A new month, a new bunch of kids shows and movies coming to Netflix for November! Get ready for new seasons of Netflix classics, along with timely holiday films and more joining the streaming service.

While you may shed a tear over some of the departures, there are plenty of new shows and movies to get excited about. Here are our picks for November!

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Netflix

The wait is over! She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, an original Netflix reboot is here! Join magical warrior, She-Ra as she transforms from an orphan girl into a major girl power icon who takes on evil with her gal pals. For the honor of Grayskull!

Episodes finally drop on Nov. 16.

Trolls: The Beat Goes On! Season 4

Netflix

Netflix's original show Trolls: The Beat Goes On is back with season four! Poppy, Mr. Dinkles, Smidge and Branch are all back for more fun in troll village. Tune in for Poppy's peppy attitude and watch the game help out Guy Diamond and his new invention, among many other adventures in the fresh season. Don't forget to check out the trailer! 

All new episodes launch Nov. 2.

Spirit Riding Free Season 7

Netflix

Join Lucky, Pru, Abigail and of course Spirit on new adventures in the Wild West when Spirit Riding Free returns for season seven. Join the gang as the weather turns cold and Lucky navigates snow and villains with her adventurous horse.

Tune in for all new episodes beginning Nov. 9.

Beat Bugs Season 3

Netflix

Tune into the Beat Bugs and get your daily dose of The Beatles. With songs from the iconic band leading the way, the five adorable bugs in the Netflix original series are back for a third season and ready to take on anything––as long as it's in their backyard!

Catch the newest season starting Nov. 9.

Treehouse Detectives Season 2

Netflix

Brother and sister duo, Toby and Teri are back on the case with season two of Treehouse Detectives! The adorable partners work together to solve mysteries right in their own backyard.

Tune in for all the clues starting Nov. 9.

Ponysitters Club Season 2

Netflix

Skye and her buddies are back on the Rescue Ranch to help save more animals on the second season of Ponysitters Club. You'll get your fill of adorable animals and plenty of lessons on friendship, too.

Saddle up for new episodes that start on Nov. 16.

Spy Kids: Mission Critical Season 2

Netflix

The kids at Mission Critical are back at it and ready to destroy Golden Brain's lair in season two of Spy Kids: Mission Critical. Juni and Carmen Cortez lead the way in this Netflix original, a spinoff from the popular kids movies.

Be ready to accept your mission and catch the new season on Nov. 29.

Motown Magic

Netflix

A magic paintbrush and the equally magical sounds of Motown combine in Netflix's newest series, Motown Magic. Ben brings street art to life in this colorful and musical new show, produced by Smokey Robinson.

Watch Ben and his serious art skills starting Nov. 19.

The Princess Switch

Netflix

Netflix's newest holiday kids film, The Princess Switch is perfect for a festive movie night. When a successful business woman and Chicago baker discovered they are near twins, they hatch a plan to trade places in this original film.

You can tune in with a bowl of popcorn on Nov. 16.

The Christmas Chronicles

The makers of Home Alone and Harry Potter have come together to create the new Netflix holiday film, The Christmas Chronicles. Join Santa and a brother-sister team as they enjoy a holiday adventure from the seat of Santa's sleigh.

The film arrives on Nov. 22.

Even More Kids Shows...

Pocoyo via YouTube

Netflix is also adding some additional shows and films, including PocoyoCatch up with the animated toddler with lots of friends who go on exotic adventures in season four, which debuts on Nov. 29.

...And Even More Kids Movies!

Movieclips via YouTube

Aside from Netflix's own lineup of original content, some classics family movies are coming back in the rotation. In the family and kids genre, be sure to tune in to catch Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil on Nov 3. Get the entire family together and have a movie night with Jack Sparrow and Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End on Nov. 4, and hang out with the Mane 6 on My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Best Gift Ever launching on Nov. 25.

––Karly Wood

Featured photo: Courtesy of Netflix

 

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Face painters are a sure-fire hit at any kid’s party. These amazing artists really amp up the fun factor and add color and sparkle to every event. From life-like tigers and saber-toothed dinosaurs to princess masks and butterflies, we’ve found nine face painters who bring a virtual rainbow to your celebration––by gracing kiddos with a magical appearance. Scroll on to see some of their fantastic designs.

Face Painting by MC

MC

Party guests will let out a roar in a painted tiger mask. Even more, MC paints magical fairy masks, butterflies and favorite superheroes. She can also help suggest a theme to paint. If you find you have little ones at your party, MC's experience with preschoolers will make the bash a breeze. MC can create 8-15 face paint designs per hour depending on the complexity of the design.

Cost: first hour $110, then $40 per 30 minutes.
Serving: North San Diego County
760-445-2318
Online: facepaintingbymc.net

DragonFly Boog Art

Dragon Fly Boog Art

Add party sparkle with a little kitty face, pretty tiger or dinosaur growl. Monica creates vibrant face art with lots of colors. She's great with kids, keeps her skills up to date and stays current with the latest party trends.

