Tuesday, December 25, 2018

The LifeJacket Mini Jolt Speaker is Worth the Price

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



When I ask my grown kids what they want for Christmas, I don't get a list like I did when they were little. In fact, sometimes they say something along the lines of, 'don't worry about me, just buy for the kids.' 🙄 Well, even though they are grown, they are my kids, so they still qualify as it being a given that they're going to get a gift. I'd just like some suggestions on what it is they might really like to have under the tree, instead of me having to guess. Last year, my second oldest did say he's like a LifeJacket Bluetooth speaker and he got it. He used and loved it all year long and so this year, not knowing what he wanted (outside of a good trip, since he started traveling right after the big day), I instinctively knew he'd appreciate another LifeJacket speaker, so... I got him the next size up (from the one he got last year) and he was surprised and delighted. He instantly used it to get the Christmas tunes rolling, and that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Singsation Karaoke All-in-One SOLO Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Thank goodness for Bloglovin' where I recaptured this post. I'm not sure why it deleted (if you tried to access it from the holiday gift guide, I apologize, and thank you for the e-mails to alert me, I have no idea what happened), it even had giveaway entrants... so weird!! In any case, reposting it now. Please feel free to enter the giveaway.

Monday, December 24, 2018

Finally Made it to Toy Story Land! Another Disney World Favorite!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



There are two things we have been wanting to see in the Disney World theme parks. One is the Avatar Flight of Passage ride (we've been in line for it, but left because the line is soooo long) at Animal Kingdom. The other is Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. We recently went to Orlando and went to 2 parks: Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, so we got to see the latter, woohoo! As we walked into Hollywood Studios, we were met with scenes from Fantasia in the topiary display at the entrance. Disney always does such a great job with their displays, but this one was an instant favorite. I love that movie, and can't wait for it to come back out of the vault (I had it on VHS, never on DVD).

Friday, December 21, 2018

Best Buy has the Stylish LG-Watch W7 Smartwatch on Sale!

Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy gift card and/or received the product.



LG has really combined fashionable design and function with their LG-Watch W7 Smartwatch 44.5mm Stainless Steel, on sale right now at Best Buy. With a classic stainless and black color scheme that goes well with casual or dress, and a look that mimics a traditional analog watch (but is really a smartwatch) this selection is the perfect gift for anyone into fitness, technology, or just plain style.

Awesome New Tula Baby Carrier plus Enter to win a $75 Visa Gift Card

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Photo Source: Baby Tula
My daughter is earnestly looking for products that she wants to have to welcome her little bundle of joy that will arrive in March. She is being selective, and very thorough with her research. After going through descriptions, reviews and personal preference she noted there was no other baby carrier she wanted than Tula. "Baby Tula" she calls it, with a sing-song voice that indicates her endearment. She makes me laugh, but I am impressed she's going all out to ensure she's not just collecting items, but is truly creating an inventory for baby that she will appreciate, use and enjoy.

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Learning Resources: Tock the Learning Clock with Giveaway!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



One thing we are going to be working on over the holiday break, is teaching my granddaughter how to tell time! She is in kindergarten now, and she is a very smart little girl, so I know this isn't going to be overly difficult for her, yet I do still want it to be fun. What better way to do both (teach and have it be fun) than with a great learning toy, which is the specialty over at Learning Resources where you can find so many items that are helpful and enjoyable to the kids, such as Tock, the Learning Clock (which comes in pink and blue).

