Sunday, May 12, 2013

A Fun Family Activity in Southern California: Knott's Soak City {and a giveaway, too!}

If you've been in Southern California this week {or ever}, you've probably wondered what fun things you could do to beat the heat.  It's been so hot, and even a little humid, that my family has been wishing we had a pool.  And while we haven't yet busted out the the good ole' traditional, plastic blow-up pool, my boys have been looking forward to one thing: going to Knott's Soak City!

I am excited to go to this water park with my littles because 1) they've never been to a water park before and 2) there are numerous areas in the park that are actually kid-friendly!  Many theme parks have the average 42 inch requirement, and sadly, my 4 year-old isn't quite there yet.  It's not his fault....he inherited my short genes.  When my husband and I go to theme parks with him, we get a little sad for him because he can't quite enjoy the rides he'd like to.  Luckily, at Knott's Soak City, there are a few areas that are perfect for little people and are still fun.  It's way better than just riding on the carousel all day!  They've got the Gremmie Lagoon, which requires swimmers to be UNDER 54 inches barefoot. Check!!  We've got that covered! We will also be enjoying the Sunset River as a family, the Tidal Wave Bay and the Toyota Beach House; all kid and family-friendly!  I better remember to pack the sunscreen!  There's no way I'll get my boys out of Soak City that day!  They might have to kick us out!





To celebrate the kickoff of Knott's Soak City's thrill seeking, season of fun {which begins on May 18th}, I've got TWO tickets for one reader to enjoy! And if you want, you can even enjoy a season pass for as low as just $59.99 {but hurry, prices go up May 27th}!

If you live in So Cal, you know how great water park season is and if you plan on visiting and are looking for things to do in Southern California with kids, well, this is it!!!!  Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below.  Winner will be chosen on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 12:00am PST.  Stay cool this Summer!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


No purchase necessary. One winner per household. All opinions expressed are my own.  Tickets are courtesy of GigaSavvy.



Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy the NEW GRACO FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller

A few weeks ago, Graco sent me their newly debuted, FastAction Fold Jogger Click Connect Stroller.  {That being said, please know that all thoughts and opinions from this point forward are absolutely my own.}  They also asked me to host a small party with other bloggers to demonstrate why Graco's first jogging stroller is ideal for the active mom.  Uhhhh....did somebody say, PARTY?!  Obviously, this was right up my alley!  I love parties!  And I was able to meet some awesome new bloggers.






The ladies enjoyed the demonstration and were able to ask a lot of questions on the details of the stroller's functions and specifications.


I realize that, often, stroller shopping can be such a nightmare.  The task of researching strollers, alone, can be daunting.  You try your hardest to do your research, then, just when you are confident you've chosen the right one, you take it home, use it for a few outings and realize.....you hate it!  More difficult still, is when you try to purchase a jogging stroller so you can train for your impending 5K or half marathon, or simply to help you get back into pre-baby shape.  Those jogging strollers all look great and easy to use, but pushing them during a jog or brisk walk can be more than you bargained for.  Well, don't worry!  If you are in the market for a new jogging stroller {or just the everyday use stroller} I TRULY recommend you get this stroller.  I don't say that just because Graco gave me the stroller.  I honestly LOVE this stroller!  I've owned a couple jogging strollers and each one always seemed like they were too heavy, too cramped, too rigid.  I always found something wrong with them.  There was always something that gave me the perfect excuse to not run with it.  With this stroller, all of those excuses have gone out the window {Damn!}  Let me tell you why:


Top 5 Reasons I Think You Should Get the New GRACO FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller

{#GracoJogger #ad}



1.  It's easy to fold and open: The FastAction Fold feature is easy to use with a quick, single step fold that automatically locks and even self-stands when folded, by use of it's uber-fancy kickstand.  You can hold your baby in one hand and fold the stroller up in the other hand.



2.  It has a Smartphone/ iPod cradle just for you:  My phone can be locked in securely to the parent tray while I run.  And if I forget to take my phone out when I fold up the stroller, it stays locked in any way!  No more crash landings from the stroller, for my phone! {I'm notorious for this!}



3.  It has large, air-filled rubber tires:  These bike-like tires make for a smooth ride for both mom and baby.  No struggling to push the stroller on rough terrain for you and the baby doesn't have to endure a bumpy ride.




4.  It has a lockable front swivel tire:  Most jogging strollers have a front tire that does not move freely.  It stays locked, allowing you to run....perfectly straight.  That would be cool if you never had to turn the stroller, especially when using the stroller in a non-exercise related outing.  But, reality is that turning the stroller is necessary.  And with the front tire unlocked, you won't be that mom that looks like she can't maneuver her own stroller.  The FastAction Fold Jogger allows you to unlock the front tire for easy maneuvering during an average day out.  I LOVE this! 

