Adventure Landing = FUN

Still looking for places to take the kiddos for a fun time without melting in the heat, or breaking the bank?  Adventure Landing is The Place to Play! They have something for everyone, from kids to adults so the whole family can enjoy all of the excitement that Adventure Landing has to offer. Stay cool in the summer and get splashed by their Bumper Boats (AJ LOVES these!). Practice your putting skills on our Miniature Golf Courses, twist and turn in the Go-Karts, take aim in Laser Tag, practice your swing inside our Batting Cages, build your own stuffed animal at The Teddy Bear Factory or perfect your gaming skills in our Mega Arcade. Adventure Landing is Affordable Family Fun...So Close to Home!  And....because I wouldn't send you somewhere without a coupon - head HERE to print an awesome coupon to save you some cash!

Do It Yourself Microwave Popcorn

photo/recipe credit
Have your kids ever asked for some microwave popcorn and you go to the pantry to discover you are fresh out?  Instead of popping some on the stove, or dragging out the air popper, here is a quick and easy fix!  Who'da thunk it?!  Lisa from Snack Girl has shared her secret recipe.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Put 1/4 cup popcorn in a brown paper bag. Fold top over a few times and tape it.
2. Place in microwave folded side upfor 2 to 3 minutes or until there is 5 seconds between pops.
3. Eat plain or add flavors (such as salt, butter, sugar, etc.)

Amazing Jake's

It is HOT in Texas - and we are melting!  It gets so hot in the afternoon that all the boys want to do is stay inside and play the dreaded video games.  Sound familiar?  Well, here's a great opportunity to drag 'em out of the house, and still stay cool.  Amazing Jake's Plano is The Place to Play! They have something for everyone, from kids to adults so the whole family can enjoy all of the excitement that Amazing Jake's has to offer. Amazing Jake's is over 95,000 square feet of food and fun, conveniently located inside the Collin Creek Mall. They offer an Amazing Buffet of Pizza, Soups, Salads and Desserts. Practice your putting skills on our Miniature Golf Course, race your friends on the Go-Karts, take aim in Laser Tag, climb 25 feet off the ground on the Rock Climbing Wall, bump and dodge on our Bumper Cars, perfect your gaming skills and win prizes in our Mega Arcade or enjoy our various Kid City Rides!  Head HERE for coupons (because ya know I wouldn't send you without a great deal, right?!?!)  You'll be able to Buy One Buffet, and get a second one FREE.  :)

BzzAgent - Sample New Products & Review

Do you like to sample new products and review them?  Are you familiar with BzzAgent?   I've been a member of BzzAgent since 2009, and have thus far participated in 15 different campaigns.  As a member I get to try new products for free, all of which are shipped to my home at no charge to me. In return I give them my opinions about the products. In the Bzzagent Bzzkit you will find at least one full sized product and a bunch of samples and coupons plus a Bzzguide that introduces the item. I share the samples and coupons with my friends and family and report to Bzzagent.  I just received an invitation from them to try Luster Premium White tooth whitening system & toothpaste (a $40 value) for FREE!  So you can get an idea of how it works, below is summary of some of the Bzz Campaigns that I've participated in, and what I received:

• Disney Cars 2: The Video Game - They just sent me this Wii game to have a party and try for free.
• TRESemme(R) Color Revitalize - They sent out a full size bottle of this shampoo and conditioner.
• L'Oreal One Sweep Eye Shadow and Eye Illuminator Mascara - Free eye shadow and mascara!
• Welch's Healthy Start - Received coupons for free bottles of this amazing juice.
• L'Oreal(R) Paris Collagen Micro-Pulse(TM) - Evaluated a full-size tube of this anti-aging product.
• Children's Claritin 2010 - Received full size box and coupons.
• Mahatma(r) Jasmine & Basmati Rice - They sent a box of TWENTY full size bags of rice (10/each flavor) for me to evaluate and distribute to friends.
• Revitalift (R) Deep-Set Wrinkle 24HR Eye Repair Duo - Received full size bottle to evaluate.

In addition to the free product, they always send along coupons for me to share with family and friends.  The idea is to evaluate the products, spread the "buzz" to your friends, and fill out a brief survey afterwards. They will periodically email you surveys to take (it never takes more than a few minutes to complete the surveys, and those help you earn points on MyRewards).

Honestly, of course I love getting free stuff in the mail.  But I'm also very interested in seeing new products before they're available.  I feel that when I evaluate and give feedback that the companies are really listening to me.  It's a lot of fun.  If this sounds like something you'd enjoy doing, you can go HERE for more information.

Happy 18th Birthday To My Sam

Eighteen years ago, I was in the hospital struggling to give birth to my first child who was already named Sam. We had spent the entire 9 months of pregnancy preparing.  We took classes, we read every book out there, we had the drawers and closet STUFFED fulled of clothes. His room was filled with books and toys. I'd stocked up on TONS of diapers and wipes.  We were completely and absolutely READY.  And then we hit a little bump in the road.  Sam, apparently, did not want to come out.  He wasn't quite as prepared for the real world as we were for him.  After a looooong day, and a few scares, he was finally TAKEN from his little cocoon by a HUGE set of salad tongs (AKA forceps)!  I don't recommend them.

Now, sixteens years later I sit at home baking a GINORMOUS cupcake cake, while we finalize his college plans.  COLLEGE...seriously, where does the time go!

I just had to give a shout out to my little Sam (yes, he'll always be little to me - even though he's currently 6'1" and 175 pounds).  He's become a fine young man, a talented musician, great student and we couldn't ask for a better son.  We're very proud of him!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!!!!!!