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Bring in the New Year with Hammacher Schlemmer plus $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

 

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without Hammacher Schlemmer, a company that is celebrating their milestone 170th year in business. Some of you can relate to going through the big Christmas catalogs that used to come in the mail this time of year from department stores. Oh how I would pour over those...hoping Santa would bring me the things I just had to have (that I'd never seen or heard of until I opened those glossy, beautiful pages). I'd even circle things I wanted, for good measure. Now as an adult, I am the same way but in a more practical and applied sense, and I do it online instead, with Hammacher Schlemmer. This is a company that has so many gorgeous, unique and fun items. They make it easy to shop for anyone that is on my holiday shopping list, both now and at any time of the year. At the moment, I'm looking to them for holiday selections, and for items to bring us into the new year. Let me note too, that I am also offering one lucky reader the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, so they too can apply it towards something they find and love on their website as well. They offer so many items that are special. I think you will be very content to browse until you find the items you'd like to buy.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa: Huge Suites for Very Reasonable Prices

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Photo: Courtesy of Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

A lot of friends, family and co-workers here are planning trips to Orlando over the holiday break, and why not? It's the ultimate place to go, with so many theme parks and different shows/activities to visit, and it's the perfect time to go, with the kids out of school, and the weather being absolutely perfect for exploring places that may be outside (like the Disney World theme parks, which is where we went on this particular trip!). When we go to Orlando, we always check availability with Sky Hotel & Resorts. Though we have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of their sites we have stayed at, The Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa is 100% our absolute favorite. I suppose because it is where a very special event took place for our family (we stayed in a family suite when my 2nd oldest proposed to his girl on Valentine's Day a couple of years ago), but also because you can get a VERY spacious 2-bedroom suite, for a price comparable to that of what you would pay for a standard room elsewhere. Plus, the location there is everything!!

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Private Reserve Holiday Jazz Coffee Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Our holidays here revolve around good food, tradition, spending time with family, and after all is said and done, kicking back at the end of the day together to enjoy a high quality cuppa joe. Some of you may know that Community Coffee puts out these great holiday flavors and blends, and I really look forward to trying them year after year. For the 2018 season, one selection they have is the recurring (which must mean it's popular, and I can see why!) Private Reserve Holiday Jazz blend that is absolutely tasty-delicious.

More often than not, I end up crying the blues when the season is over and they are no longer selling them (oh Bread Pudding coffee from seasons past, I miss you so!) but this year, I've gotten smart and after tasting this blend, and loving it so much, have decided to stock up and have a few bags on hand that will get me long past this glorious (I do love this time of year so very much) holiday season. 

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Teleflora is Always the Perfect Gift

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


We have 2 weekends left until Christmas shopping is officially over, and we did have good intentions to get out there and start buying gifts for our friends and loved ones, but it's raining. A lot. So today, I'm staying home and ordering my gifts to be delivered. I have no worries though because the perfect gift option that you can get right from your computer, that is touching, personal, special and useful (because the vases are reusable) is Teleflora. If you haven't taken a look at them lately, please do! The flowers are amazing and gorgeous, and they arrange them to be oh so lovely, but it's those keepsake vases that rock my world!! Seriously, I just cannot get enough of them! Take a look and you'll see what I mean. The ornament vase above with the sweet little Cardinals on snow-covered trees is the perfect example.

LEGO DC Super Villains Deluxe Edition for XBox One Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


We've got games! My son has been asking for an XBox One for a couple of years now. I have been hesitant because I don't really like him to be online live (he's only 11). However, after a conversation we had with his friends over, that I had nothing to do with and didn't orchestrate, I found out that most of his friends do not go online, or even have the option to do so in their home (their parents didn't pay for/hook up the 'live' option), so I am thrilled to say we now have it sitting under our Christmas Tree, all wrapped up with a child who has no clue he's going to get it for the holiday. And if you have a console, you have to have games!!