5.  It has an extra-large storage basket:  The size of the storage basket is awesome for someone like me, who notoriously brings everything in the house. Blankets, jackets, toys, the giant diaper bag, my purse....and the list could go on and on.



If you are an active mom and are looking for a new jogging stroller, the FastAction Fold is what you are looking for. I promise.  I'll be more than happy to answer questions if you have any.  Don't like, the green and gray color combo?  Check out Target, Walmart, Babies R' Us, Buy Buy Baby or Amazon to get the color combo you want.  It comes in red, purple, orange, black and teal.  And if you need this as a travel system, it's also available!  As a travel system you'll find the FastAction Fold for $299.99.  Without the infant carrier, it's just $179.99.  You'll also be happy to know that this stroller is compatible with any of the Graco car seats with the Click Connect technology.  If you already have one, you'll be all set to use this new jogger with it.

Huge thanks to all the ladies that came out last week!  We had a great time and I was so glad to meet all of you and your littles.




Graco’s NEW jogger is the ultimate crossover stroller, combining all the comfort and convenience features of a traditional stroller (FastAction Fold and Click Connect Technology) with performance and maneuverability of an all-terrain jogger.
As an added bonus, Graco’s innovative one-second, one-hand FastAction™ fold automatically locks & is self-standing.

This post is sponsored by Graco.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Spring has Sprung...and it brings a GIVEAWAY!

Our Spring Break was last week.  My husband and I both work in education, so we are fortunate enough to actually have a real Spring Break and we were glad it happened to land on the same week as our son's Spring Break.  Naturally, we planned a few family outings to keep us busy and to keep us from noticing that we weren't really on vacation, but rather on a "Stay-cation".   We had a great time and the boys were excited to spend so much quality time with us.  But, I must say that the most awesome {and shocking} thing we did during our Spring Break was GARDEN!!!  Yes friends, I gardened!!!!

I grew up in an apartment most of my childhood.  My parents bought their first home when I went off to college.  {I guess they were finally able to afford it once their oldest child left the nest.}  As a result, I never did any gardening or yard work.  I didn't have to.  I spent my summers at the swimming pool in our complex and I loved it.  Meanwhile, my husband grew up with a backyard that served as a partial zoo, complete with chickens, tortoises, cats and dogs.  To this day his family still jokes that the kids spent all day outside "digging to China".

Anyhow, I just recently confessed that I'd never gardened before...in my LIFE!  When we bought our house, I told him I wanted an array of colorful flowers in our front flower beds.  Well, that was five years ago.  I finally mentioned it again last week, so this time he was determined to get me to "dig in the dirt".  First, he gave me a Pulling Weeds 101 course (man, does pulling weeds SUCK!)  Then, we drove right over to Home Depot and picked out the flowers we thought might look best.  It took a full 3 hours to get the flower beds looking better than they did.  Below are the results.  Not bad for a first timer!







In honor of this momentous occasion (trust me...it's HUGE in this house!) and just because it's Spring,  I would like to share a little giveaway with all of you! Together, with some pretty awesome blogger pals of mine we are giving away two prizes; A $500 gift card to B&H Photo, Video & Pro Audio and a $250 gift card to Kelly Moore bags.

We are calling it The Click & Carry Giveaway!  Like it?  I think it's cute and catchy.





The Click & Carry Giveaway begins Tuesday, April 16th and ends at 12:00am on April 23, 2013.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.  Void where prohibited.

All entries are optional with the exception of providing an email address so that we may contact you if you were to win.  We will never sell, distribute, or spam your email.  

Two winners will be chosen by Rafflecopter (powered by Random.org). The first winner chosen will have the option of choosing between a $500 gift card to B&H Photo, Video & Pro Audio or a $250 gift card to Kelly Moore Bags. The second prize winner will be awarded the item that was not chosen by the first prize winner. Gift cards are not transferable and cannot be exchanged for a cash prize.

This is a non-sponsored post.  Prizes were purchased by a group of participating bloggers.  B&H Photo, Video & Pro Audio and Kelly Moore Bags are not affiliated with this giveaway.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to the owner of this Facebook page and not to Facebook.
This promotion is powered by Rafflecopter. Metric Feat LLC (“Rafflecopter”) does not sponsor, administer, or endorse this promotion. Participants must read and agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy before entering and participating in this promotion.

Awesome graphic by the talented Lindsay Goldner at LLYDesigns.



