Harlem Globe Trotters - Pushing the Limits World Tour

Houston, guess who is coming to town?  The All-New Harlem Globetrotters Pushing The Limits World Tour

Disclosure-This is a sponsored post in collaboration with USFG and the Harlem Globetrotters.  All opinions expressed are my own based on my personal opinion.

Are you looking for something fun to do with the entire family?  I think I have an idea.  Have you ever been to a basketball game?  Get ready to be entertained.

This is more than a basketball game.  It is more than a show.  It is the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new, larger-than-life world tour.  You'll be on your feet, out of your seat, laughing until it hurts and loving every moment. 

The 5th Quarter - The game isn't over after the final shot!  Meet your favorite Globetrotter courtside after the game to get an autograph and photo.  

Don't miss out - get your tickets today and SAVE 25% for ALL Harlem Globetrotters Games with our promotional code - FUNFAM 

Please note that you must purchase your tickets 14 days before Game Date.  For more information, go to: https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule

Houston dates are February 15 and February 16 at the Fertitta Center at UH.

Candytopia Houston

Somebody's childhood dream has come true.  Remember that song, if all of the raindrops were lemon drops and gum drops....oh what a joy would that be?  Can you imagine candy everywhere?  Well Houston, no more imagining because Candytopia has dropped into our city. 

Thanks to the creator of Candytopia for making my little girl dreams come to life in this new experience.  My family received a special invitation to get a sneak peek at what is in store for Houstonians.  We were in for a really big treat too. 

From the creative mind of the Candy Queen herself, Jackie Sorkin brings our greatest wish to life.  Jackie and her team have created a Candyland in Houston that you will not want to miss.  Candy confections that are larger than life and sweet art that looks to die for.  Your senses will be on an overload.  From the minute you walk in, you will be immersed into a golden ticket kinda world.

Each room is unique.  There is a different experience to be had.  No matter your age, you will want to see, feel, smell, and of course, taste the samples provided.  The space is kid-friendly in every way.

A little someone did not want to leave.  Her favorite room had to be the underwater, under the sea room.  Make sure you look up, around, and enjoy the space.  Picture-perfect, instagramable pics, every time.  No filter.  And the staff is friendly and ready to capture those moments for you.

TICKET PRICES:
Adults: $28
Kids (4-12): $20
Children 3 and under: Free

Candytopia opens today at The MARQ*E entertainment center (7620 Katy Fwy, Suite 360 Houston, TX 77024).  For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit candytopia.com.

Don't forget to download the Candytopia app before getting there.  You will be able to use the QR code to see special affects and photo booth pictures will be sent straight to your email.  

How sweet is that!!

Flick Friday-Volcanoes: Fires of Creation

You know that I love out of the box ways to keep education in front of my kids at all times including our weekend adventures.  I love to play with my children's curiosity and have their minds always working. 

My daughter likes to watch the news with mami and papi.  This sometimes sparks many conversations.  One of the conversations was sparked after the volcano erupted in Hawaii.  I don't always have all the right answers to all her questions.  But I do make sure to find her answers.

On May 3, 2018, Hawaii's  Kilauea volcano erupted and so did the questions.

Thanks to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for inviting us to experience Volcanoes: Fires of Creation on the Giant Screen.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

We may never know how many total volcanoes exist in this world.  The islands of Hawaii have five volcanoes.  A place so rich in beauty surrounded by two active volcanoes.  But what is a volcano?

According to Merriam-Webster, volcanoes are an opening in the earth's crust from which hot or melted rock and steam erupt.

Have you ever wondered about the lava, the eruptions, and all that ash?  National Geographic photographer, Carsten Peter, takes the film viewers to another level.  Getting up and personal with so many breathtaking views.  He goes deeper than anyone should into the depths of volcanoes.  I can tell you that we were at the edge of our seats.  The  IMAX®/Giant Screen brings the volcanoes to life right before your eyes.  Answering questions of impact to humans, the ecosystems, and wildlife.  Volcanoes are part of our past and continue to affect our future today all around the world.  Our family enjoyed learning more about volcanoes and watching this film.  You do need to wear glasses to watch this film, this is why I recommend for older school aged children and adults. 

For more information, go to http://www.hmns.org/giant-screen-theatre/feature-giant-screen-films/volcanoes-the-fires-of-creation/

Celebrating 25 Years Under The Big Top - UniverSoul Circus

UniverSoul Circus is back in Houston from now until June 24th.  They are celebrating their 25th year Anniversary.

Thanks to UniverSoul Circus for inviting my family and providing complimentary tickets for us to come join the celebration.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

There is a giant party under the UniverSoul Circus big top.  I love the music and all the performers.

