Trippin' & Skipping through March

Isn't that just beautiful? The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California - what a sight to be seen! Yes, we live here in beautiful, sunny California although we are in the Los Angeles area! Have you always wanted to travel to Cali or dream about all California has to offer? Here is your chance to go on a virtual road trip through California. We have some great sponsors and are very excited about this!! It should be a ton of fun!! We will be leaving March 19Th traveling from Los Angeles up the North side of California stopping in Sacramento, then we will be road trippin' down the California Coast skipping from city to city seeing the sights and beautiful coastline. So pack your "virtual bags" take a seat, grab your camera and get ready to head out with us March 19Th!!

***Just a few of the highlights along the way will be The Jelly Belly Factory, Tour of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, The Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli's San Francisco, Safari West, Monterey Bay, Solvang and so much more!!

We have to say a big thank you to some of our great sponsors (which we will be featuring along the way) Dell, Red Roof Inn, The Monterey Bay Lodge, T-Mobile, RMHC and many more that we will feature and review along the way!! Also thank you to Ford for allowing us to review the beautiful 2010 Lincoln MKT - we cannot wait, it just looks so comfy and we can't wait to put it to the test on our first road trip where we will be virtually taking our readers along!!

Is there something or somewhere YOU would like us to stop along the way?? Let us know and if it's along our route - we might just stop for you!!

Baseball Season!!!

I love this time of year!!! Baseball season is upon us for the little ones. We have started having practice, gearing up for picture day this weekend followed by opening day next weekend. We have had meetings all week and I am just wiped out already and the season has not even officially begun. But I have to admit there is nothing else I would rather be doing. I absolutely love being a Mother, having fun with my children, taking in every little moment, and being involved in any way I can. As a parent I not only believe it is our job, but I believe that you must be involved in your child's events as much as possible - I think it is so crucial and a has a huge impact in their life.

It is so cute to watch these little ones play, and as they get older the fun just gets better. Small, cute mishaps turn into big competition and the excitement just grows. What ever you child is interested in, I encourage you to give them the opportunity to try it out - even if it's not something you may be interested in - take interest in what THEY are interested in! Who knows, after trying it they may not even find it fun or something that they want to do - but allow them to at least have that experience and input in the activities they participate in.

Well again - I have had practices & meetings all week this week and am really wiped out!!!! I know we all have our work and priorities, and get tired - BUT.........as a parent we should never be too tired to let our children explore their interests. Have fun & get involved!!

Wordless Wednesday

Captain EO - made it's debut return at Disneyland yesterday as a tribute to Michael Jackson

HUNGRY?

First I want to tell you about National Pancake Day at IHOP! Today, February 23rd between the hours of 7am and 10pm IHOP will be giving free short stacks (three of their famous buttermilk pancakes) All they ask in return is that you consider making a donation to support your local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network or other local charities. There is a limit of one short stack per person and is dine in only. Since beginning National Pancake Day IHOP has raised more than $3.25 million to support charities in the communities in which they operate. To find a participating IHOP near you visit - www.ihoppancakeday.com


Now, after you have recovered from breakfast and your trying to decide what to have for lunch - head on over to Jack In The Box. On February 23rd only - Jack In The Box will be giving away their all new Grilled Sandwich free with the purchase of a large drink. (not valid in all locations) I am not a fan of their burgers, but what I like about Jack In The Box is the variety of items you can find - it usually takes me forever to decide what I want!! LOL! Their new grilled sandwiches look so yummy. They have the Turkey, Bacon and Cheddar (my choice) or the Deli Trio. Head on over to www.jackinthebox.com for more information and to find a participating location near you.

Dell Inspiron

So this past Friday I received the new Dell Inspiron from Dell to review. This was a planned review, but I was not expecting this for another few weeks! We have a fun event planned for March - which I cannot tell you yet, but should be a ton of fun!! The Dell Inspiron will be part of this planned event and we'll let you in on it March 1st when we make our announcement! In the meantime you will all venture with me on my new laptop experience! This is kind of embarrassing to say, but I have never ever touched a laptop! I am a desktop baby, and have never ventured to the laptop world...until now.

