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!!

Summer Reading-Benji and the Giant Kite

My daughter was ready for school to be out this year.  She said she was ready for a break.  We have been doing a lot of fun things this summer but one thing that is always a constant is that we love to sit down and pop a book open.  I did the same thing when my son my little. 

Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Just because it is summer does not mean we stop learning.  We got to practice our reading skills.  Books are also good for teaching kids life lessons through the stories.    

BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE, Bestselling Author Alan C. Fox Focuses On Perseverence, Dreams, and Letting Go

For Benji that one thing is an enormous orange kite.  In BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE (Clavis Publishing; August 2018), bestselling author Alan C. Fox tells the enchanting story of a young boy who learns that possessing something is not quite as meaningful as letting it go.

Alan Fox explains that like all of his books, “BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE is based on a real-life incident.  This one happened when I was a child. I decided to tell the story, because I wanted to share the sense of achievement I felt by working hard to obtain something I really loved.  But once I saw the kite flying at the beach, I wanted to let it go.  My dream had been accomplished.  It was time move on to another, new experience.  You must always keep going to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.”

Add this book to your summer reading list today.  For more information, go visit Alan’s website: alancfox.com.

Summer Picks-Noblo Umbrella Buddy

How is your summer going?  What is your summer bucket list consist of?  Are you planning on heading to the beach for some fun in the fun?  The beach is one of the first things on our list.

Thanks to Noblo for sending us a sample for us to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Every year we love to head to the beach.  Obviously you have a beach check list of items you need right?  An umbrella is necessary when you have kids.  Though we love all the sun, we need a little shade from the exposure.  One of my biggest fears is having an umbrella flyaway.  We have had broken umbrellas and even injuries.  One big umbrella fail.  So this year we wanted to be prepared.

NOBLO UMBRELLA BUDDY-unique, eco-friendly nylon bag fills up with beach sand, then attaches to your beach umbrella.

It is easy to use. It kept our umbrella safely anchored where we placed it.  We actually had to move our set up a couple of times because the tide kept creeping up on us.  We had no problem moving the umbrella with the Noblo umbrella buddy.  After a full day of fun in the sun, we emptied the sand.  I folded the Noblo down to a small square that was small enough to fit in my hand.

I love to re-purpose items, this can double as a bag to put things in while walking to and from the beach!

Another thing I like about this product is that it was invented by an amazing mom. Moms find problems and always find great solutions. Why did I not think of this one?

This product is made in the USA, comes in your choice of blue or red, and is priced right at $20.

DIY Popsicles

Summer is a perfect time to DIY with the kids.  Their little hands love to be hands on.  Some projects can vary depending on their age.  I love mixing food and fun with DIY. 

Thanks to Zipzicle for sending samples for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

My daughter loves to get in the kitchen.  She is always asking to help.  She grabs her step stool and get right in there.  I love that she wants to learn.  Today's lesson is how to make DIY popsicles.

Our first step was to gather our fresh ingredients.  In the summer, we love to make cucumber water and agua de pepino.  Both make refreshing drinks.  It also happens to be one of my daughter's favorite.  Did you know by definition that a cucumber is considered a fruit?

Ingredients-

1 cucumber

2 cups of water

2 limes

sugar

Wash your cucumber.  Cut cucumber into smaller pieces.  I usually cut them into 8 long pieces.   Throw the cucumber in the blender.  I do half of the cucumber with 1 cup of water at a time.  My blender is not that big.  Blend all cucumber pieces and water.  Place the juice in a pitcher.  Cut lime in half and squeeze lime juice into the pitcher.  Add sugar to your liking.  I added to sugar and kept tasting.  I only add enough to give it a small sweet taste.  Mix all ingredients.

  

Now you are ready to fill the Zipzicle ice pop molds.  Make sure to continue to mix your juice so that you can an even blend of juice when filling each pouch.  I recommend using a pitcher with a small spout enough to be able to fit around the opening of the pouch.

My daughter loved being the taste-tester.  She was able to push buttons and make the blender go wild.  She also enjoyed mixing and pouring.  But what she enjoyed most was the final product.  It is the perfect way to stay cool this summer.

For more information, go to zipzicles.com.

Summer Luau Planning

Have you ever hosted a Luau?  Summer time is the best time to host one in your own backyard.

Thanks to Latina Home Party for sending me a Palm Breeze party kit.  All opinions are my own based on my personal experience.