It is a circus that not only has been bringing joy to our communities but also has helped it.  UniverSoul Cares has several initiatives:

-free show for homeless families

-help bring awareness and register potential donors of bone marrow

-recognizing and awarding humanitarian leaders

-helping stock food banks

For more information, go to universoulcircus.com/cares

Giveaway-Stride Rite #FitTopia Tour Spring 2018

The perfect fitting shoe can be hard to find.  I know when my daughter was little we wondered what shoes would be best for her.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Stride Rite.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

There is no doubt about it that my daughter's first pair of shoes where Stride Rite.  Stride Rite has been a favorite for comfort, style, and design since she took her first steps.

It is important as our kids continue to grow that we fit their little feet with the healthiest fitting shoes.  Our kids have growth spurts which includes their feet.

Stride Rite made their first stop in their Fit-Topia Spring Tour at the McDonald's Children's Festival in Houston.   A family friendly event that includes a hands on lei making station,

an Instagram-able swing photo experience, light-up displays, and goody bags.  This tropical tour is bringing you the latest Stride Rite styles for you to check out and your little can get fitted by an on-site expert.

Fit-Topia is headed to nine more cities across the US...

April 25, San Jose, CA - Santana Row Pop Up

• April 28-29, San Diego, CA - Kids Expo
• May 5, Charlotte, NC - MommyCon
• May 13, Boston, MA - Friends of the Public Garden Duckling Parade
• May 17, Chicago, IL - Navy Pier Pop Up
• ...and a surprise location to be announced!


Don't forget to check the Phibian Lighted-the sandals are the first to market for kid’s water-resistant and machine washable shoe with light up technology that glows with every step. The new fashions feature a more athletic inspired silhouette.  Available in sizes 11-3 for $46

Thanks to Stride Rite, one lucky reader will be able to win (1) Stride Rite pair of shoes.  Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is US only.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Good luck.

Houston Axe Throwing

When your kids get older, the kiddie adventures are no longer fun.  We have been there and done that.  Are you looking for a family fun activity or outing for your older kids?

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with USFG and Houston Axe Throwing.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.   

In our family, we are very competitive.  We love sports.  You know that saying a family that plays together, stays together.  I love playing fun activities that we can all enjoy.  But once the kids get  older, it gets hard to come up with things to do that they have already not done a million times.  Have you ever heard of axe throwing?  Obviously if you live in the city or the suburbs, you don't have to chop wood.  So why would you need to know how to axe throw?

This is why!  The thrill of a bulls eye.  I released my inner lumberjill.  It is an AXEperience you will never forget and get hooked to try again.

Houston Axe Throwing is Houston's first indoor urban axe throwing range and the first axe throwing club in Texas.  Our axe throwing session was run by a trained Axepert who showed us how to safely handle an axe and chuck it..  We received tips and tricks on how to hit the illustrious Bullseye!

You get to pick really cool names like Blades of Glory, Axe-actly, Woodie, and Absentree.  Learning the technique, mastering it and releasing our inner lumberjack/jill that was AXEsome.  We played several games Hang man, Tic Tac Toe, and we also competed in a Tournament against each other.

I did tell you this was a family friendly activity.  Children ages 12+ can participate with a parent/guardian if they are with a parent/guardian at all times, and it is a 1 adult to 1 child aged 12+ ratio.  NO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 WILL BE ALLOWED ON SITE AT ALL.  Obviously you can see why this is not a place for younger kids.  Axe throwing is safe.  

You can bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and napkins.  You could even host a party.  There is plenty of room.  There are games in the lounge sitting area.  You can also play your own music.  

For more information, go to Houston Axe Throwing.  Thanks to USFG you can take $5 off admission to a 2.5 hour session using the offer code USFAMILY at checkout expires May 1, 2018.

Hey Katy-Texas-It's Cirque Italia

Sponsored Post

I am excited to attend Cirque Italia at Katy Mills.  Cirque Italia now has two traveling shows and for the Silver Unit is coming to Katy, TX!  With it's state of the art technology, it's sure to be a show you won't want to miss!  Keep reading through and I will share how you can get your children's tickets FREE!

Event Info for Cirque Italia at Katy

When: March 1-4 Where: 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 77494-4402 At: Katy Mills Near: Burlington Coat Factory Under the grand, swirling White and Blue tent!