When we got it out of the box it was so beautiful, a baby blue and so shiny. I was kind of disappointed at how heavy it was, but maybe that is how they all are suppose to be? It reminded me of the original cell phone - how big and clunky they were back then compared to now. Other than that, it's just gorgeous!! Since we don't have an air card yet, we have been playing games on it and have to say we have been having some great family time with it! I was even clueless on how to connect to the Internet, so I had to go to Best Buy for them to explain it to me and to see what I needed. They told me Virgin Mobile will be coming out with something new on March 1st and to wait until then to buy - so we are going to wait. There is no sense in signing up for a contract since I will not have it long anyway.


Well, happy Monday everyone - I just wanted to share with you my newest arrival and will be sharing my learning process with you as well as some exciting news soon......stay tuned!!

Build-A-Bear

What do you think of when you hear the word "Hero"? I think of honor, braveness, courage, and a warm soothing heart. For the seventh year, Build-A-Bear is recognizing children between the ages of eight and eighteen who have made a difference in their community or around the world. Today more than ever children are stepping up to make a difference in their community, something that most of us only think about. The Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heros Program encourages and empowers kids to be young leaders and honors them for dedication and accomplishments. If you know of a deserving child you can nominate him/her by visiting a Build-A-Bear near you and filling out the entry form or you may enter online at buildabear.com/huggableheros. Entries are only being accepted until February 26Th - so hurry and make sure to turn in your nomination so that the child you know has a chance to receive the recognition they deserve.

There are a lot of winners too!! There will be 75 semifinalists who will receive a $15 giftcard to Build-A-Bear, 25 finalists will receive a $50 Build-A-Bear giftcard, and ten grand prize winners that will receive a $7,500 USD educational savings scholarship, a $2,500 USD donation toward the charity of the winners choice, a trip to St. Louis, MI to meet other 2010 Huggable Heros and a Filp Mini HD Video Camera!

Past Huggable Heroes have made a difference by:

• Helping raise funds and awareness for orphans in Africa.
• Providing eyeglasses to those in need.
• Volunteering at area hospitals.
• Providing phone cards to servicemen and women overseas.
• Providing goods and services to disadvantaged children.
• Raising money to protect endangered animals.

These are just a handful of examples. Read more about their contributions at buildabear.com/huggableheroes.

Wordless Wednesday

Thank you Disney!

**We got this in the mail last week from the Disney Princesses - I LOVE IT!!! So pretty!

Abracadabra-Doo

**Warner Bros provided our family with a review copy for this review. All opinions are of my own as well as my families - no monetary compensation was received.

Scooby-Doo - I remember as a kid watching him and his crew on a Saturday morning while grandma was making breakfast. Laughing as Shaggy and Scooby tumble around and scourer for food everywhere they go. Scooby-Doo has been around for years and is a cartoon that as a Mother you can trust and feel comfortable with your kids watching. You know it's a good cartoon when it's been around for as long as you can remember!

As soon as we received this movie in the mail, no sooner than I could get it open the kids had already had made plans to watch it during dinner. They love watching Scoody-Doo and have seen the commercials for this new movie. I am not happy with many of the cartoons kids watch these days, but this is one I know, trust, and love to hear the kids watching! We all settled down with dinner, popped the movie in and dimmed the lights. The movie is about Thelma's sister who is attending a magic school which is being haunted and scaring all the students away which is putting the school in a position to where they might have to shut their doors. This is where Thelma, Scooby and the gang come in play - to solve the mystery and help keep the school open! Here is a clip of the movie -

Synopsis: In this brand-new adventure, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang set out on a trip to visit Daphne’s sister Madelyn, who has been studying magic at the Whirlen Merlin Magic Academy. However, when the gang arrives, they learn that the school has been troubled with strange disturbances. Many of its students have fled after reporting sightings of a giant Gryphon that’s frightened them. The gang smells trouble and sets out to investigate.