What do you think of when you think of a Luau?  Leis, grass skirts, palm trees and the breeze.  You do not have to fly to Hawaii to host a Luau.  If you ever wanted to host one, they are so much fun.

Let me help you plan your next Summer Luau.  Here is what you need:

Atmosphere-Backyard parties are the best.  Set the scene with tiki torches, lanterns, and don't forget to add lights - who knows how long the party with go.

Buffet-Set table with grab and go food and drinks, this way you don't have to be serving every time someone wants food.  Don't forget the BACON!

Costumes-Who does not love to dress up?  Tell you friends to grab their grass skirts and coconut bra.

Drinks-It gets hot in the Summer.  You can ask your guest to B.Y.O.B. or you can supply the drinks.

Make sure everyone gets LEID before they leave.

And what is a Latina Home Party without a pinata?

For more information on how to access products like Palm Breeze, go to latinahomeparty.com.

Tips to the Best Camping Trip

I am going to start by saying I am not an expert but I have learned a thing or two from our camping trips.  Camping has become a part of our summers.  We all love to be one with nature.  Experiencing the great outdoors together has brought us closer.  It is something we do that we all enjoy.

1)  Location-Our first camping trip was to Canyon Lake, not too far away from us.  And now our goal is to visit a different campsite each camping trip.  We are discovering new places each time.

-research your location
-fees or cost
-reservations needed

2)  Tent or Cabin-Camping is camping whether you do it in a tent or stay in a cabin.  We like to do real camping and really enjoy pitching our tent.  Even if we happen to put the rain guard upside down.  The first time we went camping, we didn't even have our own tent.  We stayed in our friend's tent.  Another different time we even spent the night in our truck because it rained so hard our used tent leaked.  Lessons learned.

-find a tent or cabin that fits your family's needs
-if you go with a tent, make sure to get a rain guard or scotch guard your tent.
-follow the directions, even you think you know it all.

3)  Fire-Are you going to be grilling?  charcoal or wood?  What's camping without a campfire?  We tried to Bear Grills it with a flint but had no success, we would have died before we had a fire.

-check to see if your camp ground allow grills
-is there a burn ban in effect?

4)  Food-The first time we went camping we learned that camp food does not suck at all.  You can make anything in a Dutch oven. 

-meal plan each meal for the entire trip
-make grocery list      
-pick your favorite foods or get creative

5)  Discover-Shelter-check, Food-check, now it is time for you to enjoy yourself.  The first time we went camping my son went fishing for the first time and caught his first fish.  There is so much to discover in the great outdoors.  Have fun!

-fishing
-hiking
-swimming

Make the best of every trip.  It does not have to be perfect.  You will forget things, even if you make a checklist.  Things will go wrong  It may rain everyday you are there.  The memories you make together cannot be replaced.  The time you spend with the family is precious time they will treasure for ever. 

Here are some more pictures from our camping trip this Summer at Garner State Park:

 

Sunny Days = Lots of Rays

Do your kids ask to put sunscreen on or do they run?  Sun protection is important.  We have to teach our little ones how important it is.

My kid will run out and is ready to play in the sun.  I used to be the same care free way when I was younger too.  But my mother always covered us full body with a white coat of sunscreen.  I have to admit I have done the same.

Thanks to Australia Gold for sending sample products for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Tips to protecting your little one's skin:

1)  Wet/Dry sunscreen-Sunscreen goop can sometimes feel so heavy.  It can take for ever to dry.  As  a kid, one minute is for ever.

Hello Kitty body mist sunscreens are so easy to use.  The spray can be applied to wet or dry skin.  Like when you get to the beach and your kid runs into the waves before you cover them with sunscreen.  The plus is that it smells lovely and it has Hello Kitty on it.  So my daughter loves it.  She said it is for little girls only.  I like that it is water resistant for 80 minutes.

The SPF 50 body mist has a light and clean Paradise Pineapple fragrance. Australian Gold combines cutting edge sunscreen protection with Asian skin caring ingredients, Yomogi and Butterfly Bush, to deliver sun protection with exceptional skin care.

2)  Lip balm-Lips need protection too. 

The SPF 30 Lip Balm delivers sun protection and conditions lips with Jojoba, Sunflower Seed Oil, Pomegranate, and Vitamin E.

Again my daughter thinks this is make up so she likes putting it on.  We have been doing a lot of outdoors activities.

It is safe to use on tattoos. 