• March 1- Thursday: 7:30pm
• March 2- Friday: 7:30pm
• March 3- Saturday: 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm
• March 4- Sunday: 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm

Here's a bit more about the show:

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Aquatic Spectacular”? Water, entertainment, excitement……? You can expect all these things and so much more from the brand new themed Cirque Italia production with its perfectly fitting new title. After six years of enhancements, a rigorous casting selection, and countless performances nationwide, this newest form of Cirque Italia’s innovative and unique “traveling circus” spectacular production is set to be its finest to date. Aquatic Spectacular came to life all thanks to its imaginative creator Manuel Rebecchi, along with invaluable direction and production management by Chanté DeMoustes. Cirque Italia’s brand-new theme show is an artistic blend of human abilities, technology and the element of water. This one-of-a-kind production combines water fountains, jet-skis, pirates, and more in a fun filled atmosphere all ages are sure to enjoy.

  Performers from all over the world have been brought together under the enchanted spiral of the white and blue big top.  The merging of their astonishing skills with the poetic element of water has led to the creation of a truly unforgettable experience.  Cirque Italia has managed to create a beautifully unique theatrical production by combining the gracefulness of the human body with the calming fluidity of water, along with bursts of power and excitement as well.  Aquatic Spectacular offers two hours of high-end entertainment.  Beautiful aerialists dazzle and shimmer on a chandelier high above the ground, but they aren’t the only ones that will draw your eyes toward the sky.  You can expect to see contortion in a bubble, a Venetian aerial duo, and even someone hula hooping while in the air.  Don’t worry about getting your eyes checked, you aren’t seeing double; there are TWO lasermen.  Duo jugglers, duo roller-skaters, the always breathtaking wheel of death………the list goes on and on.  It is even possible for a pre-historic dinosaur to make an appearance. Let your imagination wander, because anything is possible in this new whimsical production.
One might be concerned that such a spectacular entertainment opportunity is out of his/her price range, but Cirque Italia is committed to bringing a Las Vegas quality production to your hometown at an affordable price.  They also feature many special offers and promotions.  Cirque Italia continues to contribute to the modernization of the performing arts and the circus industry by abiding by a strict animal free policy.

Now Get Your Tickets

Tickets can be purchased now, starting at $10.00 through$40.00 depending on availability. You can purchase tickets through their website (cirqueitalia.com/tickets;;) or by phone: (941) 704-8572.  They also respond to text messages.  Of course, you can also purchase them at the box office.

Box office hours: The box office opens on-site on Tuesday, the week of the show.

Non-show days: 10am – 6pm On show days: 10am – 9pm FREE Child Admission

Cirque Italia offers one free child admission with every full priced paying adult ticket in levels 2 or 3, using the code in the image below.

This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or deals.

 
For more information visit www.cirqueitalia.com and make sure to check all of their social media accounts below.

Get Social with Cirque Italia

Twitter: @CirqueItalia
Instagram: @cirqueitaliashow 
Facebook: @cirque.italia

Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Bloggin’ Mamas & Cirque Italia to share this upcoming tour stop with my readers, and am being compensated for this partnership.   All opinions expressed are my own.

Urban Harvest Farmers Market Houston

Have you ever been to a farmer's market?  I have always wanted to go, experience it, and see what it is all about.  Growing up in the city or suburbs, you do not have a farm in your backyard.

Have you ever heard of The Urban Harvest Farmers Markets?  It is a place where the garden comes to the city.  Growers offer locally produced vegetables, fruits, farm products, dairy products, prepared foods, cut flowers and plants. 

With the recent weather in Houston, local farmers have suffered.  Crops were completely wiped.  My blogger friend Pilar from En Mi Cocina Hoy volunteers at Urban Harvest and she put the call out.  We need to support our local farmers and help our community get back on track.  As our family continues to find healthier things to put on our table, a visit to the Urban Harvest Farmers Market was perfect for our us.  

We sprinkled the love on several booths:

Bee Wilde - Bee & Honey Farm - Montgomery, Texas

She had me at allergy relief (1 tablespoon/per day).  Whenever I have a sour throat, my mom always gave us a teaspoon of honey with a little lemon.  A home remedy that has been passed down.  I have no complaints from our daughter, who asks for honey every night.  People have used honey forever.  I have recently started substituting honey for processed sugar and artificial sweeteners.  I add it to my oatmeal, tea, and biscuits.  

Pure - Raw - Unfiltered - Wilde  - Check out www.beewilde.com for honey recipes.

Lightsey Farms - Mexia, Texas

Since 1918, locally grown fruits and vegetables that are picked at the peak of ripeness with locations in Austin, Houston, Temple, and Waco.  Coming soon to Dallas.

What’s in Season-
Peaches, Persimmons, Pears

For their locations, go to www.lightseyfarms.com.

Space City Farms - Houston, Texas

A nutrient-dense produce without harmful chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.   A unique way of growing produce using 90% less water and 90% less land than conventional growing, while providing delicious natural foods.

