Tips to Hosting a #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate

Have you ever had to host a party and you did not know where to start?  Let me get you started.

I received free products in order to host a #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate.  Thanks to American Tourister, Pop Secret, Softsoap, Pillow Pets, HP, MyPrintly, Disney Parks, and Disney.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Throwing a party does not have to break the bank.  You do not need to pull out your hair to plan the perfect party.  The first thing I do is pick a theme.  Once you decide what the theme is, look for items in your house that go with your theme.  We love Disney and have many items already in our house.  It can be a scavenger hunt for you and your kids.  The more you look, the more you find.  Anything can be turned into décor.

Decorations-Create the perfect space with some décor.

My gameroom walls are red.  The perfect color for a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Party.  Last year, we hosted an Disney @Home Celebration where we used these Mickey faces for pin the smile on Mickey.  I saved it and added it as a hidden Mickey behind these Friends Quote because we love when friends come over and play. 

Décor can also create great photo op spaces.  The kids loved hanging out with Nemo pillow pet Under the Sea.  This was a backdrop we used for my daughter's Ariel birthday party. 

Food-Playdates call for finger foods. 

I set up all the kid's food on small tables for them to grab and go at their leisure.  I used all of my daughter's play tables including her picnic table.  One recommendation I learned was to make sure and ask all the parents for their kids' allergies before planning your menu.  I kept it simple and let my daughter pick some of her favorite foods.

Activities-You don't to over plan and you don't even have to have a schedule.  I have learned the best thing is to let the kids tell you what they feel like doing.  I had different activities set up for the kids.  Our gameroom was open for them to do as they pleased.

 Karaoke-Who doesn't love to sing catchy Disney songs?

Dress up-Photo Ops were set up all over the gameroom.  We have different hats, crowns, and so much more.  They laughed pretending to be princesses or pirates.

Sorcerer's Hat decorating, Mickey and Friends coloring sheets, stickers, etc...  It was not hard to keep them entertained.

We had a wonderful time at our Disney Kids Preschool Playdate.  The best part of all was that all the kids had a lot of fun.  You can find Mickey and Friends decorations and paper good at the Dollar store also. 

Here are more pictures from our party:

 We watched Moana and we all sang along.  It was a fun time.  Everyone left with all smiles.

Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear #BubbleHappy

What is the first thing people notice when you walk up to them?  Your face.  What does your face say about you?

Thanks to Clean and Clear for sending sample products to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I do not know about you but I want people to be able to see me and not focus on anything else.  I want my face to be clean and clear.  If you thought you would out grow acne after your teen years, you were wrong my friend.  There is such a thing called adult acne.

Acne Triple Clear with polymeric cleansing technology is specially designed to wash away dirt and oil, while helping preserve skin's natural barrier and protecting against future breakouts.  It is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and refreshing aloe and mint to leave the skin softer and smoother, while fighting breakouts in 3 ways:

-Removes bad pore-clogging oil
-Treats breakouts (pimples) while soothing skin
-Helps prevent new acne breakouts and pimples

The Clean & Clear acne triple clear bubble foam cleanser is specially formulated to use 22% less water.  It's unique upside down squeeze foamer bottle produces a cool oil-free bubble foam.

The bubble foam is so gentle on my face.  My face is oily enough, I do not need my cleanser to  be oily too.

For more information, go to  cleanandclear.com.

#KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities

Have you ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show?  Are you curious to see what is inside the big top?

Thanks to Cirque du Soleil for inviting my husband and I to opening night.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Cirque du Soleil is famous for their shows all over the world.  My husband and I have never been to a show so we were excited to see all the costumes and were wondering what all we would see in the big top.  Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities defies the laws of time, space, and dimension. 

Even before the show started, we had fun with some of the cast at the preshow right outside the tent.

 (Hanging out with Yvonne from faithcoffeeandlove.com)

Some of my favorite parts of the show where the ones that wow us the most.  At one point I could not believe what I was seeing.  I thought it was a hologram.  But that is just how mind blowing this show is.  There is so much going from one side of the stage to the other.

 The fun goes on during intermission as well on the stage and in the crowd.  It was so interactive.

What can you see?  My favorites were the Contortion, Upside Down World, the Acronet, practically the entire show. 

What was different?  The live band throughout the show.  I really love a good show with great music.

Tips-

1)  Get to the show early.  You do not want to miss anything.
2)  Parking is CASH only.  ($12)
3)  Restrooms are available outside of the tent.  There are plenty but don't wait until you have to really go, to go.  There is an intermission, if you can wait, hold it.  But remember everyone else is thinking the same thing.  We went before the show started, no lines.

