Ignite your mind with Hoppers!!!

Disclosure: Product received.  I was given product by ThinkFun in exchange for a review, however all opinions expressed here are my own!

Looking to Ignite your mind?  Thinkfun is the world's leader in addictively fun games that stretch and sharpen your mind.

Sometimes it's nice to test your mind skills with a good old fashion hands on game!  I recently was given the opportunity to try out the game Hoppers, a peg-solitaire jumping game!  To play the game you need to set the frogs on the pond, then jump the frogs until only one is left standing.  The game has forty challenge cards ranging from easy to super hard!  Start off simple and grow your mind with each level.  In no time you will be the smartest frog in the pond!!

This game comes with a game grid with a storage drawer to keep everything together neatly, 40 challenges, 12 super cute Hopper frogs, and instructions.  My kids after they were done testing their skills enjoyed playing with the cute little frogs by themselves!  This game is single player recommended for ages five and up!  The frogs are small and can be considered a choking hazard for small children.

 Benefits of ThinkFun Hoppers Peg-Solitaire jumping game

• Sequential reasoning
• Focus and attention
• Perseverance
• Confidence

So if you are looking for something to beat the boredom in your home that will also provide mind sharpening skills, you should check out the Hoppers Peg-Solitaire jumping game made by ThinkFun!!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My First Time on the Red Carpet, Visiting the Oval Office, and Clubbing Some Woman after my Husband...All in a Days Work at Madame Tussauds Hollywood!!

Disclosure: Madame Tussauds Hollywood and US Family Guide provided my family with tickets to visit the Wax museum to share my experience and review with you.  All opinions stated here are my own.

My family and I found ourselves in Hollywood this weekend to visit Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum.  We made our way down Hollywood Boulevard and the walk of fame when we came upon Madame Tussauds which sat right next door to the world famous TCL Chinese Theatre!

The TCL Chinese Theatre rises 90 feet high and two gigantic coral red columns topped by wrought iron masks hold aloft the bronze roof.  Between the columns is a 30 foot high dragon carved from stone. Guarding the theatre entrance to this day are the two original giant Heaven dogs brought over from China. The Chinese Theatre is the most sought after theater in Hollywood for studio premieres.  fans often flock to these events to see celebrities arrive and walk up the red carpet into the theatre.  Rich in movie tradition, with it's cement hand prints and footprints in the forecourt, the Chinese Theatre immortalizes the biggest stars.  More than four million visitors from all over the world visit the Chinese Theatre every year!

So we became five of the four million this year and checked out all the hand and feet print of some of the greatest stars before proceeding to Madame Tussauds!

 Harold Lloyd

 Marilyn Monroe

After we were done looking around the Chinese Theatre we stepped into madametussauds!  Upon entering we walked down the red carpet and was greeted by none other than Joan Rivers!  There was so much press and paparazzi we didn't know how to act so we just threw up some peace signs it was all a little intimidating being so famous and all...we were a pretty big deal!

Next we took an elevator down a couple floors to The A-List party!  It was the hottest party in town that day.  We were bumping elbows with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pit, Simon Cowell, Rihanna, Beyonce just to name a few!

                                               My husband even joined in on the dance floor!

After the A-list party we went on to meet some other great folks like Betty white, she was such a nice lady!

I hung out at the bar with Morgan freeman and Judy Garland seemed to have had too much to drink!

Then to my surprise Some lady by the name of Raquel Welch from like One Million Years B.C was trying to pick up my husband...so I clubbed her!!

Next I was called into the Oval office to go over some current events with The President!  Our country is in turmoil and we needed the help of some super heroes, so I called in some of the best!

Iron Man

Captain America

                                                                         Thor

                                                                          Spider man

OK Maybe I wasn't on the red carpet, and maybe I didn't REALLY meet all these stars, but we sure had a lot of fun pretending!!  The Madame Tussauds  is a famed attraction in Los Angeles premiere Hollywood destination offering guests the worlds only opportunity to interact with over 125 incredibly lifelike iconic figures from celebrity worlds of film, TV, music, sports, and politics!  This year alone Madame Tussauds Hollywood is launching 12 new figures in 12 months more than ever in one year!

