Grow Movie Family Friendly Review

Movies 

Movie Review: GROW the Film 

There’s a new family-friendly movie opening today in theaters nationwide that’s just in time for pumpkin spice season and Halloween. Announcing the big-screen release of GROW, a film that kids and parents will enjoy seeing together which is full of the coziness of a hot pumpkin spice latte as well as a funny and entertaining alternative for those families who prefer not to watch scary movies. 

Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing advance access to this movie for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

The Latest in Kids Fall Entertainment

If you’re looking for a wholesome, feel-good movie to celebrate fall, GROW will warm your heart and leave you smiling. The story centers around Charlie, an imaginative and curious young girl who discovers the magic of nature in her own backyard when one of the pumpkins she's growing for the town pumpkin contest, an adorably named pumpkin named Peter, starts to talk. What begins as a small gardening project blossoms into a delightful adventure about friendship, patience, and learning to care for something that depends on you. 

Charlie’s bond with Peter the pumpkin is what makes this film truly special. Their conversations are both funny and full of gentle life lessons that resonate with kids and adults alike. Peter isn’t just a talking pumpkin—he’s a reminder that growth, whether it’s a plant or a person, takes time, care, and love. Parents will appreciate the film’s deeper message about nurturing responsibility and the importance of protecting the environment. 

Check out the

GROW Movie Trailer

The colorful fall scenery, from golden leaves to pumpkin patches, creates the perfect cozy autumn vibe, while the film’s gentle humor keeps even the youngest viewers entertained. The animation (or, if live action, the practical effects) brings Peter to life in a way that feels real and magical at the same time—think a friendlier cousin to Olaf from the movie Frozen, but made of pumpkin and kindness. 

Beyond its entertainment value, GROW quietly teaches kids about sustainability, gardening, and appreciating the natural world. Charlie’s enthusiasm for planting seeds and caring for his little garden patch is contagious -- you might just find your own children asking to grow something after watching this movie! 

GROW Kids Activity Book

8 Pages of FUN FREE Printable

Ideas to discuss at home after seeing GROW together

• The Power of Patience: How did Charlie learn that growing things takes time and effort? What other parts of life need patience too? 
• Friendship and Caring: What does Peter teach Charlie about being a good friend and taking care of others? 
• Love for the Earth: How can your family help the environment like Charlie did in the movie? 

Some fun kids activities inspired by the movie 

• Plant a Pumpkin Patch: Get hands-on by planting pumpkin seeds. Kids will love checking each day to see how their plants “grow,” just like Charlie. 
• Make Recycled Planters: Reuse old milk cartons, jars, or yogurt cups as planters. Let kids decorate them with paint or markers to personalize their “Peter the Pumpkin” pots. 
• Start a Compost Pile or Recycling Bin: Start a family compost bin or set up recycling containers to learn how to reduce waste and help the planet. 
• Outdoor Gratitude Walk: Take a family stroll through a local park or your neighborhood to appreciate nature and discuss what you’re thankful for this season.

With its uplifting message, relatable lovable characters, and gorgeous autumn visuals, GROW is sure to become a new seasonal favorite. If you'd like to plan a fall family movie night out, this heartwarming film reminds us that the smallest seeds—of kindness, care, and curiosity—can grow into something truly beautiful. 

More About the Movie 

To learn more about GROW the film, visit the official movie website as well as follow the film on social media @GrowTheFilm on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Find a theater near you and Buy Tickets Now.

Fall Fashion Accessory Trends for Moms

Style

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor

Mommy Blog Expert

MBE partnered with Responsival for this story, post contains affiliate links

Fall 2025 Styling Inspo for Busy Moms

Now that the kids are back to school, and you're finally done with the endless shopping lists for your children this fall, it's time to shift your focus back to you. 

Whether you are an on-the-go stay-at-home mom juggling playdates or a working mom balancing career and family, fall is the perfect season to freshen up your everyday looks. With cooler days ahead, you don't need a total wardrobe overhaul -- just a little mix-and-match magic using what you already own with a few well-chosen new versatile pieces.

7 Mom-friendly Fall Trends You'll Love

Here are this fall's top fashion trends to easily mix in with your current wardrobe and that you’ll actually love wearing, without sacrificing comfort or your sanity.

Classic Earrings

Jewelry is one the easiest and fastest ways to elevate your look, whether you’re just wearing jeans and a T-shirt or something more appropriate for the office. This season, classic gold stud earrings are leading the pack in style. This accessory is timeless and polished, perfect for PTA meetings or a Zoom call at work.

Layered Chains

Another jewelry trend that’s mom-friendly is layered necklaces. Wondering how to layer necklaces like some of the most fashionable new generation celebrities? Start with one or two chains ideally with different types of links that you may already own, then add one or more new ones with a subtle charm detail to create a pulled-together look without trying too hard.

Relaxed Wide-Leg Pants

Skinny jeans, especially for moms, may be taking a back seat this fall. Wide-leg jeans flatter most figure types, making them perfect for dressing up or down. In fact, this season's trendiest women's pants are not just available as jeans, you can buy them in-store and online at both major department stores and boutiques, in gorgeous, flowing, soft fabrics comfortable enough for school pickup yet sharp enough for a day at the office. Pair them with sneakers, ankle boots or comfy flats for easy versatility.