Get ready to be amazed.

For ticket information, go to cirquedusoleil.com/kurios.

No Salesman Car Shopping #HOULovesAutos

Have you ever dared to go to a dealer to just to look around?  There is no such thing.  The salesmen make you feel like fresh meat from the minute you drive in.  They are ready to pounce on you.

Thanks to the Houston Auto Show for inviting me to the Preview Party.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I have had some horrible experiences at dealerships and have ended up just leaving disappointed.  Why?  A really pushy salesman or salesmen can really ruin your experience to walk around, look, and check out all that is available on the lot. Also, the selection.  If you are like me, you may not know what you want until you see it, feel it, touch it and drive it.

The 2017 Houston Auto Show is back at NRG.  A mall of cars under 700,000 square feet with the latest autos from the world’s top automakers under one roof.  And trust me, there are no pushy salesmen trying to sell you cars. You can walk around, get in the cars, and even test drive.

Why ride and drive?  Take the autos out for a spin.  Try them all. Get comfortable.  Ask all the questions from the knowledgeable people available at each test drive who are not salesmen.  The car facts are there for you to see the real numbers.  If you decide you want more information, sign up to receive the information you want and even receive exclusive auto show offers.

Knowledgeable car representatives are available in each area.  You can connect with your favorite brand.  Don't have a favorite?  You do not have to have a favorite.  Put them all to the test.

Get in the cars.  Heck, get the entire family in.  How do like the vehicle?  Do they fit comfortably?

 Is there enough room for you and your needs? Is there trunk space?  Be realistic about your needs.

 Find out the facts.  What does this vehicle have that the others do not?  Is it a smart vehicle? 

How safe is this vehicle?  Are there extra features available?  What is the latest and greatest?

Get all your questions answered.  Don't need a new car.  You are just a car enthusiast.  There are beautiful classics to drool over and there is even an auction to partake in.

The Houston Auto Show is family friendly.  Bring your walking shoes because there is a lot to cover from one side to the other side, indoors and outdoors.  Don't forget your driver's license if you want to do the ride and drive. 

APRIL 05 - 09, 2017

WED - FRI : Noon - 9.30 pm
SAT : 10 am - 9.30 pm
SUN : 10 am - 7 pm

Adult - $12.00
Kids - $5.00 (6-12 yrs old)

Tickets are available at houstonautoshow.com.

Saturday - Sunday - Brunch Day!

What are your plans for the weekend?  I am a planner.  I keep a very tight schedule but on the weekends we kinda sleep in on some weekends.  So we totally miss Breakfast, the most important meal of the day.

Thanks to Maggiano's Little Italy at Memorial City Mall for hosting us for Brunch.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Maggiano's Little Italy serves Italian-American cuisine.  They have family style dining like eating at grandma's house.  They have full menu, everyday of the week, whether you are vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan.  In this kitchen like most kitchens, it all starts with the chef.  Let me introduce you to Chef Philippe, Executive Chef.

His background has a lot of influence on his menu and ingredient choices.  Can you believe he started cooking when he was six?  He makes cooking look so easy.  You can tell he enjoys what he does.

We were invited to come sample some items from the new Brunch menu at Maggiano's Little Italy. 

VEGETABLE FRITTATA-Shiitake Mushrooms, Spinach, Roma Tomatoes, Smoked Mozzarella, Crispy Vesuvio Potatoes

CRÈME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST^-Cranberry Raisin Focaccia, Maple Syrup, Strawberries, Choice of Side

Am I making you hungry yet? 

Do you like Eggs Benedict?  Maggiano's has plenty of choices for you and these are not your typical dishes.  Get passed the names, and give them a try.  You palette will thank you.

The Meatball

Nueske’s Smoked Ham

Smoked Salmon & Spinach

Crab Cake

Chicken Francese

We even got some tips as Chef Philippe made pancakes for us from the Brunch menu.  Do you use an electric mixer?  Chef Philippe is all about hand mixing and the flick of your wrist.  He also said patience is key.  Do not mess with that pancakes, leave it alone.

 Beautiful, nice and fluffy.  He made it look so easy.  The perfect sized pancake every time. 

LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES-Whipped Cream, Maple Syrup, Blueberries, Choice of Side

Don't let allergies stop you.  Chef Philippe will personally take care of your order.  Everything is cooked from scratch when you order.  He will cook your dish in a separate kitchen area and even go off the menu.  Make sure you tell your waitress before ordering. 

For more information, go to maggianos.com/brunch.