Friday, December 14, 2018

Child Safety Store Safeguard Your Home Set with Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Child Safety Store has everything you can think of to keep baby safe. They have very big items like safety gates for the pool, large items like gates for inside of the house, and then a whole array of smaller items to make everyday things safe for the little ones in your life.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

GuruNanda Premium Essential Oils Roll On Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



A great gift to give any time, but especially during the holidays or to start a new year, is essential oils. They have so many different quality claims and uses. I use essential oils to soothe a headache, relieve cold symptoms, or simply put me instantly in a happy mood, depending on which oil I am using. A couple of years ago, one of my grown son's girlfriend put essential oils on my wrist when I was studying for a certification test I was about to go take, She said it would help me concentrate and think more clearly. I'm not sure if that's true or not (because I studied hard too), but it did smell pleasant (one of my favorite scents), and I did ace the test. 😊 In fact, she may have been the first person to really introduce me to essential oils. I haven't looked back since my first purchase shortly after that event, and I am now a huge fan! What I haven't tried yet is the roll-on version, but oh my goodness they do look delightful. Let's talk about this limited edition Exotics Kiss set from Gurunanda.

Monday, December 10, 2018

Mobo Triton: The Perfect Big Gift Idea from Santa

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Do you give a big gift from Santa Clause to your kids each year? We used to, for as long as they believed. Now that my youngest son is older, I still give him a big gift, and I still say it's from Santa, he's just on to me now, about who it's really from... 😉 

Sunday, December 9, 2018

The Harlem Globetrotters Sure Put on a Good Show!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

 

We recently went to CFE Arena, on the University of Central Florida campus, to see The Harlem Globetrotters. This venue is a great one for watching shows because it is one of those places where there really isn't a bad seat in the house! 

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Light Up UCF in Orlando: Christmas Fun for the Whole Family

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own. 


We recently took a trip to CFE Arena in Orlando, Florida (on the University of Central Florida campus) to visit their Light Up UCF event. There's my darling grandbaby, acting like she's a Gingerbread cookie. She gives me sweet smiles when I take her picture.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Sparkle & Change Sequin Bible Giveaway

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.





5 lucky winners are going to get a chance to win this wonderful Sparkle & Change Bible for kids.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Christmas Bricktacular at Legoland. My Oldest Son's Perspective

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


My son is writing from his point of view today,
on how wonderful it was to experience the Legoland Bricktacular.
Visiting Legoland with the kids is always great, but it's extra special this time of year,
when everything is decorated and all lit up for Christmas.

Florida is a beautiful state packed with theme parks and attractions.  There is entertainment available for any age you may be. This post is all about Legoland, located in Winter Haven, Florida, about an hour southwest of Orlando.

Everyone knows my mom, Rose…as she’s the owner of this Blog. I’m her oldest son, Carmelo, and we took my daughter, Zoe as a complete surprise to her.  Days prior to the mini-vacation I informed my daughter that Grandma Rosey and I had a surprise for her but we wouldn’t tell her where or what it was.

Friday, November 30, 2018

I Have Hit the Jackpot with this RazorX Surprise!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


To me, the best kind of surprise to give the kids is the one you know they're going to love, but they didn't ask for and don't have a clue that they're getting! This Christmas, my tween who loves to skateboard will be getting a RazorX Cruiser Electric Skateboard (lithium-powered) with a remote control. It's unlike anything he's ever had before, and I know he's going to flip (haha, I mean that figuratively, not literally, though he might be excited enough to do that too).

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

We'll be at Legoland this Weekend! Now I Hear Santa will be Too!


Legoland is one of my most favorite places to go. It is truly geared towards kids with rides galore and LEGOS everywhere. My granddaughter went with us last time and she's going with us again this time, but so far, it's been kept a surprise (her dad is driving her up there to meet us). Boy, is she going to get a kick out of it. Ya know, I'm really loving this grandma gig. :)  What better way to kick of December, than with a trip to Legoland, a chance to see Santa and a free picture with him to boot? :)
Coke Florida’s Holiday Caravan Tour Arrives at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
During Annual Christmas Event
Christmas Brickackular to Offer One-Day Only Photo Opportunity with Coca-Cola's Santa Claus
Who:     LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Coke Florida
What:    Santa Claus is coming to town! LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is kicking off the first day of Christmas Bricktacular with an opportunity for children of all ages to experience Coke Florida’s Holiday Caravan Tour and meet Santa Claus. Guests can to take a picture with Santa and receive a keepsake photo on-site; the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.
Where:  Outside the main entrance to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
When:   Saturday, December 1, noon - 2 p.m.
Comments for this post are turned off. I'm just sharing as an FYI. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Ya Blew It! Family Game #Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Ya Blew It! This rowdy game of riches and risks by Wonder Forge is sure to mesmerize your miners as they roll the dynamite-shaped dice that everyone wants to pick up and roll. This game is for ages 8+