After we interacted with all the great wax figures and took literally hundreds of photographs, we went on to Madame Tussauds latest attraction!  Madame Tussauds and Marvel have collaborated to bring a new 4D theater and superhero film for attraction goers!

On July 11, 2014, Madame Tussauds Hollywood announced the grand opening of their brand new, multi-million dollar Marvel super heroes 4D theater expansion bringing their most legendary super heroes to life!  The innovative 4D experience with Multi sensory entertainment includes water, smoke, and trembles in your seat, allowing visitors to come face to face with the action!  My family thought this was really cool!  You really feel like you are in the movie!!  It was amazing!  The Theater is equipped with 74 seats and a screen size of 25x17 ft for maximum viewing.

Well I can talk all day about the great time we had at Madame Tussauds, but these movies are not going to direct themselves, so I better go!

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is the ultimate fame experience...who do you want to meet???

Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter :)

Disclosure: I was provided with 1 lb. of Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African  Shea Butter to sample and review.  The opinions expressed here however are my own.

Living in Arizona my skin is abused daily!  The dry air, the wind, the sun, all cause havoc on the condition of my skin!  I jump at any opportunity to try and restore the youth of my skin!  When I had seen the Opportunity arise to try Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter I was so excited!!  The Shea Butter was shipped out and I received it within a couple days.  Upon first opening the box I was not all that impressed with the packaging, but you can't judge a book by its cover!  The good stuff is what is on the inside!!

Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter is just that, 100% pure, unrefined, Organic Shea Butter.  With this Shea Butter you know you are applying all natural and pure ingredients on the skin!  Shea Butter is Legendary for treatment of dry skin, minor burns & Eczema.  It does not clog your pores and is rich in Vitamins A&E leaving your skin hydrated.

Shea Butter helps treat dark spots, skin discolorations, stretch marks and blemishes.  Also great for preventing wrinkles by keeping your skin moisturized.  Can also be used as a lip balm.

I read all these great benefits and immediately applied the Shea butter all over my skin!  The Shea Butter is somewhat hard but once you work it into your palms it starts to melt and is easier to apply.  This Shea Butter has an earthy nutty scent that is not too overpowering. I was a little skeptical about putting it on my face because it is quite thick and I was not really trusting that my pores were not going to get clogged.  In order to bring you an honest review I did however apply it to my entire face and neck.  To my surprise it did not clog my pores and left my skin feeling really hydrated!  On the packaging it states it "Does not clog pores or leave skin greasy" This I have to disagree with a little, although my pores were not clogged It does take some time to absorb which left my skin feeling greasy!  After playing around with my Shea Butter for over a week now, I have found the best way it works for me is to apply it at night before bed.  I awake in the morning with my skin feeling plump and hydrated and non greasy!  I have noticed an exceptional difference in the look of my skin!  My wrinkles don't look as defined, my dark spots are definitely lighter, and my hands are so much smoother and hydrated!

Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter is a fair trade product-produced by women subsistence farmers in Ghana, Africa.  It is a luxurious all-natural product of the African Shea Tree Nut.  The Ivory colored butter is sold in a 1 pound container, available exclusively from Cleopatra'sChoice.com   I give this Shea butter two thumbs up!  My skin has never felt so smooth and Hydrated.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Throw back Thursday brings you...HOLLY HOBBIE :)

Today for throw back Thursday, I bring you Holly Hobbie!  As a young girl I came to love Holly Hobbie!  I have always been intrigued by her innocence and her calming nature.  I owned a few signature Holly Hobbie pieces as a child including, The Holly Hobbie Rag Doll.

