We love to travel. But sometimes the thought of getting on a plane and going through all that ordeal, is too much. So many times we just decide to get into the car and take a road trip instead. Lately, our road trips are involving more outdoorsy and adventurous activities.
And on any trip we take, we have to have our tech toys with us to document our travels. Luckily, Best Buy has all the tech ideas we need to make our trips wonderful. Head over to the Best Buy for some of your own travel ideas. The Best Buy site has some great ideas.
My favorite tip is the Family 5K. Now, if you know me that would surprise you because I am the last person to actually get out and exercise. But since hubby's heart bypass, we have had to start eating better and exercising. That has meant a huge lifestyle change for both of us.
That's why we have been to Best Buy looking for fitness trackers. We felt we needed to start trying to get healthy. We need to find wearable and smart technology to not only track our exercise but also to track our food intake and heart rates. And these fitness trackers are also great as a GPS.
We have not decided which fitness tracker to buy but we are leaning toward the Fitbit because it seems to have everything we need. It feels comfortable on the wrist and the display is clear. It also has a heart monitor that is essential for my husband to have.
I like the idea that we will have matching activity trackers. It will help when we hit the road. Whether we end up at a beach resort or hiking up a mountain, we will always be able to keep track of our exercise and stay healthy!
Shop at Best Buy for your next family road trip or 5K! They have so many choices that you will be able to find one that suits your family and your lifestyle!
One of the best panels we attended at the D23 Expo was the "Magic Behind the Muppets" panel. It was by far the most amusing and fun I had that weekend.
If you don't know, there is a new Muppet TV show that starts today on ABC. The new show is the Muppets return to prime-time TV. The show takes a contemporary look at the Muppets. It is done in a documentary style and it is the first time that we get a look behind the scenes of the Muppets real life. We will see the Muppets at home and work. We will learn about their personal lives as well.
The premise is that Miss Piggy (My favorite) has a new late night talk show and the Muppets work on the show. You will see all your favorite Muppets like Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo, Pepe the King Prawn, Rizzo, Scooter, Rowlf and The Electric Mayhem.
I was able to see a sneak peek at the first 2 episodes and let me tell you they are so funny! I won't give away anything because you need to watch them for yourself but I promise you will laugh. If you are a Muppet fan, you will be absolutely thrilled with this new show. If you are not a Muppet fan, we can't be friends! I laughed a lot!
That brings me back to the D23 Expo and the panel we attended. It was my favorite and I laughed so much. We were able to hear from the Muppet performers Steve Whitmire, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Matt Vogel, and Bill Barretta. First they talked to us and then the Muppets came by to answer questions. Then shenanigans ensued and the whole panel got a little out of control but in a very good way.
The best part was hearing from the fans who were there. Many were young and it surprised me how much the Muppets have touched their lives. I grew up with the Muppets and was surprised how their appeal is not generational. Everyone loves the Muppets. It got emotional when fans were obviously so thrilled to meet the performers and the Muppets.
At one point audience members were brought on stage to try their hand out at being performers as well. It was really funny and some of the audience members were fantastic!
Miss Piggy has her own talk show and Fozzie is her side kick #D23Expo#themuppets
Now that the Muppets are back on TV, I am so thrilled. I know where I will be on Tuesday nights! Here is the First Look at the show. Remember to watch tonight and if you do watch, come back and let me know what you thought. I want to hear the feedback!!
“The Muppets" premieres tonight at 8:00-8:30 p.m. ET on the ABC Television Network!
Disclosure: I attended the #D23Expo and my expenses: flight, accommodations, transportation and some meals were be covered by Disney. All opinions, however, are 100% mine.
For me, Breakfast Month is every month because I love breakfast. During the week, it's usually cereal before we have to go off to work but on the weekends, we try to have a proper breakfast. We also love having breakfast for dinner because it's just delicious! Luckily, I have Krusteaz to help me have breakfast at any time.
This month Krusteaz has declared Wednesday Breakfast Night. In a recent survey, Krusteaz found that nine out of ten Americans say they eat breakfast for dinner, with more than half of respondents enjoying breakfast for dinner once a month or more and nearly a quarter eating breakfast for dinner once a week. I am so down with that. Sometimes we have bacon and eggs. Other times we break out the Krusteaz Waffle or Pancake mixes and have those. There are also times when I get crazy and do a little breakfast with something that you don't see at breakfast.
It all depends how I feel. But there is something that is certain, Breakfast for dinner or anytime is the best thing. Let's just say that Brinner is a winner!
Krusteaz has the perfect products to make your breakfast whether in the morning, afternoon or evening. They are easy to use and delish! Whether you want a traditional breakfast or you want breakfast with a twist like chicken and waffles, Krusteaz will help you make the perfect meal for your family.