What your own seedlings?  Go to www.spacecityfarms.com.

Garden Dreams Houston - Houston, Texas

Have you seen the movie Paddington Bear?  He eats marmalade all day long.  Have you ever tried marmalade?  I have not.  Well, you can sample anything you want here.  What is available?  It is locally grown, chemical free, handmade jams, jellies, marmalades, salsas, and pickles.  We love pickles.  

Wanna try this award winning jam?  Go to www.gardendreamshouston.com.

Hatterman Eggs - Weimar, Texas

These are farm-fresh, cage free, ungraded-yard eggs with omega 3 from flax.  My husband is one of those that is iffy about things that he is not familiar with.  I made breakfast on Sunday.  Blueberry pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs, yum.  My entire family ate it all up.  Everyone gave these eggs two-thumbs up.  Now to try the green eggs.

Yes, green?  

These are just a few of the spots we stop and purchased from.  We will continue to support because who doesn't want chemical-free, pesticide-free, local, organic; fruits, vegetables, and so much more.

Urban Harvest Farmers Market is open on Saturdays-

Eastside Farmers Market

8am - 12pm, 

Year round, rain or shine

3000 Richmond

Houston, Texas 77098

See you there! 

First Annual Hispanicize Topgolf Tournament

Last month, I celebrated another year of life.  I had a few things on my birthday list.  One of the things I have had on my list was to try Topgolf.

Thanks to Topgolf for hosting the First Annual Hispanicize Topgolf Tournament.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

My husband, son, and I were invited to participate in this friendly competition between influencers as part of one of the events for Hispanicize Texas 2017.  One thing our family loves to do is partake in competitions.  Win or lose, we were up for the challenge.

First, we had to pick a team and a team name.  The three of us from my family partnered with Cynthia from Grasstainz.  We could not come up with a team name but my husband threw out the name Too Much Pressure and it stuck.  Each team selected a bay to play at.  There are over 100+ climate-controlled hitting bays to choose from.

We hit some practice rounds to get the feel of things.  Three of our team members, including me, were newbies.  We really did not know what we were doing at all, but we had nothing to worry about.  Miguel, certified pro instructor at the Katy location, was available to help us and gave us great tips and tricks for us to use.

Topgolf 101 - Blue = Ladies Black = Men (kids clubs are available too)

The black clubs are slighter longer than the blue clubs.

FORM-It is important to pay attention to your stance just like in any sport.  Buttie out, knees bent.

FOCUS-Keep your eye on the ball.  Even when you are about to swing.

FOOD-No worries.  Topgolf has a full service restaurant and bar.

FUN-You do not have to be a pro.  From the smallest member of your family to the most veteran golfer, you will all have fun.  Topgolf is a great place for family and friends to hangout and have fun.

Oh and about that competition, wanna know where we placed?

Too Much Pressure won 2nd place.  Not bad for three newbies.  Yeah, I told you the tips Miguel gave us really did help us out.  You too can book golf lessons with one of the certified pros starting at $29.

For more information, go to topgolf.com.

Again, thanks to Topgolf for hosting not only our family but all the other influencers, families, and friends.  Thanks to the DiMe Media and Hispanicize team for planning such a great event in Houston.

Hispanicize Texas 2017

In 2011, I attended my very first Hispanicize event in California.  Little did I know that after that I would have a little surprise in my oven.  With me almost losing Lil Bit and my near death experience after birth, I truly cherish my family time.  Traveling without my family for work or conferences went to the back burner.  This is why I appreciate when conferences come to Texas.

Even better when they come to my home town of Houston.  According to census reports, Houston is the biggest metropolis city in Texas.  It is the 4th most populous city in the United States.

Thanks to the all the people that made this happen.  Especially Manny Ruiz, founder of Hispanicize.  Hispanicize Texas 2017 was hosted at Silver Street Studios with a full schedule of panels, brand/creator meet and greets, and unlimited opportunities.  A wonderful event that gathered creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs all under one roof.

And if you know Latinos, we go everywhere with family.  So nobody gets left behind.  This includes our Latinitos who are paving their own way.  Sessions were available for the tween/teen creators.

It is also a conference that celebrates our culture.  You know it is not a Latino event unless there is music and dancing because wherever we go, there is always a party.

(Thanks to United for helping celebrate our culture)

(Thanks to Kroger for the delicious treats)

One of my most favorite things is seeing the comadres/compadres.  It is like a family reunion.  We come from far and wide.  It is crazy how many friendships I have made online through social media.

And did I tell you, there is always an after party.

(closing night reception - Henke and Pillot featuring Valerie Ponzio from The Voice, Team Blake)