3) Reapply-Don't forgot to reapply. 

4) Head gear-Find a hat or cap that your kids like or they may not want to wear it. 

5)  Cover Ups-When your little ones are not in the sun, cover them up.  If they are like mine, they will not sit under the towel.  I found this cover up that even has a hoodie that my daughter loves.  For boys, I recommend putting a dry shirt on them.

 Mom and dad-Don't forget to cover your body too.  You are running around taking care of the kids and may forget to put sunscreen on you.

My tip for you is put sunscreen on before you leave the house.  I always make everyone use the restroom before we leave the house.  When it is my turn, that is when I put sunscreen on me. 

Australian Gold Extreme Sport 30 is water resistant for 80 minutes. It has Australian naturals, moisturizers, and aloe vera.  I like the way it smells. 

And don't forget to reapply.  I lather/spray/mist the kids first.  Then I do me.

Camping Packing Tips

Have you ever been camping?  Camping is a fun experience that should be on your bucket list.  It definitely on our summer list of things to do.  Camping takes you out of your element.  You become one with nature.  It can help you and your family reconnect.  It can also help you disconnect from the world.

When planning a camping trip it is important to pack all the essentials.  Imagine being out at the campsite and you are missing essentials you may need.  We are guilty of that.  Even though I try to be prepare there is something I have missed before that we did not think of.  We are not experts, but have forgotten a thing or two.  So I came up with a checklist of things you may need that can help your camping experience:

1)  Checklist-If you make a checklist, it will be easier for you not to forget items you will need.

We have never ventured alone.  The more the merrier right?  This trip we will be joining my husband's family.  Since we will all be at one campsite, they made one list of items we needed.  They marked the items they already have and will be bringing.  No need to bring two of everything.  Leaves us more room in our vehicle for other things we will need.

2)  Toiletries-You do not need to take your full size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash with you.  Trust me, you will survive.  And this is not a hotel, so you will not receive a set of toiletries when you check in.  I bring the bare necessities.  I do not need to do the 5-step face washing system when I go camping.  Depending where you camp, you may not even have a shower.  Ever taken a bath in a lake or river?

I use free samples that I receive in the mail.  If I do not have any, then I refill the small travel containers.  I label the bottles and clip them to a lanyard.  These are the same lanyards we used last year on our Disney trip.  The containers I have saved have a hole so they are easy to attach to the lanyard.  You can wear the lanyard around your neck if you are grabbing a bath in the lake or if you are lucky enough to be camping at a place with showers, hang it on the shower head.

3)  Medicine Kit-So yes, everyone knows to have a first aid kit but what about a medicine kit?  Have you ever gone on a trip and gotten sick, yes-ME.  Have allergies come out of nowhere?  Your body may not be use to the great outdoors.  All those trees, flowers, and unknowns.

Make a list of symptoms you and your family suffer from or have suffered from.  Is anyone in your family on regulatory medicine?  Those items need to be packed in your Medicine kit.  You do not need to bring the entire medicine cabinet, but make sure you have things your family will need.

 I like to go to health fairs, children's fairs, races, etc...  I like getting free samples like band-aids, hand sanitizers, etc...  I keep all the freebies in my medicine cabinet.  I take an inventory of all the items I have right before our trips.  I pack what I need.

  I like this plastic bag because it has a clip.  I like to use the band-aids that already have anti-bacterial on them.  I stick different size band-aids in the clip on bag to take on hikes.  I just clip it to my belt loop and am ready to go.

 Head ache medicine, allergy medicine, and tummy medicine is a must for us.  I have a toddler so I have to make sure I have medicine she can take.  I also bring a digital thermometer and cool forehead strips.  All of the medicine and first aid kit items fit into this hang-able bag.  This bag can hang in your tent or on the canopy at your tent site for easy access and ready to use.

4)  Food.  Make a Menu.  We do family style breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Snacks are grab and go.  Don't forget the snack for the actual drive.  Don't pay the oh-so-unconvenient convenient store/gas station prices.

 I pack each person a bag of goodies and snacks for the road.  No need to cut, slice, or refrigerate anything.  I also stick a bottle water on each drink holder.

Food for the camping trip is placed in plastic bins.  This way no critters will get into your food.  The items that need to be refrigerated will be in the coolers.  I stick them in plastic baggies, so they won't get soaked once the ice starts melting.  Not sure where my husband heard this tip, but he adds salt to the ice that is used in our coolers to make the ice last longer.  It always works works for us.

