Avengers Holy Cool Train

We went to Pearlridge mall a few days ago. My main agenda was to take RC to this train, I remember how she wanted to ride this last Christmas season and now they have it again with the theme Avengers.

After the train, we got some cupcakes from Cold Stone and then here at 808 Bounce. I thought it was expensive for $9.75. It's good for an all day pass but there were only three inflatable bounce "houses" and I knew we won't use it all day. 

It always makes me nervous when there are bigger kids playing because she might get hurt, even at the park so I made her go back to the toddler bounce house. There were a lot of kids and there was a party going on at the side.

This was suppose to be a shopping day too but it turned out to be mostly RC's day. RC was great this time at the mall  but I don't have desire to go on shopping recently. I grabbed a couple of things from Victoria's Secret (they were having a sale) but I saw the line was long so we left. I think I am realizing that I don't need much stuff now and I seem to use the same ones anyway. I get more excited on buying the ingredients for recipes that I want to try or get some items for new activities that we can do. This stay at home mom thing is changing my purchasing habits for sure. I did not leave the mall empty handed though because I got two things from TJ Maxx. They just opened stores here recently and it was my first time to go.

Have a great weekend!

San Francisco Zoo II

Pictures from April vacation at San Francisco Zoo. It was a fun day. I'm thinking of taking RC to Honolulu zoo, the last time we went was when she just turned two years old, she was still scared of petting the goat then.

Revlon Triple Action Ultrasonic Conditioning Straightener

I just had the opportunity to try Revlon Triple Action Ultrasonic Conditioning Straightener. I like the shiny red color. It’s a little chunky but it is lightweight. The best part is that you can use it even when your hair is wet! There are three settings that you can choose from and one of the options is you can use it even when your hair is wet. I was eager to try this product for that reason even if I already have a hair iron. I know some women can relate to this, especially the working ones. Sometimes, we want to style our hair better but you have to wait till your hair dries. I personally  think that  is still best that I dry the hair first and then  iron it but if you don’t have the time, you can just go straight to ironing. It glides well to the hair.

The Revlon Triple Action Ultrasonic Conditioning Straightener sells for only $ $39.99 and you can use it to dry your hair while straightening it.

The Triple Action based on the setting:

Red light- Heat plates for ultimate glamour.

Blue light- Ultrasonic plus heat plates to rehydrate limp, brittle strands for healthy hair

Purple light- Ultrasonic plates for optimal styling results.

Disclaimer: I was provided with the Revlon Triple Action Ultrasonic Conditioning Straightener, no other compensation was received.

Wrestling With Mosquitoes Naturally

Those annoying mosquitoes


I’m pretty sure if I took a poll asking people what insect annoys them most somewhere at the top of the list would be mosquitoes. In my world those ear buzzing skin pricking little warm weather critters seem to have no purpose except for being an annoyance when trying to enjoy a sunset, observe the night sky, or simply get some sleep.

I’ve even experienced the occasional mosquito hiding indoors in the dead of winter. Usually there won’t be more than one or two but if they make an appearance it’s because they’re looking for nourishment to continue the long haul until spring.

In the past both situations would have been handled with store bought repellents; the kind which were the norm at summer camp or for any evening where skin was exposed and mosquitoes were likely. However, I eventually came to terms with the fact that if those products killed insects they probably weren’t great for humans either. Reading up on the subject confirmed my suspicions with studies showing DEET, one of the main ingredients in those sprays, can potentially cause any number of illnesses in people. That’s when I started phasing out most sprays unless it was clear they were comprised of natural ingredients only.  I also sought better ways to repel mosquitoes as opposed to trying to kill every one on the block.

Repelling vs extermination


It’s important to note that sometimes when an infestation of any kind occurs an exterminator may be needed and there’s no way around it. For example, we once had an ant problem and nothing worked until the man with the poison showed up. While that was years ago some exterminators today do employ natural substances but they are not always successful against an invasion.However, if it’s clear there’s a problem but its minor natural alternatives can work nicely.

When it comes to mosquitoes one thing to know is that although they are attracted to fruity smells they disdain certain herbs like lavender, rosemary, citronella, and mint. We had mint growing wildly in our yard which may have helped to a certain extent but just having it around the property didn’t guarantee anything. Applying essential oils made from these plants to skin was the key to keeping them from biting.

Burning citronella candles and certain types of incense are also useful repellents and work great when having a barbeque or dinner on the deck. If possible wearing light pants and long sleeve shirts for those summer evenings can also make a difference as it puts up more of a barrier between you and the neighborhood mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes love Moisture


Early on in my crusade against mosquitoes another thing I learned was that they are attracted to moisture. That means when you leave water outside your home your telling them ‘Come, breed here!’