Visit the official site at www.abracadabradoo.com
Look for it February 16th at most major retailers

****If you have read this far head onto our giveaway section where Warner Bros will be giving three of our readers their very own copy of Scooby-Doo Abracadabra-Doo!

Happy Valentines Day

My two youngest children are so excited about Valentines day. Today they are each having a small party in the class and exchanging valentines. Last night as we were getting their cards ready, my daughter asked "what is Valentines Day?" I thought to myself for a moment, and then told her that it was simply a day to celebrate love, to be nice to one another and love each other. She is five, and I am still not sure if she fully understands, she still asks - "but what do we do?" So cute, innocent and full of excitement.

As I leave you for the weekend.......take a moment and think about others around you. Maybe give more complements than you usually do, make someone laugh or maybe you don't realize how little you say "I love you" - take a break from it all, take someone aside and give them a hug and tell them how much you love them - that really will mean more than any materialistic gift!!!

Rainbow Brite

Disclosure: I was provided with the Rainbow Brite CD pack free of charge from BSM Media, Mom Select and Hallmark. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are my own and your opinion as well as experience may vary.

I really loved Rainbow Brite growing up, and was so happy to see it's return so that my own daughters can have that same experience as I did. I think what I always loved so much was the bright colors and how they would just catch my attention! They were always so happy, full of spirit, giving, helpful and most of all just plain fun!!

I was given a Rainbow Brite CD to give my children the opportunity to learn more about Rainbow Brite and interact in a way I only could have dreamed of! The CD included games, puzzles, songs and even a short animated Rainbow Brite feature. My youngest daughter just fell in love with Rainbow Brite and I have to admit I was pretty darn happy! LOL!

You may be asking who's Rainbow Brite? I hope you are not, but if you are, here is a bit of background -

"Rainbow Brite has delighted generations of children with her exciting and imaginative adventures. Among adults who grew up with the original cartoons and dolls, Rainbow Brite has a significant following as a nostalgic property…but her unique brand of sweetly futuristic fantasy – and her sincere message of courage, kindness and hope – make her a true 21st century hero.

When Hallmark first introduced the Rainbow Brite brand about 25 years ago, girls all over the world fell in love with this colorful character. Rainbow Brite was launched with a consumer products program that included toys, books, comic books, cereal, party goods and even a traveling stage show. Girls enjoyed Rainbow Brite as a TV series, in addition to three TV specials and a feature film."

Meet Rainbow Brite Here!!

Harlem Globetrotters

Are you in Southern California and looking for some fun, affordable family entertainment this weekend? The Harlem Globetrotters are a must see, even if you're not a fan of basketball. Personally I love basketball, I am a huge Laker fan! When you add some comedy to the mix, it just makes it even more the better. The Globetrotters are known for the amazing basketball skills and wholesome family entertainment. I have not been in years, but remember going to a game and loving it. They really make you laugh and interact with the audience to make you feel like a part of the show. There are not many events these days for the entire family - especially one that will have you laughing and talking the whole way home. Even with all the tricks, these are real basketball games where the Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals both in it to win.

Fun Globetrotter Facts -

• The Globetrotters have been around for 84 years
• Have played in 120 countries
• They play year round
• The Globetrotters hold over 23,000 wins

“The Harlem Globetrotters are the unbeatable global entertainment experience that emotionally connects to and thrills every member of the family,” says Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider.

The Globetrotters travel the country and may be coming to a city near you. Visit the official website of the Globetrotters for more information at www.harlemglobetrotters.com

Wordless Wednesday

(at the zoo......and looks like they have found their Valentine :)

Did you make a resolution to get organized this year? Well it's not too late to start! Being a mother of four myself and tackling so many things at once it can get messy - just ask my kids what my desk looks like and how many times I ask them the same thing over and over! LOL! We featured erincondren.com in our holiday gift guide not to long ago - I love this site! The designs are so chic and modern. They carry just about anything and everything you need to keep up with everything life throws at you. Did you watch the Superbowl? I usually just watch the game for the commercials because I am not that into football, but this year we were cheering for the Colts which did not turn out so good! Erin Condren even carries some great items for football fans including invites, brew stickers and spirit stickers. St. Patricks Day is just about a month away and you can find invites, photo cards, note cards and so much more! One of my fav's is the address labels - even though to some it may seem silly, I like to go with the theme of the holiday's or time of year. The St. Patricks Day address labels are so cute, and now you can even get 20% off! I can't say enough good things about this site.

