10 Reason I love the LeapPad Platinum Tablet

Let's face it parents, it is time to incorporate technology into our children's lives. We also need to encourage them to also learn off of these devices. I was the first to be on the NO tablets until my son was older. Then Leap Frog came out with a slu of tablets that really perked my interest. I want my son to learn but also have fun doing so. Sometimes the best way to reach a child is to speak their language. 

Here are the 10 reason I choose the Leap Pad Platinum!

Recipe- Olde Westport Crockpot Chili

 Olde Westport Crockpot Chili

What you will need:

2 can of tomato sauce

1 can of kidney beans

 1 can of chili beans

1 pound of turkey meat or hamburger

1 package of Old Westport Chili spice

 Add all of the ingredients into your crock pot. Tip: use a liner for easy cleanup!

Travel - Bird Kingdom - Niagara Falls, Canada

**I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
 We took a self guided tour of the Tropical Adventure at Bird Kingdom while in Niagara Falls, Canada. It is all indoors which was great for the rainy day we were graced with!

You walk through some exhibits and then to a Small Bird Aviary. Several different small exotic birds flying freely around.

John Deere Mega Scoop Tractor

  My nephew is the apple of my eye! He is like a second son to me and boy was I excited about his birthday this year! He has always been into John Deere tractors so this year we gave him the John Deere Mega Scoop Tractor.

Push down on the tractor cab and the tractor roars to life with lights and sounds.

Take your adventure to the next level with the easily maneuverable scoop arms that separate and move up and to the sides and the front. Other cool features include realistic sounds, real working lights, and an opening cab roof to allow figure access.

Each Gear Force figure is articulated at the neck, shoulders, wrists, and legs

Compatible with all Gear Force vehicles plus other similar vehicles in the marketplace.

 What it comes with:

1 John Deere Mega Scoop Tractor

1 Fully articulated 3” scale figure

1 Wrench 

1 Gasoline can

1 dog figure

 We loved the piece size for kids his age. He just turned four and it is perfect for his younger fingers. I also like how the character can move and use the tool provided. I also love the sound effects. My son and nephew play with this for hours and it fits right in with their John Deere collection.

  This totally futuristic Gear Force vehicle has lights, sounds and a rear scoop that transforms the toy into a Mega Scoop Tractor while doubling as a working shovel. 
Includes 3 AAA batteries. SRP: $29.99. Ages: 3 years+. 
Available this fall at Toys R Us and John Deere Dealers.

Motorcycle House Viking Jacket

 Nothing says "freedom" quite like the open road. I have rode on bikes my whole life and continue with that hobby as an adult. The joy of riding is so freeing. We recently had the limited addition Viking Jacket from the Motorcycle House. I have to say this is high quality using milled buffalo leather, with professional protection at shoulder, back and elbows.

It also features Full ventilation , 2 ventilation at front, 2 ventilation zips at back. You can also unzip the inside lining. This was a great feature when we hit degrees in the 90s!

Rocksbox Review

 I am a lush for accessories especially jewelry. I recently signed up for the Rocksbox featuring designer pieces to rent and swap out throughout each month. You choose 3 piece sets. Every set has 3 pieces of designer jewelry, worth an average of $200 per set.

Dover International Speedway AAA 400

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dover International Speedway. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation at the conclusion of the program.” 

 As parents, we struggle to find new activities to do with our children.

Growing up, my Mom was notorious for taking us on "field trips". She was a very hands-on parent, much like me with my son. We both agree we need to spice up our activities every once in a while. She loved fixing cars with her brothers growing up which filtered into her adult life through the love of NASCAR. We have gone to races all over the United States when I was a child.

Now, that I am older and a parent, I understand the importance of "field trips". Coming October 4th, I will be continuing the tradition by taking my son to his first NASCAR race, the Dover International Speedway AAA 400. Nothing better than sharing my son's love of cars with my Mom! To say they both are excited is an understatement. If you are also interested in

be sure to enter the Monster Mile Sweepstakes at the bottom of this post for your chance to win tickets!

Lady in Waiting Costume

 After our visit to the Medieval Faire in Great lakes, Ohio. We decided to get some appropriate attire. I decided on the Lady in Waiting Costume from Costume Discounters. I am a size 4-6 and ordered the size small. It fits well for my stature, I will say the front is lower cut. This photographs well and the material is stretchy!

The sleeves are also not lined and could cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin. It is a beautiful green and purple Medieval style dress and fits with the time period we were going for.

My Sleep Challenge

“I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central for Pernix Therapeutics. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

For the past few months I have been sharing my shut-eye strategies for a Uninterrupted Night of Sleep. As I have shared previously I work from home. It was a move I decided fit our family best and just so happened to be something I also loved doing. In fact, you are reading the fruits of this labor on the very website I spend hours running, writing and contributing to. With every job comes deadlines, responsibility and sleep-less nights. My mind runs wild with ideas as I grace the "wee" hours finishing projects. After which I then have the inability to sleep once I go to bed. 

I have implemented the healthy shut-eye strategies to help me achieve a good night’s sleep. The first one I have tried to follow was turning off my electronic devices an hour before I head off to bed. "Having these media devices or lights on can activate the brain, keeping you from falling and staying asleep at night. I know this and yet I still partake in checking my emails, Facebook or other social sites right before I got to sleep". Well, after a month of implementing this I have to say I am still struggling with it. I shut off my computer and enjoy a few episodes of NCIS then call it a night. Television is still a electronic device but no one is perfect. I will say this allows some time with my spouse and I do sleep better when I get off the computer earlier.

Back to School Routine with Netflix

 The month of September holds a bitter sweet feeling for me. My not so little one, returns to school. I have spent the last three months being his everyday entertainment. We have a routine we both have come accustomed too! On another note, I will say this time brings me some pleasure, from the idea of enjoying my coffee when it is warm or going to the bathroom without an observer. YEAH!!

Soufeel Charm Bracelet Review

 This beautiful charm bracelet came in the mail from Soufeel Jewelry. I have to say it has been a holy grail fixture on my wrist ever since!

 I opted for the camping, camera, travel charm, and two blue charms (my favorite color). I just need to add a Mom charm and I am all set!

Recipe-Backyard BBQ Chicken

Backyard BBQ Chicken

What you will need:

BBQ Sauce

1 tbs. Parsley

 1tbs. Paprika

Few shakes of Bonsari

1 can of cola (Pop, Soda any flavor)

Coat the chicken with the spices first. 

Mix the BBQ sauce and cola in a bowl.

As the Chicken is placed on the grill brush the BBQ marinade on.

 Keep turning until the chicken is fully cooked (no pink ).

Serve & Enjoy!

FLIPSTIR Puzzle

 Ready for Back to School? I do not know about you bu School could not come fast enough in my house. My son is so excited to see his friends and meet his new teacher. I have had to come up with some educational fun to get him ready. We got these two FlipStir puzzles in the mail and boy are they perfect! Simply Shake. Stir. Solve. It's that simple! For ages 7 and up….adults love it too!