Sunday, March 3, 2013

And the PEOPLE Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue cover goes to...

I spent my weekend home and on my couch because I was (and still am) quite sick.  I did leave the house to attend the wedding of one of my closest friends, on Friday.  There was just NO WAY I could miss that. But Saturday, I rushed out of the house and headed to Target anxiously wondering who the cover girl would be.  Jennifer Lawrence? Anne Hathaway? Nope!

And the winner is.....




Jennifer Aniston!

Despite the fact that a number of celebrities are on the front cover of this special PEOPLE Magazine issue, I think the big winner is undoubtedly Jennifer Aniston.  {Please note the strategic placement of Jennifer Lawrence's head over Anne Hathaway's chest!}

The former friend and future Mrs. Theroux, is the big cover winner for this special PEOPLE Magazine issue.  I must say it wasn't who I thought was going to win.  If you recall, in my last post I predicted the cover girl would be Anne Hathaway.  However, we all saw what she wore and how incredibly distracting her chest was.  My husband even said, "What's wrong with her nipples?!"  If he noticed, you know it didn't look good.



Even the starlet herself, apologized for the dress.  The pink dress she wore was a Prada design, however, she had originally intended on wearing the gorgeous Valentino on the right side of the photo above.  I'm sure she will never make a last minute decision like that again.  {cringe!}



Being sick did not impede me from perusing the pages of this special magazine issue over a nice bowl of chicken noodle soup and a delicious turkey sandwich.  This was enough to make me feel a lot better.  I had pages of gowns, makeup tips and accessories to distract me for a bit.  My favorite part of the issue is the Style Scorecard:  Designers A to Z.  It gives you a small image of almost every relevant gown you could have seen on the Oscars red carpet. My second favorite part of the issue is the Hair Trends page. I'm that person that actually tries to do one of those celebrity hair dos on myself, so it certainly serves as great inspiration.

I hope you get to enjoy the pages of the PEOPLE Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue over a glass of wine...or a yummy cocktail!  It's way better than my Sudafed and chicken noodle soup combo. 

Oh.....and if you are Ashley H., then you will be enjoying your copy of the magazine and a $20 Target Gift Card!  Congratulations to Ashley for being the winner of my last giveaway!

Don't forget to test your PEOPLE Trivia skills for a chance to win one of hundreds of rewards cards!  If you aren't Ashley you can still be a winner there.

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and PEOPLE Magazine but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PEOPLEforOscars  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO




Thursday, February 21, 2013

Oscars Fashion & The PEOPLE Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue



It's that time of year again when Hollywood honors the best movies, directors, actors and......the best fashion!  Somewhere in between the popcorn and the printable Oscars ballot, I declare myself the most qualified person in America to critique every celebrity brave enough to walk the Oscars red carpet {also known as the most important part of the show} and park myself on my couch hours before the actual show even starts. I dust off whatever movie knowledge I've acquired as a result of my Netflix subscription in preparation for the year's most watched awards show....the Academy Awards!

The dresses, the hair, the makeup and the accessories!  It's ALL my favorite! And the best part is that it will all end up in the pages of the PEOPLE Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue {which, by the way, will be on newsstands from March 1st to March 18th!}.  This is hands-down one of my favorite magazine issues of the year!  It's got every fashion detail of our fave celebs....down to their nails, even! {Anyone else LOVE the "Mani-Cam" on the red carpet?!  I'm obsessed.}

So who do you look forward to seeing on Oscars night?  Based on their Golden Globes fashion {which is like the "pretend" Oscars} I am really looking forward to seeing these ladies.  They NAILED it at the Golden Globes, so I'm certain their gowns will be just as fantastic.




















Now, can we please discuss the possible hair and makeup trends we might expect to see in this Red Carpet edition?  At the Globes, some of these actresses managed to make sophistication and elegance look so effortless and I'm sure their Oscars looks will be just as amazing.



And to celebrate the awesomeness that is the PEOPLE Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue, I've got a $20 Target gift card for you!  All you have to do is tell me who you think will be on the cover of the issue. Personally, I think it will be Anne Hathaway.  I mean...come on!  Look at her...she's gorgeous.
And if you care to win some more cool things, test your PEOPLE Trivia skills and enter each week for a chance to win one of hundreds of rewards cards!



Go on...what are you waiting for?  Enter to win the $20 Target gift card so you can go buy your own copy of the People Magazine 2013 Oscars Double Issue.  Get yourself some popcorn while you're there, too.  Just enter in the rafflecopter form below.  Good luck party people!


a Rafflecopter giveaway




This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and PEOPLE Magazine but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PEOPLEforOscars  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

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