Let's Talk about BRIO with First Railway #Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


So, let's talk camping! This My Home Town Camping Set from BRIO lets you pack the fam up (the wooden family, that is) and head out for a camping adventure. There's even room for Fido (because who wants to go camping without the family dog?).

Friday, November 23, 2018

Squishmallows Super Soft Plush Toys

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Super soft, squishy toys are all the rage with the kids this year. Squishmallows realizes the trend and has definitely met the need. With cute animals ranging in size from clip-on small, to medium to large, there is an animal here for everyone. I'm all grown up and I fell in love with these too. 

Lugz Black Friday Deal! 40% off Using Code Friday18

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Black Friday Deal!
40% off all day using code: Friday18

If you are looking for high quality shoes, look no further than Lugz. In business since 1993, they have become a name that is well trusted, and they have many styles of boots and shoes that people love. Both of my grown boys (now men) buy Lugz, and my second oldest just got this Men's Phaser Oxford Sneaker in Coyote White. They do come in 4 different colors.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving!



Always so much to be thankful for, and I am. 💕I love every single turkey in our family, including the new little one on the way. 😇  Happy Thanksgiving from my family to you and yours.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

AirFree Air Purifier HUGE Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals with #Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

The Airfree Air Purifier that  will be on sale is the IRIS 3000 Everyday SRP: $329.99BLACK

FRIDAY PRICE: $199.00
CYBER MONDAY PRICE: $199.00

Airfree Iris available on the following sites: Bed, Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Wayfair, Amazon, AirFree.com and Walmart.com
Sometimes I add things to my Holiday Gift Guide that are not current reviews.  Perhaps they have been a past review, or I never reviewed them at all and I just happen to love the product. It is, after all, a Holiday Gift Guide and should be authentic in its suggestions and ideas. This year, I'm recycling an older post with a product I still love to this day, and the sponsor has generously offered to give one away to a lucky reader too to help celebrate the holidays and the great holiday sales (thank you, AirFree!!).

This Coffee is Unusual and Delicious! Savings and #Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


So, it's not often I come across coffee that is really different but with this Java House Authentic Cold Brew, I think I'm on to something (and they are too!). First off I want to say, don't let the name of it fool you, this isn't just for cold coffee. You can make it hot, or you can make it cold. But what makes the Java House Dual Use Pods different?

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Wordless Wednesday: Whose Tree is it Anyway?


She thinks the Christmas Tree is for her. She sleeps under it, plays with what she can reach, and goes there for a retreat more than her cat tower. I hate to be the one to break it to her that it's not a permanent fixture in the house. I guess we'll wait to let her know. ;)

NIV Adventure Bible: Polar Exploration Edition with #Giveaway

Disclosure: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.


If you are on the lookout for a Bible that kids will be attracted to, this NIV Polar Exploration Edition from Adventure Bible is a good suggestion! With an adorable Polar Bear cover,  

Vince Gill Double Vinyl Christmas Music Exclusively made for Cracker Barrel

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Exclusively made for Cracker Barrel, these LPs are just festive!

Ask this child if he likes country music, and this is the hearty laugh you will get. He's not typically a fan. He did, however, love these two albums, appropriately colored red and green despite them being by one of country's greats, Vince Gill. Why? Because they are filled with so many of his holiday favorites (my boy likes Christmas). I love them too, for many reasons, but most especially because Gill has a clear and pure voice that lends itself well to these seasonal selections.

Monday, November 19, 2018

EduShape Gifts for the Younger Crowd!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.




