. When all the paint is dry, glue the red plates onto the black plate in the shape of wings. Add the black foam and googly eyes to the top to make a little ladybug face.

22. Paper Plate Bee

Since you already have the paper plates, you can create another garden favorite. Use yellow and black paint to create a bumble bee on a paper plate, then add googly eyes and a pipe cleaner antenna.

23. Ladybug Paper Craft

Very similar to the paper plate ladybug, use construction paper to make a ladybug paper craft.

24. Buggy Bookmarks

Lay out some markers and some craft sticks. Encourage your kids to create bug drawing on craft sticks. These make great bookmarks you can use or give away as springtime gifts! I have one from years ago that I like to get out every spring. It has a picnic blanket background and adorable little marker-drawn ants crawling all over.

25. Egg Carton Caterpillar

Cut down egg cartons to the size you want the caterpillars to be. Similar to the bookmarks craft above, set up a creative table with markers, glue, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and paint. Let your artist create a caterpillar from their imagination.

Adorable Baby Animal Crafts

While you’re working together to create some lovable baby animals, add a few animal jokes to make the experience even more fun.

26. Lamb Puppets

These lambs can be used for decoration or a puppet show. Make the lamb puppets by cutting a fluffy shape (think of a cloud) out of white paper and a simple lamb head out of black paper. Glue the head into the center. Glue a craft stick to the back.

27. Chick Craft

Make paper plate chicks with one paper plate, some yellow paint, yellow and orange construction paper, and googly eyes. If your kids are working on the skill of cutting, you can make templates for the pieces (circle for the head and small triangles for the beak and feet) out of cardstock. They will then trace and cut the pieces before going the chick together.

28. Animal Press

Add a few small animals to playdough play. Make a ball with the dough and then flatten it with your hand. Press the toy animal into the dough and carefully pull it up. This can be a fun spring activity to do over and over or turn into a craft by letting the dough dry.

29. Cotton Ball Bunny

Make a cotton ball bunny using construction paper cut into a bunny shape, cotton balls, and glue. Keep it simple, or add paint or paper eyes, ears, and tail.

30. Shadow Animals

Set up toy animals near a sunny window. Place paper over the shadow created and trace the animal’s shadow. You can also do this on the driveway with chalk.

This article was produced by Wealth of Geeks.

Jill Riley created her blog ConfidenceMeetsParenting.com to help other parents build their confidence one moment at a time. The main focus of her blog is laughter, connection, and celebration of all the small wins.

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