Cost: first hour $135; two hours $230
619-804-2533
Online: dragonflyboogart.com

Fun Lab Art

Fun Lab Art

Pool party time! If you invite the Fun Lab to your next poolside party, you can still make a splash with the guppy guests by using waterproof face paint! Littles can have a butterfly painted on their back or cute princess mask on their face. Even more, artist Karen Molina uses high-quality paint that makes beautiful color. Tell her your birthday party theme and she will create magic.

Cost: weekday, $75/hour (two-hour minimum); weekend, $90/hour (two-hour minimum); water-resistant paint, $40 more per hour
Serving: North County San Diego
818-659-8842
Online: funlabart.com

Samantha Anderson

Samantha Anderson

Samantha Anderson worked at the zoo, so you know she's ready to go with your party animals! Indeed, Samantha paints princess tiara's complete with jewels on top. Guests also request Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spiderman masks and pretty flowers with sparkles. Plus, she is quick and efficient, a plus when working with the little ones. If she finishes early she opens up the face painting to the grown-ups too.

Cost: first hour $110; each half-hour after $45
Serving: San Diego County
530-966-3220
Online: samanthaandersonartist.com

Enjoy It Faces

Patricia Telles

Kiddos dig the horned dragon eyes and sparkling gold princess masks painted by Patricia. Even more, she uses only water-based cosmetic grade paint for vibrant color and safety. She takes classes to keep up with the latest fads in face painting––so you know her current designs will be a hit with young trendsetters.

Cost: $100 per hour
Serving: North San Diego County
760-536-2330
Online: enjoyitfaces.com

Minchuk Face Painting

A patient artist who loves to paint butterflies dragons and anything rainbow color, Kristin teaches art classes in addition to doing face painting at parties. Her favorite part? Seeing the face of a happy child when she looks at her design in the mirror.

Cost: first hour $90; one-and-a-half hours $130
Serving: San Diego County
Online: myafterschoolart.com

Lucy Lopez

Spice up your half-pint's next party with Fun-4-Kids. Lucy paints the faces of little party guests and can add in games, balloons and more (for an extra cost). She's efficient and can paint 12-15 kiddos per hour.

Cost: first hour $130
Serving: San Diego County
951-375-6428
fun4kidset.com

Enchanted Illusions

Enchanted Illusions Facebook Page

Parents rave about Erica's face paintings. Whether it's a pot of gold on the arm or a pretty flower face mask, Erica creates party excitement. She paints beautiful designs and she's quick too. Book her for your next event.

Cost: first hour $115; one-and-a-half hours $165
Serving: San Diego County
Online: enchantedillusionsbyericalee.com

Magical Paintbrush by Judy

Magical Paintbrush by Judy

Magical Judy starts by asking, "Who do you want to be today?" For example, a princess, a tiger, or lion. Her face painting skills will get parents in line too. Her favorite part is when little party-goers faces light up. Even more, she responds quickly via Yelp and is great with little ones.

Cost: $90 per hour
Serving: San Diego
619-254-1597
Online: magicalpaintbrush (via Yelp)

Is there a face painter you’re crazy about? Tell us in the comments below.

––Nikki Walsh

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Is there anything more exciting to kids than a cardboard box? Yes: a cardboard box that’s been painted and lettered to look like their own personal mailbox! Read on for the super-easy instructions that’ll get your kids going totally postal… all in good fun, of course.

What you’ll need:

Cardboard Box

Pencil

Box cutter

Acrylic paint (we used blue) and paintbrush

Packing tape

Large letter stickers

Felt, velcro stickers, glue, and scissors (optional, for making “envelopes”)

Step 1: Tape up your box on all sides
Use packing tape to tape up your empty box so that all sides are solid and sturdy. Go ahead and give your little helpers some tape, too. They may not tape it on the right place, but they’ll have fun trying (and you’re going to paint over the whole thing anyway).

Step 2: Make some cuts
Use a pencil to make lines on your box where you’d like the mail slot, package slot, and mail retrieval slot (on the back end) to be. Then, use a box cutter (way easier than scissors — we tried!) to cut your box along the lines.

Step 3: Bring on the color!
Paint your mailbox. Several coats will probably be needed to cover the cardboard as well as hide any stickers, patterns, or writing. We wanted our mailbox to look just like the one on the street corner, so we opted for a few coats of royal blue; however, there are no rules! Want to go rainbows and polka dots? Go for it! You can even sprinkle glitter on the paint while it’s still drying if you want to make a “magical” sort of box (this might be a great way for the Tooth Fairy or any other, otherworldly friends to deliver gifts and trinkets to wishful kiddos).