A holiday gift guide just wouldn't be the same without EduShape on there for baby! This is a company that for years, has been making high quality toys infants and small children love. Their items last and last, making them a sure bet to get passed on when your little one outgrows them.

God Bless You and Goodnight Board Book Giveaway 5 Winners!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Touch and Feel books are the best when you're a kid, and God Bless You & Good Night, written by Hannah C. Hall and illustrated by Steve Whitlow is oh so very sweet!

HueTrition is Helping You Eat Better! $25 Gift Card of Choice #Giveaway

This is not a post that is sponsored for me.  I have joined in with other bloggers to help promote HueTrition and offer you the giveaway.


'tis the season for reviews and giveaways and we're really adding a bunch of 'em to help you with your holiday gifting ideas! I know shopping season is literally right around the corner now, if you haven't started already! Today we're talking about HueTrition, a great resource to help your family eat better foods! They encourage everyone to fill their plate with color to get more nutrients in your diet every day. They have a list of HueApproved foods that you can share with your family.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Holiday Vacation Time Coming up Soon? Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is PERFECT for Families!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Just a few hours of driving is perfect to keep you close enough to home, but still far enough away that it feels like a mini-vacation. Cocoa Beach is not that far from us. It's a nice little area known for beach time and surfing. We had never been, and decided it was time to remedy that, so we packed up our car and headed straight to the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort.

If you're looking for a resort that has a traditional pool (7ft in the deep end!), a jacuzzi, a water park for the smaller kids, a lazy river (yes, I did say a lazy river) all by itself (so fun!) AND all-night access to the private beach, then this is the place for you too. I had heard prior to our visit that Cocoa Beach resorts really have it going on; this one was the perfect introduction for us to prove that rumor to be true.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Let's get THE COMFY!! As Seen on Shark Tank

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.




So the Comfy has become a one-size-fits-all wonder hit in our house. What is it? It's a very reasonably priced blanket that is a sweatshirt, literally.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

$350 Off LG Matte Black Stainless Steel Appliances at Best Buy!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



It's pretty nice to walk into your kitchen and think, 'Wow, I love this space!" The LG Matte Black Kitchen set at Best Buy makes that instantly easy. Imagine entertaining or cooking each night with these stylish appliances paving the path. What better way to make use of a room we occupy so often, than to make into a space where you actually want to be. Nothing feels better than having your house decorated in a way that makes you feel happy; a place that just feels like home.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Lonely Planet Kids: Ancient Wonders Then and Now!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Lonely Planet Kids makes the best books...the kind you want to keep out, so everyone can see them, instead of putting them away on your bookshelves. We just became the proud owners of Ancient Wonders Then & Now, and I'm so crazy about it, it's sitting on the shelf under my coffee table, so everyone who sits on our couch can take a look. This is one of those books that you can look at a hundred times, and still enjoy when you pick it up that 101st time.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Playmobil Take Along Haunted House

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Playmobil has a Take Along Haunted House that is hauntingly hexing, or at the very least, it is a lot of fun and perfectly fits in with the Halloween season. My son loves this time of year, and though he'll have fun with this set all year round, it will definitely be a seasonal favorite for many years to come. I love that everything is contained inside of the carry-along house (you don't have to worry about losing pieces), and my son loves that it has such gruesomely cool and very detailed pieces like bats, a spider, rats, a skull, trap floors, and detailed characters such as a vampire who comes with his own coffin.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

