Sparky’s Brain Busters Sparks Conversation

October is Fire Prevention month and this week is National Fire Prevention (NFPA) week and I now realize that since we have moved into this new house we don't have a plan in place. Sure, I clear a path from their bed to their windows each night and then the bed to their door making sure it is free of toys, clothes and whatever else my kids have crammed into their rooms; but that is not enough. We need to educate ourselves as a family on fire safety and now is the perfect time. Meet Sparky What's the best way to get my kids excited about something, especially the one in the 6-11 year-old range?  Use and app, of course.  Sparky's Brain Busters is a free app that uses trivia in math, social studies, science and fire safety to get kids learning.  Check it out. She loved that … [Read more...]

American Girl Doll Giveaway

Taking a little break from fashion, fitness and cars I bring you something that the little people in my house are passionate about right now.  American Girl dolls and all that the brand encompasses.  We are such a big #AG house with three girls under the age of 10.  Each time a new doll debuts it is a major full-on squealing deal. Phone calls are made to friends. Hours are logged online looking at each and ever accessory.  It's like me with my online shopping habit.  So, I'm super excited to announce I am giving away the newest American Girl doll, Maryellen Larkin. I love this message.  It goes so well with American Girl's new initiative #AGForAllGirls that asks girls to unite together and take a pledge that they will work together in all ways and support each other rather than … [Read more...]

Summer Fun at Kings Dominion

Before you pack up your summer memories this weekend why not take the season for an adventurous spin and head to Kings Dominion one last time.  The fun of an amusement park with a water park (Soak City) built into it that is also for the whole family is always a great idea when it comes to wrapping up the summer.  Just look at all the fun we had, with me the non-ride loving person in tow, and I loved it too. We got there at the hot time of the day and headed straight to the water park, Soak City.  After a few hours there we headed into the park dividing up the ride enthusiasts.  We've been to the park a few times and sticking together doesn't work in our favor.  It's best to let the roller coaster, thrill-seeking people stick together and the people who thrive in Planet Snoopy hang with … [Read more...]

Share-A-Haircut for Back to School

August means our thoughts momentarily turn away from the summer fun and think, "Back to school!"  Buying new clothes, school supplies and for many a hair cut is needed.  I know it is true in my house.  We like to start the year off fresh and newly trimmed locks gives us that feeling when compiled with our new boxes of crayons and backpacks. I'm so excited to be teaming up with Hair Cuttery again to help them celebrate 2015 being their 16th anniversary of the Share-A-Haircut program. How does it work?  Simply put, every child 18 and under who comes in between August 1-15 who purchases a haircut at one of Hair Cuttery's almost 900 salons, like my Fifth Element did, will have one FREE haircut certificate donated to an underprivileged child in their own community. I love that last … [Read more...]

Must Have Summer Car Items

Summer is going to be here! The kids are out of school soon and it’s time to start planning your family’s agenda for the months ahead. I spoke with Cars.com senior editor Jennifer Newman (also a mother of two) and she offered up some tips on how to get your car ready for summer travel. Whether it’s longer family road trips or driving to and from day camps, parks and soccer games, you’ll be spending a lot more time in your car. Cars.com senior editor Jennifer Newman recommends some useful items to stock your car with to ensure your family’s car is summer ready. The 'It' List First-aid kit: Scrapes, cuts and plenty of tears are marks of summer. A well-stocked first-aid kit ensures that a boo-boo won't bring an early end to a day at the beach or playground. Towels: Throw a couple … [Read more...]

BODYARMOR- The Alternative Sports Drink

Soccer and lacrosse may be over in our house but that doesn't mean we have ceased all activity around here. In fact, I think we are even more active in the summer months as a family. Whether it is bike riding, days at the pool spent swimming and playing, games in the backyard or going on walks with the dog it never stops. You know what else never stops? The request for sports drinks? On the way to the game they ask for it. On the way home from a game they ask for it. After playing outside in the yard for five minutes they ask for it. Packing for the pool? They ask for a sports drink. I kind of started to hate it. I hate all the dyes, the artificial stuff pumped into them. All of it. I was intrigued when BODYARMOR sent me a six-pack of various sports drinks to try. What is … [Read more...]

Ready Set Camp!

As the school year wraps up we are in a whirlwind of end-of-the-year activities and with all the picnics, ceremonies, pool parties, recitals I'm having a hard enough time making sure I stay  on top of each day and send each kid off with the proper clothing, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks. For snacks, I usually make them sandwiches using a french baguette loaf, ham, and as much vegetables my kids can tolerate. However, as I dropped them off yesterday I thought, "It's like I'm sending them off to camp and not school." CAMP!   That's right! In two weeks my oldest starts the summer by going to camp.  I'm not sure I'm totally prepared either. It's a good thing I'm working with MinuteClinic to get me in #ReadySetCamp mode!  And I'm not just talking about the camp physicals you can … [Read more...]

With a Cherry on Top

Now that spring is here we tend to spend a lot of time outside.  In the new place we have replaced sitting on our front stoop with reading on the porch, running around the back yard, more yard work (which I sort of love because it is another excuse to get outside) and exercising outside with bikes, runs and long walks.  It's bliss! When it comes to our middle girl, The Comedian, she may have been a fall born baby but she is all spring.  From catching caterpillars, to tucking lady bugs into jars and just plain ol' digging in the dirt it is hard to keep her inside or clean.  If I can get her off to school without a hole in her pant leg or bugs in her pockets it is an easier morning.  But just like me she has her girly moments.  She knows a cute dress when she sees one.  This sweet … [Read more...]

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

One of my favorite pictures of my mother and I.  Coming out to support me at yet another race. Right between H's birthday and mine sits Mother's Day. I feel like if I don't get a jump on it while I'm planning his birthday then nothing will be available and no matter how wonderful or totally unique a gift is there won't be time to ship it to my own mother or his for Mother's Day. Which is May 10th this year in case you were also banking on having a lot more time just like me.  "I made these for you Mommy!"  While flowers are nice and will always work in a pinch I like to find something that is more personal, creative and offers value to the world and not just the recipient. Homemade wins hands down.  But what if you aren't the crafty sort? I found that just like I do over the … [Read more...]

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T

Source: Victoria Mason Some rides are worth getting excited for.  The 2015 Santa Fe Sport with AWD from Hyundai is one of those vehicles.  Right away I was drawn to the Canyon Copper color that sparkled in the sun while the dual panel sun roof beckoned me to take a ride and enjoy a day where we finally had blue skies. Source: Hyundaiusa.com Style-wise the Santa Fe Sport is ready for its close-up.  I reviewed this car in the past (non-Sport model) and liked it and it has only improved over time.  That's what Hyundai is all about these days.  They made a crossover vehicle that performs well, is a pleasure to drive and has a dose of fun included in the Sport model.  The interior is roomy without taking up too much space and really comfortable and well-appointed. Inside the Santa Fe … [Read more...]