To help you, Krusteaz has given me a wonderful prize pack for one lucky winner. The giveaway includes a box of Buttermilk Pancake mix, Belgian Waffle mix, Blueberry Pancake mix and Wild Blueberry Muffin mix. Also you will receive a squeeze bottle, a spatula and a coupon for a free product!
Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.
Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.
My lovelies, here are more activity sheets for your kids!! I know many of you love when I post these. I also love that they are also in Spanish because I have family in Costa Rica who download my activity sheets but they are always in English!
These are for The Good Dinosaur. I was able to see a trailer at the D23 Expo and, of course, I teared up. It looks like such a sweet little movie about love, friendship and family. I am sure it will be a big hit with the kids!
Here are some activity sheets for you to print! Enjoy them and enjoy the trailer!
Cinderella holds a special place in my heart since I was invited to the premiere of the movie. I also was able to meet the cast and director Kenneth Branagh. I loved the movie. It was a visually stunning film that took a timeless classic and made it relevant for today. Click here for my movie review.
Today is the day when yo can own your very own copy of Cinderella! Today you can buy the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack of Cinderella and let me tell you, you will love it. Besides the movie, the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack includes Bonus Features to entertain you! It also features the short: Frozen Fever. If you love Frozen, you will love Froze Fever. Ana and Elsa are back and they have some new and old friends joining them. It is hilarious.
Here is what you will find on the Cinderella Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack:
A Fairy Tale Comes to Life: Filmmakers and cast reflect on Cinderella's enduring power, along with the many joys and challenges of bringing this iconic tale to life.
I loved listening the the director, producers, screenwriter and actors talking about how the movie came to life. It brought back memories of my trip to Los Angeles and meeting many of them and listening to how they came to the movie and what happened when they began filming. Taking a magical timeless story and making it into a live action movies was tough but they succeeded. To get the insight on how Chris Weitz decided to write the characters is amazing. He talks about how he wanted to develop the Prince character and what made him attractive to Cinderella. And listening to Helena Bonham Carter talk about her dress is amusing!
Costume Test Fun: See the work of Academy Award-winning® Costume Designer Sandy Powell (The Aviator, 2004) and share some lighthearted moments with the cast.
A sneak peek into how costumes are tested. This was a lot of fun, It’s like a blooper reel but not. And the costumes by Sandy Powell are AMAZING! Check out my interview with Sandy!
Staging The Ball: You're invited behind the scenes for the making of the Palace Ball sequence, including its spectacular set, stunning costumes and more. It's a lavish and massive undertaking…and a magical day on set.
When we interviewed the cast and director of Cinderella when the movie came out, they all spoke about the Ball scene. And in the movie, it is one of the most amazing scenes I have ever seen. Get a behind the scenes look at how the ballroom set was built. The details on the set are so realistic and beautiful. From the chandeliers using real candles to having to dress and make up the extras, this bonus feature was the most interesting. “One of the most magical days I have ever had filming a movie” ~ Kenneth Branagh
Alternate Opening, Ella's Childhood: View moments from Ella's idyllic childhood that do not appear in the movie. Introduction by Branagh.
This is an opening Kenneth Branagh did not use but it is so sweet!
Ella's Furry Friends: Discover how the movie's animal stars honed their memorable performances.
In this bonus feature, we hear from the animal trainers and Kenneth Branagh about how the filmmakers work with animals. It's eye-opening.
Frozen Fever: It's Anna's birthday, and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever – but when Elsa catches a cold, her powers may put more than just the party at risk.
You probably have seen the charm I received for being an Ambassador of Kindness. It is a lovely stagecoach. And now you can buy your very own. The offer is valid from 9/15/15 to 12/22/15. The charm is only $8.99 when you buy Cinderella (LA) on BD, DVD or Digital HD on Disney Movies Anywhere. There is a shipping and handling charge of $2.95. If you love Cinderella or collect charms, this would be a beautiful addition to your collection! Remember to visit the Cinderella Kindness website and spread a little kindness!
If you love Disney movies like I love Disney movies, then you want to add Cinderella to your collection. Go out and buy it today!!
I have been such a blog slacker lately and will continue to be so for a few weeks. I have 2 big back to back events coming up at work. One is on the 26th and one on October 12th. Then I have one in early November. It's crazy. I cannot wait until December when I think I get a break!
Anyhow, to show my appreciation for all you not abandoning my blog when I am not here, I am giving away two (2) $25 gift cards. YAY!
It's easy to enter! Just do it on the Rafflecopter widget below.
Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.
Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.
I don't have kids as you all know but that does not mean I can't share some great tips for your babies! As an AVEENO® Ambassador, I always receive information to share with my readers. This month, I have some great tips from Dr. Andrew Cotton, certified pediatrician for Aveeno® Baby. Believe it or not, AVEENO® Baby products are not just for babies. We use AVEENO® Baby products all the time and love them!
Now that the weather is changing, you need to think about changing your baby's skin care regimen. Here are some tips to help you do so!