The Holly Hobbie Record Player

I had  holly Hobbie bedding

A T.V. tray

and My Most favorite prized possession My Holly Hobbie Lunch pail!!

Who was Holly Hobbie?  Holly Hobbie was born (Denise Holly Ulinskas) in 1944.  She is an American writer and Illustrator, and the name of a fictional character based on this person. She grew up on a farm in rural Connecticut.  In 1964 she married her high school sweetheart and writer Douglas Hobbie.  They made their home in Massachusetts.  Holly used her children, Brett, Jocelyn, and Nathaniel from which to draw inspiration.  

 In the late 1960's, Hobbie sold her distinctive artwork of a rag dress wearing girl with a giant bonnet to American Greetings.  This series of Illustrations became popular, and her originally nameless character became known as "Hollie Hobbie".  In 1974 (the year I was born) Knickerbocker toys licensed the Holly Hobbie character for a line of rag dolls.  This was a popular toy for young American girls for several years. 

 In creating the character which bears her name, Holly Hobbie has captured in great detail the serenity and innocence of a world long ago.  Her designs possess the quiet pleasures of a simpler, gentler way of life.  Hollie Hobbie states, "While I was not deliberately, trying to denote a specific time or person, my style and subjects bring back memories of a more tranquil and charming time period".  "for younger people, they seem to evoke 'the good old days' captured in books or on film...a time beyond memory."

 Holly Hobbie products are now once again being marketed by American Greetings in association with Carlton Cards.

Thank you Holly Hobbie for the memories...Have a peaceful day!!

Wordless Wednesday...Day and Night...

The Day I Took a Bubble Bath With My Camera :) Dial Coconut WaterRefreshing Mango Body Wash!!

Hi there!  Back when I started this blog I told you I would meet everyday life and I would review products and share my honest opinion with you, my readers!!  Today I am sharing with you an honest review of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body wash.  This was not a normal review for me and was somewhat difficult.  Let me explain why.

 I often hear of "Bloggers" being lazy stay at home moms who just sit around on their computer all day not doing anything.  To be honest I may have thought that at one point in my life.  There is nothing further from the truth!  Many bloggers have degrees in Marketing, journalism, photography to name a few.  Some make six figure incomes and work upwards of 16-18 hours a day, anyhow what I'm trying to say is these women (and men) put a lot of hard work into what they bring to their fans and readers.  Now I'm not quite a rock star...Yet, but I do put a lot of effort into my work.  This particular review took a little extra time and you are about to see why.

The Dial Brand provided me with a sample of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

The Fed Ex truck pulled in the drive and brought me a package.  I opened up the package and was excited to see a 16 FL OZ bottle of  Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash.  I was so happy to see it was not only coconut water but also Mango!!  I love the scent of Mango!

I wanted my review to be genuine, so I needed to try it out so I could tell you all the great things about it!  I wanted to include photos of me using it, but thought that would prove impossible in the shower, so I ventured to the "kids" bathroom and started running a bath.  I got a towel, the  Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash, my very own pink pouf, my camera, and a rubber duck!

Now the next few pictures were a little tricky!  I had to keep drying my hand with the nearby towel, grab the camera and try and snap a picture while I was sampling the body wash.  This was no easy task!!  I added a few drops of the Coconut Water mango body wash to my pouf.  I then applied to my legs.  I was right to be excited!!  The Mango scent was to die for!  The body wash lathered up beautifully and instantly made my skin feel more hydrated!

I had some other pictures that may have been a better choice, but later found out the shiny faucet makes a really wonderful reflective mirror, unless of course you are needing pictures to post on the Internet! 

I continued lathering up my body really enjoying the fresh scent of the coconut water and Mango!  Now it was time to relax in my nice warm bubble bath, right!?

Hahaha, Nope!  Not relaxing, I'm working here!  Working at not sliding in my slippery tub as I hold a camera, trying to keep the shiny faucet out of the picture.  Looks good though, right?  (I had to keep putting bubbles on the duck, because they would all pop by the time I wold get myself back situated for the picture!)