Step 4: Add some stickers
When the paint is completely dry, use the letter stickers to label the “Letters” and “Packages” slots on the front of your mailbox. We also spelled out “MAIL” on both sides of our mailbox. If you want to get really formal, you could instead slap on a real U.S. Postal Service logo on the sides of your mailbox. You can find a large one to print here.

Note: It helps to use a ruler when you apply the letters, just so you get them all on a straight line.

 

Step 5: (Optional) Make some play “mail”
After my overeager little mail-sender crushed a few too many paper envelopes trying to squish letters into the mail slot, I realized it would be better to make a pliable envelope that she could easily stuff into the slots. To do this, take a piece of felt and fold it in half with one side extending longer than the other so it can be folded over to make an envelope shape. Use a hot glue gun (if you have one) to seal the sides of the envelope together; then, cut the overhanging “lip” to make a triangle(-ish) shape. Use Velcro stickers to fasten the letters shut.

Do your kids like to send letters? Share your mail-worthy ideas with us in the comments section below! 

— All copy and photos by Melissa Heckscher

*This post was inspired by a similar mailbox craft project at Thisheartofmineblog.com.

Got a little tot with an animal obsession? Instead of singing Old MacDonald one more time, how about you create a cool animal mask with a few things we are betting you have in your house. Follow these simple instructions and your kid will be playing pachyderm in no time.

You’ll Need:

  1. A Paper Plate
  2. Glue
  3. String
  4. Scissors
  5. A Paintbrush
  6. A Black Marker or Crayon
  7. Gray Paint (we mixed black and white)

Steps:

Cut the paper plate into the simple shapes pictured below.

Use the gray paint and black marker to color in the pieces. Use the glue stick to attach the them.

Tape or staple the string to the mask, and become a rhino!  

Have fun!!

What are some of your other favorite animal crafts? Tell us in the comments below!

–Erin Feher

 

 

Your kids can’t get enough of cowboy boots, hobby horses, and Woody from Toy Story. After all, there’s just something about the Wild West that appeals to kids (no rules, perhaps?). Scroll down to find out how to make a cool cowboy hat that’s so simple, there’ll still be time to stop a showdown at the OK Corral before the afternoon is over.

What You’ll Need

1. 1 cereal box

2. 1 sheet aluminum foil

3. Black or brown paint (acrylic or tempera)

4. Twine or rope

5. Elmer’s Glue

6. Scissors

7. Sharpie Pen

8. Jewels (optional)

9. Paintbrush

Step 1: Create the Headwear

Using the cereal box, cut one long straight strip, one shorter strip that curves up at the end (for the perfect hat brim!) and one rectangle piece with a half-circle cut in the middle that will serve as the front of the hat.

Step 2. Give the Hat Color

Using a paint color of your choice, cover all three pieces. Adding an additional layer is fine, but one should do the trick.

Step 3: Create a Sheriff’s Star

Fold the sheet of aluminum foil in half (the double layer helps to prevent tearing), then cut out a star shape. Write the words “Sheriff” and if your kid loves a little sparkle, here’s where those jewels will come in handy. Place glue along the inside of the layers to increase the star’s strength!

Step 4: Assemble the Headgear

First glue the front of the hat to the long straight piece, then follow with the shorter, curved piece on top. Make sure the shorter strip is glued above the long straight piece, so if really looks like it is the brim of the hat.

Step 5: Add On All the Fixin’s

Glue a piece of twine to the edge of the hat brim and then glue on the Sheriff’s star.

Step 5: Bring on the Cowpokes

Have your little sheriff hold the long straight piece around her head, then staple together. Then grab your horses and lassos for hours of fun!

Why do you love the Wild West? Share with us in the comments below!

— Copy and photos by Gabby Cullen

Every parent wants to nurture their child’s creative side. But sometimes when we bust out the art supplies, it turns into an afternoon of diving across the room to snatch tools away as your kid starts to chew on them, or cringing every time your tot puts a paintbrush to their lips. It can be difficult to stomach, since it’s hard to tell exactly what’s in most paints, or where they come from. So many are labeled “non-toxic,” but that doesn’t guarantee littles won’t get sick if they suck on a brush.

Berkeley artist Ashley Phelps wanted eco-friendly art supplies for crafts and DIY projects. When she couldn’t find them she decided to find out how to make non-toxic paints and pigments from botanical sources. Her research led her to the history of the use of natural pigments by cultures from South America to India. The result is Glob Natural Blends. Based in Berkeley, Phelps’ company makes paints that won’t irritate the skin and are actually safe enough to eat. The vibrantly colored pigments are eco-friendly and  sustainable with a manufacturing process designed to reduce environmental impact. Glob Paints are botanically-crafted using extracts from flowers, fruits, spices and vegetables. They are biodegradable, contain no synthetic preservatives, and all products are gluten- and soy-free. Pick from different kits, like a packet of all six colors, which is a paint kit including bamboo brushes and compostable jars. If you want to “Glob it on” the products are available online, and in select retail stores.
—Lisa Bolger