See It! Stream It! Chromecast is Available at Your Local Best Buy


When we moved into our place I opted for a cable package because it was such a good deal. Fast forward to the end of that sign-up period, and the bill went up atrociously. Now, we're looking to cut the cord to cable, and have been thinking of streaming our entertainment instead, with the Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player, available at Best Buy.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Toys that Little Girls Love! Calico Critters and Aquabeads!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.
Photo Source: Calico Critters Designer Studio
Have you started holiday gift shopping yet? I know it's a controversial subject, where some are completely for it, and others are on the side of  'no way, it's way to early!' Me? I start shopping the day after Christmas for the next year, and keep shopping throughout the new year, so I don't overextend myself the month or two before the big holiday. This year I've got 2 things put aside for my granddaughter. Well, I did have two things. Now I have 1 because she was with us last weekend and I couldn't resist taking one of them out (I knew I should have wrapped it!) because it's totally right up her alley, and I knew she'd have a great time using it!! More on that to come in a minute. First though, let me tell you about this adorable Designer Studio from Calico Critters (both items are from Epoch Everlasting Play and both will be featured in the Holiday Gift Guide).

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Halloween Events at Legoland #BrickorTreat

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Legoland in Florida turned out to be such a treat for the kids (we went yesterday), both figuratively and literally speaking! Now through the end of October, on the weekends only, they are hosting Brick or Treat for the kids, and it's really a fun time, and a safe environment for the kids. One thing I also love, is that it's truly for children. There's nothing scary or gruesome like there is at the other big parks right now. I know a lot of people like the latter, but when littles are involved, I'm perfectly content to stick to howling at dusk (over the loud speakers in the back of the park) as being the 'scariest' event that takes place. 

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Recap: Summer Road Trip 2018!

We decided to take a road trip this summer: 15 states
Some of the places we enjoyed, others...not so much, the overall experience though: A+ awesome!
We had planned a vacation to go see my mom who lives in another state. It wasn't an unusual plan, we were going to get in the car, take the fastest way there and enjoy our visit. What did we dread the most? The time in the car!! So...my youngest came up with a plan. "Why don't we stop and visit states along the way?" What??? Duh. We had the time, so...why not??? It turned out to be a great idea! We left our state and decided to just stop where we felt like it along the way. I've blogged about our 4 favorites (Savannah, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Sandusky, Ohio; Put in Bay, Ohio), and now I just want to sum the trip up, noting a little about each state we traveled through: there were 15 in total.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Fun Day at the Beach! Deluxe Beach Bag from All American Toys

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



It is no secret that we love the beach, and if we have a long weekend, that's where we're going. My youngest, although he hates sand sticking to him (huge pet peeve of his) always has a blast when we go too. He's at that age still (11 yesterday!) where he makes his own fun, with or without toys. That is especially true when we are at the ocean, but if you do add toys to the mix, he's a happy camper!  I love these precious years, and I know they are fleeting! That's why when I saw the Beach Basket Set at American Plastic Toys, I knew it was coming home with us. In fact, it's so nice I'll be picking up another set for my granddaughter to have at her place too! She loves the beach, and her mom and dad are always lugging around a ton of toys when they go. Having a handy, vented basket (so it's easy to get the sand out) is going to make their lives so much easier, just like it did for mine.

SoftScience Flip Flops: Practical Pretty and Perfect for Me!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

You'll appreciate all of the features that go along with these
Waterfall Stripe Women's Flip-Flops from SoftScience

I'm going to talk about the conventional things you like about shoes (design, color, comfort), but I'm also going to talk about the unusual aspects I appreciated with these new Waterfall Stripe Women's Flip-Flops. First let's talk shipping, as in shipping and handling! I ordered mine online, which I have done before with shoes, so was comfortable doing with these as well. When they arrived, they had these practical cardboard inserts though, that ensured they were keeping their shape from state to state while they were tossed and turned about in various delivery trucks on their way to me. So nice!

Monday, August 27, 2018

The Sweet Nostalgia of My Hometown with My Child


Swish! There goes the ball, right towards the hoop, and it's the first thing he wanted to show his grandmother he could do when we arrived to Sandusky, Ohio.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

What Makes the Bosch 100 Series Dishwashers so Amazing?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received a product, discount or payment in exchange for my thoughts. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



As my kids have grown up and moved out, our family has become even bigger, which I love! What that means is our parties and get-togethers involve a lot of dishes, because of course those events always include food, and a lot of it! Because they're not around as much as they were when they lived at home, I want to enjoy every minute with them that I can. That's where the Bosch dishwasher technology in all of its wonderful glory comes into play for us. They do have the world's #1 dishwasher brand, with good reason! 