5)  Clothes List.  On a sheet of paper, write down how many days you will need clothes for.  Be specific on the items you need.  I have over packed several times.  I lay out the clothes, check them off the days, and then group them together.  I do the same thing for the toddler, but I actually do pack extra clothes for her.

I tuck my bra, panties, and socks into the pockets.  I pick light wear clothes.  Camping + outdoors - No AC = HOT You!

Then I roll this entire outfit and pack it into my bag.  This way you don't forget a piece from your outfit, you have what you are wearing daily, and you have enough room.  I keep my shoe fashion simple; flip flops, water shoes, and pair of old tennis shoes.  We love to go exploring or hiking so I always bring tennis shoes.  Pack what make since for you.

6)  Itinerary.  I am OCD about certain things and an itinerary is one of them.  It does not have to be very specific but just so you can plan your outfits, menu, and next adventure.

Do you have any camping tips you want to share?  What is your must have item?  Things you never leave home without?

    

Popsicle-Deep Freeze 9

***Disclosure-I received free product coupons.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

It is hot outside.  How do you cool off?  Popsicles, anyone?  I like to stock up on different flavors so that we can snack on and cool off at the same time.

Popsicle pops come in the iconic yellow box and are available in more than 20 unique flavors including the childhood favorites Orange, Cherry and Grape.  This year, the iconic Popsicle brand expanded its line of family-favorite pops to include three new varieties:

·         Popsicle Tootsie Pops® come in classic Orange, Cherry, and Grape shells with a chewy, chocolatey center.

·         Popsicle Mystery Middles feature a cherry berry shell with three white mystery centers: Lemonade Blast, Wacky Watermelon and Bursting Bubble Gum.

·         Popsicle Frozen, inspired by the blockbuster Disney movie, includes delicious flavors such as White Cherry, Purple Berry and Blue Raspberry.

·          The SuperHero fun also extends in-store with the Popsicle Marvel Avengers Assemble™ pops, featuring Captain America™, Hulk™ and Iron Man™. These pops come in delicious fruity flavors including strawberry, kiwi-green apple, grape, kiwi-cherry, lemon and blue raspberry.

Popsicles can be the "ultimate SuperHero of the summer".

The Original Brand Popsicle is becoming a true SuperHero by releasing its first-ever comic book, in partnership with Marvel Custom Solutions.  Actress and supermom of two, Vanessa Lachey, is also jumping on the SuperHero trend, and encouraging families to join the fun.

"I am thrilled to partner with the Popsicle Brand Team on their summer campaign," said Vanessa Lachey. "Popsicle pops are one of my family's favorite treats and SuperHeroes are huge in my house right now."

Popsicle has been releasing its digital comics, one story at a time, on Popsicle.com. 

Popsicle, in partnership with SuperHero expert Marvel Custom Solutions, a division of Marvel Entertainment.  You can also pick up your own limited-edition hard copy comic book, featuring all nine comics, at select Marvel retail stores now. The comic series details the heroic escapades of Popsicle characters Mandy, Pete and Ace, who were sent to save the summer.

In addition to the comic book release, Popsicle invites families nationwide to visit its new SuperHero hub, "Deep Freeze 9," on Popsicle.com.  The hub provides SuperHero-themed family activities including a "Mission Control" that will house the comics and an action-packed trailer; the "Flavor Force Lab," providing parents and kids with comic-inspired crafts; and, the option to sign up for an ongoing e-newsletter and be among the first to access the official digital comics.

The original Popsicle has always been a family favorite.  And we are a Superhero family.  We recently tried the Jolly Rancher Popsicle that are sooooo goood.  It is hard to pick a favorite.

To learn even more about the Popsicle "Original SuperHero of Summer" comic series, you can like the Popsicle Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/Popsicle and can follow Popsicle on Twitter at Twitter.com/Popsicle.

On-The-Go Towelettes Review

***Disclosure-Sample product was received.  All opinions stated are my own based on personal experience.

My skin has been taking a beating from me in the last past months.  When I am not running, I am on the bike.  My body is in contact with the sun and of course washing my face can take a toll on my skin.

Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo says, “skin nourishment is a must.”  It’s important to provide skin with the hydration it needs to ensure a perfectly clean, radiant complexion.