So anyhow, not the most relaxing bath, but I did LOVE the Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash!  SO if you are looking for a great family body wash or just healthy skin, I would definitely recommend this nourishing body wash!

Here are some great facts!  Coconut water is found in young green coconuts and known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes that help provide replenishing hydration.  Mango is known for being nutrient rich and adds a touch of tropical freshness!

This body wash leaves your skin feeling clean, fresh, and moisturized.  If you close your eyes you feel like you are on a tropical island somewhere with fresh mangos in abundance. So if you are like me and can't afford a real vacation to a tropical paradise,  let the fresh hints of green coconut and tropical mango whisk your mind away to distant Island shores without ever leaving your bath or shower!  

Have a beautiful day

Win your very own bottle of this wonderful body wash by entering below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Madame Tussauds Hollywood opens Marvel 4D Super Hero experience!!!

Are you looking for something really cool to bring the family to this summer? Madame Tussauds Hollywood's Marvel 4D Super Heroes Experience is NOW OPEN! 

 Madame Tussauds Hollywood has announced the grand opening of their brand new, multi-million dollar Marvel Super Heroes 4D theater expansion as they bring their most legendary super heroes to life. The new technologically advanced renovation will include innovative 4D experiences with multi sensory entertainment including water, smoke and trembles in your seat- allowing visitors to come face to face with the action.

In addition to the theater, Madame Tussauds Hollywood will grant attraction goers unprecedented access to mix and mingle with Marvel's most beloved and idolized superheroes, including: CAPTAIN AMERICA, THOR, SPIDER-MAN, WOLVERINE, TONY STARK and IRON MAN.

Right now at Madame Tussauds Hollywood with the purchase of Adult admission KIDS GO FREE!!  Sounds like fun, right!?  My family and I are going to be visiting this great attraction, and I can't wait to tell you all about our personal experience!  Stay tuned :)

ThrowBack Thursday...The cassette tape!!

What's today??  It's throw back Thursday!  Today we will throw back to the cassette tape!  Remember those little buggers?  Actually I still own quite a few and I am one of the Lucky ones who has a mini van equipped with the latest model cassette player!  You know you're jealous!  Over the years most of my tapes got warped from sitting in the hot car or on the dashboard.  Do you remember the sweet sound coming from a warped tape?  Or what about when you push the eject button only to find your cassette tape has been eaten by your player.

 As you tug to pull it out in hopes of not ripping the tape, wondering exactly how bad it has been eaten.  Back in the day when your electronics were indeed real live monsters, eating your prized possessions!  Will this be a quick fix or do we have twenty feet of loose tape to deal with here, tangled in a big heaping knotted mess!?  This is where the #2 pencil comes in handy!

But even worse you pull your cassette from the mouth of the monster to find it has been chopped into two separate pieces.  This is where the true concentration comes in!  I bet a lot of great surgeons today learned a lot of their skills from fixing a torn tape!  You must have a steady hand!  You must get the two pieces to fit back together perfectly to avoid any skip in your favorite song and to function properly the next time you push it into the player.  You finally get the two pieces aligned perfectly, then you need some scotch tape!  Tear off a tiny itty bitty piece and tape the two pieces back together!  The joy you get when it works is to not be compared!  SUCCESS!

 What about when the eject button decides to not keep it's end of the deal and decides to not return the cassette which is rightfully yours!  This my friends is when you need a butter knife!  Gently place the knife inside the compartment door and try and release the little grabbers and pry your favorite tape in hopes of not ruining the player or cracking the cassette case.  If you don't get it out you are stuck listening to the same cassette for the rest of your cassette players life!

I have no Idea why it was decided they needed to come up with something better than the cassette tape!?

The new generation of children are sure missing out on all that cassettes had to offer, the intuitiveness and the drive to fix what's broken, and mad problem solving skills!

Have a wonderful Thursday...til next time :)