First and foremost, being the quietest dishwasher brand in the U.S., visiting while in the house is still going to happen, with a zero level of stress. If you've ever been in a home that has a dishwasher running with the noise level of a 747 aircraft carrier, you understand my point. My mom has one of those (hers is definitely not a Bosch), and I'm only exaggerating a little (we can't even talk in the kitchen when it's running, no kidding!). With the Bosch 100 series, your dishwasher is going to be running silent. There are 18 sound reducing technologies in place, that make that statement fact! An InfoLight will let you know it's running, instead of a bunch of noise, and in my book that's a sound reason (haha, see what I tried to do there?) to purchase a Bosch. It's not the only reason though...

Monday, August 20, 2018

Feeling Right at Home in Charlotte, North Carolina!


We have taken quite a few road trips from Florida to Ohio and from the north back down, so I'm sure we've passed through North Carolina at some point. I do not remember however, ever taking the time to park and go exploring, so when we stopped for gas we decided to check out the first city closest to us that we liked. Turns out that city was Charlotte and we instantly felt right at home. We knew from a quick online search that we were close to quite a few museums, so we parked on Church Street at the meters (which were free because it was the weekend), and set off for a day of adventure!  

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Finally a Comfortable Mat that Stays Sand Free!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Today I want to talk about the SandLite Sand-Free Mat from CGEAR. This mat has been a lifesaver to me. I love to go to the beach. The older I get, the more I crave it. I'm not sure why that is, but it is definite fact. My youngest likes the beach but gets very annoyed with the sand. He hates how it follows him everywhere. On his shoes, in his clothes, and even on his mat when we're trying to chill on the sand.

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Put-in-Bay is a Great Day or Weekend Excursion for the Family!


I want to say, 'What's in your wallet?' but I feel like that would be infringement. ;) Instead, I will say, What's in your hand? In my mom's hand here is a set of tickets that took us on the Jet Express from Sandusky, Ohio to Put-in-Bay with stops along the way at Cedar Point and Kelleys Island. I had been to Put-in-Bay on a school field trip years prior (many years prior), but my mom and youngest had never been, so I was excited to go back, and thrilled that my mom and youngest were on the trip too. There is more than one ferry service that takes you to the island, but I like Jet Express because it docks downtown, which is where we primarily wanted to be.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Wordless Wednesday: Corinth Canal Bungee Jumping

This is the Corinth Canal in
Corinth, Greece. Would you Bungee from it? My son and his girlfriend did!

Monday, August 6, 2018

Loving This New Find: Tessemae's Creamy Salad Dressing

Disclosure: I am working in conjunction with Tessemae's and the Mom It Forward Influencer Network . I have been compensated for the post. All opinions stated however, are genuine and my own.



It started off as a gloomy, rainy day. Rings of "I'm Hungry!" and "I'm bored!" filled the house. A quick look in the cupboard proved that there really wasn't anything all that appealing, so off to Walmart we headed. It was then and there, when we happened across the Tessemae's All Natural Dressing, that we decided to have salad for lunch.  I have four children, 3 of whom are all grown up
now. 1 of the 4 prefers Creamy Caesar, the rest of us: Creamy Ranch.

Friday, August 3, 2018

End Your Summer with a Battle Monster Water Blast!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



So, this dual-function, pressurized Battle Monster has really taken us by storm, a Tidal Storm that is... Prime Time Toys has this great line of Tidal Storm blasters that really hit the spot when it comes to a good water fight. This one is amazing because in addition to the pump action shooting, there is also an option to hook up your water hose. What?? Why would anyone want to do that? Well, to win the water fight, of course!