Dr. Peredo’s pick?  Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel’s NEW On-The-Go Refreshingly Clean Towelettes! Each individually wrapped Towelette offers even the most sensitive skin a healthy dose of aloe vera and 100% natural witch hazel to restore moisture balance and refresh skin on-the-go.

Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel is the only gentle, non-irritating skincare line formulated with natural witch hazel to effectively remove excess oil and impurities, without stripping skin of essential moisture.  Suitable for all skin types, using Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel will reveal perfectly clean & naturally balanced skin. 

Dr. Peredo’s Summer Survival Guide:

·         Too much sun? Dickinson’s Original Witch hazel cools and refreshes your face on contact

·         Use witch hazel to take the itch and inflammation out of a bug bite

·         For maximum skin conditioning this season, let Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner set in the skin for at least 30 seconds before applying moisturizer

This have been great.  We used them all last week when we were at SeaWorld.  I wanted to stay refreshed.  Hanging out at a theme park all day, we were sweating, in the sun, and having fun.  These were great to take on the go and carry in my bag.  

five below is Now in Houston

***Disclosure-I received a gift card.  All opinions stated are my own based on my own experience.

There is a new store in town, five below

located at Memorial City in the Hedwig Village at 9403 Katy Freeway.

They offer a broad range of trendy, high-quality merchandise, all priced at $5 and below, including select brands and licensed merchandise across a number of categories: Style, Room, Sports, Media, Crafts, Party, Candy, and Now (holidays, seasonal goods, etc.).

Beats by Dre headphones? Licensed LEGO movie merchandise? The latest headphones, flip flops, home décor, school supplies, sporting goods, licensed merchandise, yoga mats, beauty accessories, candy and DVDs?  for five dollars or less.

This store has so much.  I was finding so many items I had to have and for only under $5.  My bassket was get fuller and fuller with so many things for the entire family.  Clothes and shoes for $5.  

I like to do candy bar stations and get all creative with parties and this place had so much candy I could work with.  And if you are looking for a birthday present, last minute like many of us, you can run in here grab a bag, tissue, and the present for less than other others.

This is going to be my "IT" store so many good finds.  

Our Summer Bucket List

***Disclosure-This is a sponsored post as a Britax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories stated here are clearly my own.

Summer is here.  What have you and the family been up to?  Any fun things?  Our Summer starts before others because work around my son's school schedule.  He starts school early and gets out early.  This year I wanted us to make a list of things to do over the Summer.  I saw the movie New Years and it inspired me.  It doesn't have to be about spending alot of money or traveling very far.  The list you make can be your very own and you can be as creative as you like.  Of course depending on your kid's ages the list will be different.
Here are some of the things on our list to get you inspired:

1)  Meet John Doe-Do know your neighbors?  When you step out of the your house do you feel like people are watching you?  Why not, step out and say hello to the neighbors.  So step #1 this Summer should be to meet new people, your neighbors, your mailman, etc...Remember back in the days when it took a village to raise a child.  Well do you know your village?  This is a great way for the kids to learn about their surroundings, teach them about strangers, and start a conversation.

2)  Laugh-Now that you have stepped out, comes step #2.  A smile goes a long way.  Did you know an upside down frown is a smile?  Do things that make you smile!  Make silly faces with your kids.  Play staring games.  Laughter can burn calories, release stress, and work your muscles.  Stop, think about it.  Have you laughed today?  Do you play tickles with your kids?  Do you get silly with them?

  3)  Blood is thicker than water-We do not have many family members here in Houston or in the United States, so we appreciate each other alot more.  Do you have family members you haven't visited?  Some people have family living around the corner.  Summer is a time to slow down with the kids.  Hangout with your extended family.  Work out schedules where someone can take the kids for the day if everyone works.  Work around all the schedules and make play dates.  Enjoy the people you love now, today.

4)  Discover-Use this time to keep the kids entertained while the discovering your world.  There are so many things to see, touch, hear, etc...  Climb, go underground, slip, slide, the point is to get out there.  You will be amazed how much they learn from the little ones to the big ones.  There things to discover in your backyard, front yard, grandmas, etc...  Like have your kids every caught a lady bug?  Different color lady bugs?  Followed a butterfly at the park?  Seen a bird's nest?  Make it fun for your kids.  Outdoor fun can lead to much discovery.

These are some things to get you thinking about your Summer.  Fun doesn't have cost anything.  Stop and smell the roses.... as parents we too need a little break sometimes.  Have you slowed down this summer?