If you are looking for the perfect planner complete with an elastic band for "quickflips", large daily views, and a to do side bar then visit www.erincondren.com

**Erin Condren is offering our readers an exclusive presale offer of 25% off your order - just enter PLAN25 at checkout.

**Please be advised this post may contain and or lead to graphic content. Must be 18 or older, if not please move on, thank you.

Can you believe this weekend is Valentines? Seems like we just had Christmas and this seems like only an indication of how fast this year will fly by. Have you made plans for Valentines Day? Do you do the planning or do you wait for your spouse to "hopefully" do the planning for the two of you? Or....if you are like us, we do no planning and just spend the day with our children, as if it were any other day. Are you tired of the same thing every year and have the mind set that now that you have children your romantic life is over?

There are many ways you can keep the romance going even years after you said "I do". Eden Fantasys is a great site that can get your mind moving and help you add some excitement and romance to your lost thoughts. Eden Fantasys not only is an online shop where you can find some fun toys to spice up your love life, but you can also find reviews by others and a welcoming community of others that may be there for exactly the same thing you are. If it's a question you may have, advice you are looking for or a question about how to use an item, what it's for, etc.....you can most always find an answer. What I loved most about Eden Fastasys is that is not just a "shop" but a community.

Eden Fantasys carries sex toys, videos, lingerie, books, party favors and so much more. If you are lost in this area there are plenty of fourms and community members to lead you in the right direction. Eden Fastasys would like to give one of our readers a $50 Gift Card to help get a head start on Valentines. Hurry.....head over to our giveaways for more info

Visit Eden Fantasys at www.edenfantasys.com

Monster Jam 2010

**Our family was given tickets to enjoy the event. No other compensation was received. All opinions are of my own and yours may vary.

Now most of you know I was given a wonderful gift from my children - strep throat!!! yuck!! I went to the Doctor yesterday and am on meds, so hopefully we will be good to go by this weekend. Our second round of Monster Jam 2010 is this Saturday - the last show in Orange County. We had a blast last week and I thought I would share some pictures with you. This posting will be short and sweet being in the condition I am......but will get be back in full force come Monday! Tickets are still available for Saturday's show in Anaheim.

A big fan favorite above - The Grave Digger

Please visit monsterjam.com for more information

With the Superbowl in mind and talking about great times along with great food - Dean's Dips is adding more fun to their brand. I wanted to share with you their Dipstakes Sweepstakes. A bit about the sweepstakes - (straight from the brand)

"Just like the Jets and the Giants, there are longstanding rivalries in amongst dips as well. Are you a Honey Mustard loyalist, Guacamole die hard or an Onion Dip fanatic? Vote for your favorite dip and help us settle this once and for all! Everyone who votes will also be eligible for weekly prizes like free dip, a BBQ grill set or a home entertainment system."

You can enter and find out more information by visiting www.dipstakes.com but hurry - contest ends February 9Th!

Wordless Wednesday

***Baseball season is starting up and these little ones have such inspiring dreams......

Superbowl Sunday with Swanson's

**I was provided a coupon for a sample product of Swanson Chicken. No other compensation was received.

Superbowl Sunday - I think most of us look forward to it for one reason or another, even if it has nothing to do with football! I have to admit I am not a football fan, but Superbowl Sunday is one day I do look forward to. I like to watch the entertainment as well as the commercials they come out with every year. I can also say this is the one event that usually ruin's my New Year's resolution of dieting! LOL! Superbowl Sunday is the perfect excuse for a gathering of friends, family and good fun!