Cozy Knit Tops in Earth Tones

Pastels as well as warm browns, muted greens, and soft rusts are everywhere this fall. Instead of buying all new sweaters, pull out those old favorites and add one or two updated knit pullover sweaters in your favorite trending color. There are so many ways to wear sweaters, tucked in or out. They're cozy, forgiving, and perfect for layering with tee tops, collared shirts and blouses, too.

Structured Tote Bags

Moms need bags that can do it all, that keep you organized, not to mention provide space to spare for carrying kids' stuff. Stylish, structured practical totes are trending this season and are roomy enough to stash snacks, files, a tablet and smartphone, perhaps even your new iPhone 17. If you already have a neutral leather tote, this is a great opportunity to bring it out of your closet and back into rotation or invest in a good quality leather, beautiful, roomy new shopper bag that will last for years.

Flats with a Twist

Flats are another practical must-have example of trendy accessories for busy moms. This fall, women's footwear is making a major comeback with ballet flats -- featuring details like square toes and Mary Jane ankle straps -- in nearly every texture, metallic finishes, and embroidered details. Ankle boots with low heels are again popular with moms this season. Another favorite timeless mom footwear many of us moms opt to wear are sneakers which are now available in a wide range of styles beyond just walking or running shoes. I just love these Square Lace-up Satin Sneakers which are so pretty, yet practical. Any of these shoe options are all comfy enough for running errands yet polished enough for office wear, whether you're wearing pants, a dress, or suit set.

Scarves Add a Touch of Style

Scarves are an old favorite, with bold, conversation starter patterns trending right now. Think art-inspired scarves as well as classic oversized plaids or contemporary abstract prints in silk and a variety of other fabrics and textures. Tie one around your neck, head, or waist, or simply toss a scarf over your daytime or office basics and suddenly you’ve got a fresh, fashion-forward outfit with almost zero effort. There are so many creative ways to use scarves to elevate your look: tie a scarf nine ways around your neck or get creative and turn a colorful scarf into a hair accessory, swap out a belt and wrap a scarf around your waist or even tie a scarf on your bag as a charm. 

You Deserve to Look and Feel Good This Fall

Being a mom means your schedule is packed, but that doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to feel stuck in a rut. With just a few new trendy pieces and some rediscovered gems from your own closet, you can step into fall looking stylish yet practical. Remember: fashion should be fun, not stressful. And it doesn't need to be expensive. So embrace what works for you and your budget, to mix in a little of what’s trending, and enjoy the confidence you'll feel looking so put together without trying too hard. 

The Short Game Family Movie Review

Movies

Movie Review: The Short Game

A Heartwarming Faith-Based Story About Family, Sacrifice, and What Really Matters

Looking for a wholesome movie the whole family to see together? Every once in a while, a movie comes along that does more than just entertain -- it touches your heart, a reminder to parents and kids about life’s most important lessons. The Short Game (2024) is that film. 

MBE partnered with Momentum Influencers for this review

Opening in Theaters August 29, 2025

Rooted in faith and family values, the storyline for The Short Game movie follows Jeremy, a high school golfer who is a contender for the Texas State Golf Championship. As the film opens he seems destined for greatness on the golf course, but as the story unfolds, we discover this motion picture isn’t really about golf at all. It's about something much larger: the importance of patience, sacrifice, and kindness and how sometimes the biggest victories aren’t measured by sports trophies.

Check out The Short Game's 

Movie Trailer

From the very beginning, viewers are drawn into Jeremy’s world. He is laser-focused on winning the state tournament, practicing endlessly and pushing himself to be the best. His constant companion is Ethan, his younger brother who is autistic. Their relationship starts out rather distant with Jeremy so consumed by the game that he struggles to pay attention to his brother and to connect with Ethan’s needs and unique way of experiencing the world.

But slowly, through small and tender moments, we see a transformation. Jeremy begins to notice his brother’s quiet wisdom, his resilience, and the joy he brings in unexpected ways. Ethan, in turn, shows Jeremy the true meaning of patience and compassion. The dynamic between these two brothers becomes the emotional heartbeat of the movie.

By the time the film builds to its climactic final tournament, Jeremy is faced with a life-changing decision. Will he chase the championship title he has dreamed about for years, or will he make the ultimate sacrifice for Ethan—choosing family over fame? The way he responds is both inspiring and humbling. His choice demonstrates a character of true integrity, showing audiences, especially young people, that doing the right thing is always more important than personal glory.

With beautiful cinematography, authentic performances, and a script that feels both heartfelt and grounded, The Short Game resonates deeply with families. Parents, teens, and even younger children will walk away reflecting on what it really means to love unconditionally. For families raising kids with special needs, the film is especially powerful, offering a moving portrait of inclusion, of sibling relationships and the unique bonds that grow when kindness leads the way.

Ultimately, The Short Game isn’t much about golf—it’s mostly about life. It’s about faith, family, and the sacrifices we’re willing to make for the people we love. And it’s about recognizing that true victory is not found in medals or championships, but in putting others first.

If you’re looking for a movie that uplifts, inspires, and sparks meaningful conversations at the dinner table, The Short Game is a must-see. This is a film that parents will want to watch with their kids, and grandparents will be glad to share with the whole family. A beautiful reminder that at the end of the day, love always wins.

More About the Movie

To learn more about The Short Game, visit the official movie website as well as follow the film on social media @theshortgame on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.