Donate Stuff Create Jobs- Goodwill

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

If you read my blog you know there are causes I love to support, but I have not yet talked about is Goodwill.  Growing up my parents did not have a lot of money so we made our money stretch by shopping at Goodwill.  What was old to others, was new to us.  We would always find some true treasures.  Like I found some green Keds that became my favorite pair of shoes ever, brand new still in the box. 

Now, when I clean my house I always take my items to Goodwill.  Not only to I get rid of clutter in my house, I make room for new things, and it is a tax deduction.  I clean my house out every couple of months, at least once a quarter we make donations. 

I am sure you have heard of Goodwill but have you heard of what Goodwill does?

About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with affiliates in 13 other countries. Goodwill is one of America’s top 25 most inspiring companies (Forbes). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,700 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com^®. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2012, more than 6.7 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill’s career services. Goodwill channels 82 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services.

To find a Goodwill near you, use the online locator at http://www.goodwill.org/, or call (800) GOODWILL.

Wordless Wednesday-Miercoles Mudo - Peek A Boo

 

Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades

***Disclosure-Sample product sent to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Do you have little girls who love animals?  I do.  My daughter loves all kinds of animals.  She was very happy when she saw all the animals on the cover if Littlest Pet Shop - Petacular Escapades.

Blythe and her best friends — Zoe the spaniel, Pepper the skunk, Sunil the mongoose, Russell the hedgehog, Penny the panda, Vinnie the gecko and Minka the monkey — are back for five more exciting adventures in the Littlest Pet Shop!  Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades was release today on DVD.  This collection features encounters with legendary parrots, movie stars and Blythe’s sudden inability to understand the pets! All of these adventures and more happen in these petacular episodes of The Littlest Pet Shop!

Episodes Include:

Blythe’s Crush

Dumb Dumbwaiter

Lights, Camera, Mongoose

What Did You Say?

Terriers and Tiaras

Bonus Features:

Sing-Along

My thoughts-So who does not like singalongs?  This is a cute DVD that will keep your lil one entertained. Lil Bit loved all the little animals and was glued to the screen.  She danced as the songs played.  Littlest Pet Shop is shown on the HUB network. 

This is Brazil - Texas de Brazil - Tasty Tuesday

If you didn't get my title you have not seen Fast and Furious when they are in Brazil, and Dom says, "This is Bra - ZIL!!!!!"  I love the line.  That is the first thing I thought of when I heard the name of this restaurant in City Centre.  City Centre is not an area I normally hangout at.  I spent three days in City Centre and I noticed that there are a lot of restaurants that I had never heard of here.  Texas de Brazil is the first restaurant that caught my attention because it was the first thing I saw when I was trying to find the parking lot. 

Thanks to Texas de Brazil for hosting several bloggers including myself to experience this restaurant.  It is a Brazilian steakhouse, a Churrascaria.   Churrascaria is the style of cooking used which is like a rotisserie/fire roasted kinda like a bar b que.  If you have never been to a Churrascaria, it is an experience from the Gauchos to the way the food is cooked.

The experience begins right when you walk in to the door.  We had our own VIP section over by the bar, which is perfect for anyone planning a small party.  It is open, right at the entrance, so your party guests won't be looking for you standing around at the front.  

No need to worry about cooking when hosting a party.  Texas de Brazil not only has the great space for you, they also can take care of the menu for you.  Your party guests can enjoy different selections from the menu, just like we did.  You can choose from 16 meats of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage.  My favorite and my new food motto is to always try "anything wrapped in bacon"!!  I haven't been chewing a lot since I had my braces put in, but these meat was soft enough for me to chew.  It was really good and favorful.  I even had a second helping, cheat day!

Your party guests can also enjoy their signature Brazilian cocktail "The Caipirinha".  You can find the recipe here.  They also feature several other Brazilian creations at the Beijos Bar and Lounge.  They also have a wine cellar full of wines from around the world.  If you still do not know what to order, you can have a drink created just for you and your guests.

If you are not in Houston, no worries Texas de Brazil has many locations and more coming by the end of this year.  To find one near you, go www.texasdebrazil.com. 

Charter School vs Magnet School - That is the question #SafeConBritaxBTS

Back to School, in my world, means everything goes back to the norm in my life.  In the mornings, I drop off my daughter at the daycare and then drop off my son at school.  But right before school started this year, someone threw a monkey wrench at our plans.  See my son was attending a charter school that went from 6th to 12th grade, and we were planning to keep him there the entire time.  We never planned or looked at another school.  We were so satisfied with his school, the teachers, and the progress happening.  His school guarantees that every graduating student will get into college.  College is one of my biggest goals for my son to achieve.  There are so many things for us as parents to worry about but we have to keep a focus on the future.  A few days before my son started his freshman year in high school, a few spots opened up in a new magnet school.  It is the first of it's kind and there is so much opportunity for my son.  Not only for college but for his future career.  I had been so busy focusing getting him to college, I had not seen passed that.  With only a few, like 3, spots open, my husband and I had to make a quick decision.

-Do we move our son from the charter school he is attending to the new magnet school?

So much went around our heads.  My husband and I quickly discussed it over the phone.  Thanks to my awesome friend for letting me know of this opportunity and helping me with the correct contacts, I called the school administrator the same day and ask what all we needed to do.  I was given the long list of things I needed to bring to the district.  He would have to apply to get in to this school like everyone else did.  His report cards, test scores, and attendance would now have to be reviewed in order for him to even get in.  I went home that day still not knowing what we were going to do.  I asked my son, if given the opportunity would he want to attend this school.  He said he would.  So there was no turning back.  I was going to do everything in my powers to get him in.  Paperwork turned in, check.  Next step, one on one interview with principal and administration.  Interview, check.  It was like a 24 hour mad rush but my son got in.

I am a mom that worries about everything.  I want the best for my kids.  What mom doesn't?  My schedule has returned to the norm but with a slightly longer route.  I am so glad that I am still able to drive my son to school everyday.  It turns out his new school is down the street from my job. A plus, plus for me!

Mommy does the drop off....

And Daddy does the pick up!

Things are back to normal or at least what we call normal.  Does your schedule change when back to school starts?  Is it easier or worst when school starts?

This is a sponsored post -As a Britax Latina Blogger/Advisory Board Member (and in partnership with Mami Innovative Media), this post is part of a sponsored outreach. All opinions expressed are my own.