Bath time
Keep the same temperature in the bathroom and in the room, making sure there are no cold drafts while you bathe your baby. This may include fans or air conditioning. Use a cleanser without parabens like AVEENO® Baby Wash and Shampoo, which will leave your skin baby soft. After the bath, give your baby a massage using AVEENO® Baby Daily Moisture Lotion, which contains a natural colloidal oatmeal and a blend of rich emollients, which soothe and help protect baby's delicate skin.
Make sure to dress baby properly
The weather can change suddenly during these months of transition. Dress your baby properly, especially when outdoors. Dress the baby in layers so you can remove layers if needed to make the baby comfortable. During the morning hours, when the temperature is warmer, you can dress baby in loose cotton clothing to allow skin to breathe. As the day cools, cover with a little jacket and boots to keep warm.
Other tips to consider
Babies tend to get sick during sudden temperature changes. Try to keep baby indoors when the weather is bad.
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Fight germs that may cause your baby from getting sick by washing hands after eating.
If your baby is at least six months old, apply sunscreen when he/she spends time outdoors. AVEENO® Baby Natural Protection Lotion SPF50 Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Protection and AVEENO® Baby Face Stick Natural Broad Spectrum SPF50 contain natural ingredients and are great to use all year round.
These are great tips! I hope they help! I also have a set of AVEENO® Baby
Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.
Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.
I am so excited it's almost Fall. Fall is my favorite time of the year. I am so ready to put away my shirts and short sleeve shirts. I want to get out my jackets, boots and scarves!! But Fall, and then winter, always bring problems for my skin.
My skin starts getting dry and chapped. My alligator legs come back and I need to start moisturizing at least twice a day. I change up my routine because I need to. Dry weather and cold makes my skin horrible and so to make it stay looking healthy and moisturized a new regimen have to come into place. Fall is the perfect time to re-boot your skincare regimen, and to prepare your skin for winter.
“Daily application of a moisturizing lotion on your skin is essential to keep it smooth and healthy-looking. LUBRIDERM® Daily Moisture Lotion with Shea + Cocoa Butter keeps your skin moisturized with a light scent ideal for the fall season.” – Dr. Maria Patricia Rivas
Here are some easy-to-follow skincare tips for this fall season from Dr. Rivas:
* Change your body wash: Fragrant body washes are very popular in the summer. Switching to a soap-free, hydrating cleanser will help your skin when the dry, cold weather arrives. * Exfoliate with an oil-based scrub: Oil-based scrubs will help hydrate your skin. * Moisturize: It’s important to moisturize the skin every day to avoid dry skin and obtain a healthy-looking appearance.
If you want to win a Lubriderm Gift Pack so you can be prepared for Fall, then enter below on the Rafflecopter widget.
Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.
Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.
On September 15, the Digital HD and Blu-ray™ release of Disney’s “Cinderella” will be available. To honor this event, Walt Disney Studios is proud to announce the “A Million Words of Kindness” Campaign. This campaign launched on August 15, 2015. Inspired by the spirit of Cinderella, this online initiative invites fans everywhere to pledge their commitment to be courageous and kind in the hopes of achieving “A Million Words of Kindness” in time for World Kindness Day on November 13th, 2015.
When I was in Los Angeles for the D23 Expo, we had a wonderful dinner at Carthay Circle where we were made "Ambassadors of Kindness." When I attended the Cinderella premiere earlier this year, I was loved the movie. I loved the message of being kind. In the film “Cinderella,” Ella is told by her mother, “Where there is kindness, there is goodness; and where there is goodness, there is magic.”
It is similar to what my parents taught me when I was little. My mami always told me that I needed to treat everyone with kindness regardless of their station in life. She said even if people were not nice to me I should still try to be kind because it might change their attitude.
I have tried to live up to her words but sometimes it is hard. But her words have helped me in my new job. I work at a homeless shelter and I sometimes have to deal with the our guests who come to seek help. I am always kind to them because I have no idea what their circumstances are. But there are times when a smile or a good morning, can change their day. Even a small gesture like sitting with them during lunch can make a difference. I know this because there are days when I am not happy and someone smiles at me or says a kind word and it changes my day completely. A little kindness goes a long way. Try it sometime. Just say hello to a stranger. Smile at someone. It can be magic.
Besides being kind in your everyday life, you can submit words of courage and kindness at www.cinderellakindness.com, using the hashtags #Cinderella and #bekind or the handle @Cinderellamovie. Your kind words will then appear on the site’s interactive “Kindness Wall.” I tried it and it was cool.
Visit the “A Million Words of Kindness” Campaign and use your words to help make the world a kinder, more magical place and become an Ambassador of Kindness as well.
Disclosure: I attended the #D23Expo and my expenses: flight, accommodations, transportation and some meals were be covered by Disney. All opinions, however, are 100% mine.