Swanson knows that Superbowl Sunday means good times and good food. They are sharing their tips to help save you time and money. TIP #1 - Whey take the chance of mailing out invites and them not arriving in time? Some of us get so busy that sometimes we don't even look at the mail for days. These days most everyone seems to communicate through some kind of electronic device. So why not sent an invitation via email? It does not cost any postage, takes less time and will get to it's destination in just seconds. It also makes it easier for your guests to RSVP. Try Evite - they have your perfect Superbowl invites! TIP #2 - Have a potluck. Ask your guests to each bring a dish or item - that will help cut down on costs and relieve you from doing it all. TIP #3 - Have a 3 "D"s Party: Dips, Drinks, Desserts. Have everyone bring a different dip or dessert and you provide the drinks. Have fun taste-testing and comparing different dip accompaniments such as crackers, veggies, breads, fruits and more! Really most anything can be dipped! Experiment & have fun!

One of this years most popular dips is Buffalo Chicken Dip. You can save time and effort by making this dip with Swanson Premium Chicken. Their chicken is already precut into chunks and made with only white chicken breast. You can find the recipe along with more great tips here - www.buffalochickendip.com

El Pollo Loco Grillmaster Steak

**El Pollo Loco did provide us with a coupon to try one of the new featured items. All opinions are of my own, your opinion may vary.

If you are a fan of chicken like me, El Pollo Loco tops the list as the best quick service restaurant chicken. I love the flavors and the moistness of the chicken. Have you heard that El Pollo Loco is now serving grilled steak?? Another one of my favorites, carne asada! While still offering their famous citrus-marinated flame grilled chicken, sirloin steak has now been added to their menu. I was not sure if this would work for El Pollo Loco given that they are famous for their chicken, but I was giving it the benefit of the doubt knowing they have great marinade and grill over open flames - two things that will most always make a great steak. Their new steak menu items include -

• Two Steak Tacos: citrus-marinated, flame-grilled Sirloin steak, with cilantro and onion in authentic corn tortillas
• Grillmaster Steak Taco: citrus-marinated, flame-grilled Sirloin steak layered with melted Jack and Cheddar cheeses and topped with fresh Pico de Gallo and guacamole in an authentic grilled flour tortilla
• Sirloin Steak Bowl: citrus-marinated, flame-grilled Sirloin steak served with fresh cilantro, onions and Pico de Gallo salsa, atop Spanish rice and pinto beans
• Steak & 3-Cheese Quesadilla: citrus-marinated, flame-grilled Sirloin steak layered with three melted cheeses - Jack, Cheddar and Cotija- grilled in an authentic flour tortilla and served with guacamole and sour cream

My husband tried the tacos and while he thought they were good he did find them a bit dry and had to add quite a bit of salsa. My son and I shared the quesadilla and I have to say that was pretty darn good! Both my son and I loved it, the mix of the cheeses with the steak was just mouth watering. My son loved it so much I almost had to go buy another one as he ended up not wanting to share with me! LOL!! My son and I are not fans of guacamole or sour cream so ate it as is, and it was just perfect. I would not want to add anything more in fear of not being able to taste the seasoning. I also expected the steak to be a bit spicy hot, maybe too much for the kids, but it was not hot enough to wear my son would not eat it. I think this will be a big hit for El Pollo Loco and become a favorite of many.

El Pollo Loco would like to offer you a coupon for a free Grillmaster Steak Taco with the purchase of a Grillmaster Steak Taco. You can print your coupon by going to www.elpolloloco.com/freesteaktaco/

Happy Weekend!

This has really been a long past couple weeks for us!! I am so exhausted but am looking forward to finally having some fun this weekend and getting back to normal!! We just got done with our Friday night movie - Sword and the Stone - and yes, it was a bit too old for the kids. By too old I mean made too long ago LOL!! Not even my son liked it! As bedtime got closer and closer all I heard from my youngest son was "Mom, I can't wait until tomorrow!" We will be heading out to Monster Jam 2010 this weekend. This should be a ton of fun "literally" LOL!!! I cannot wait to share pics with you all when we get back!

I hope you all have a safe, fun and most of all healthy weekend!