When I realized this I set up a small inspection list to ensure rain water wasn’t collecting around the exterior of our home. With all the gardening and other DIY projects I enjoyed doing around the exterior I made sure empty containers weren’t left idle, that the rain barrel from which I fed the yard was sealed tightly, and that potted plants and flowers weren’t directly opposite windows and doors where mosquitoes could breed and easily slip inside.

Meanwhile, I also made sure gutters weren’t clogged because we had some big trees around the house and falling leaves and branches occasionally block downspouts causing water to sit. Furthermore, I checked all the screens on doors and windows for tears because there’s always plenty of moisture indoors and once a mosquito discovered it’s way in there would be more.

The bottom line: Many of these tactics from essentials oils to cleaning up around the property are still things I do today and even though a few mosquitoes may get past my defenses they are better options than the harmful effects of some of the chemicals still on the market.

Jakob Barry is a home improvement journalist for Networx.com. He blogs about Green topics for exterminators across the U.S. including pest control services in Seattle, WA.


Disclaimer: This is a guest post by Jakob Barry. No compensation was received.

Ronald McDonald

RC met Ronald McDonald a few days ago, they gave each other a high five and he gave her a sticker. Ronald McDonald was very impressive, the kids love him. He showed them tricks and magic. He talked about reading and said a lot of jokes. I haven't seen the kids participate and be attentive as the day that R. McDonald was at the library especially for the older kids. Well, RC probably did not appreciate him too much, we were at the back.

If I will have a party with mascot, I would want to hire him (I probably can't afford  but just saying). I think he will be entertaining to guests and he speaks very clearly.

Roses from Serenata

I haven’t been writing about particular holidays this year here at my blog, not even Mother’s Day. One of the common gifts that people gifts during holidays are fresh flowers. Do you give flowers? It is one of the easiest ways to give to someone since you can order them online and they will be delivered to the address of your choice.  Flowers are beautiful and they symbolize love and appreciation.

If you are thinking about sending flowers, you can take a look at roses from Serenata. I’m not sure if I have viewers from London or its neighbor cities but serenataflowers.com delivers fresh flowers across UK. They have an ongoing sale at this time. They also offer free delivery. Please visit their website for more information. The flowers they sell come in variety of colors. They have wines and chocolates too.

Some reasons for sending flowers that I can think of are:

-a means of saying thank you

-new addition to the family

-sympathy

-Mother’s Day

-Valentine’s Day

-anniversary

-birthday

For the home, fresh flowers are great for decorating.

This post is brought to you by serenataflowers.com.

Whitney Farms Organic Soil

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whitney Farms for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.



Do you buy organic food when you go grocery shopping? I do but I don’t stick on everything organic. I buy a mixture of both organic and non-organic food. I just heard of Whitney Farms organic plant food, it uses an organic soil.  It has no additives, no artificial ingredients, only those that are from the Earth. I think the food that grows from this soil will be healthier too.

If only I have an outdoor space, I would grow some food and have a garden. It would save us a lot of bucks. I would want to try and use an organic soil from Whitney Farms®. This way, I can make sure that you will be eating an organic plant food. I notice vegetables and fruits at the grocery store are getting more expensive especially if they are not in season.
At this time, Whitney Farms® is offering a $3.00 off coupon. You can click on this webpage—Whitney Farms®.  The offer is valid thru July 31, 2012.
More information about Whitney Farms
-has low to no dust and no manure smell
-has beneficial microbes
-the protein-based blends provide plants with nutrients they need to thrive
-easy to use

Pua Mau Botanic and Sculpture Garden

We did not plan to go here when we went to the Big Island but we saw a sign at the street with arrows to a botanical garden. This was after we went to Pu'ukohola Heiau Historical site. It was beautiful with a lot of flowers but we were not allowed to explore everything so we got a discounted entrance fee. A lot of their trees and plants are common here in Hawaii but I think they look nicer because they were altogether.

Their gallery/ gift shop.

-entering the botanical garden

RC did not want to leave these small flowers. Kids can be amazed at things we ignore.

There were bug and other animal sculptures.

The plumeria trees encircling this area. Pua Mau Place seems to make circular areas with trees or stones as their "fence".

-taking a break under the shade.

Before going to see the one turtle that's in the garden.

RC after feeding the peacocks. I haven't seen so many peacoks in one area.

RC smelling flowers. I love the smell of plumeria too.

View from the visitor center

At the wedding area overlooking th visitor center

Is this the Hawaiian version of the Stone Henge? They copied it using big rocks.

It would have been a lot  better if we went in the afternoon when the sun is not too intense.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Florida's Three for Free Giveaway! Win Three Vacations

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of VISIT FLORIDA for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 Although I haven’t been in Florida yet, I have expressed here before how I would like to go there.  What’s not to love? Florida has so many things to offer. I wish I can say this because I experienced being there but instead this is all just based on my research. Florida has 825 miles of magnificent beaches, perfect this summer.

Visit Florida is giving away 12 vacations, including a three vacation to one winner. The “Florida’s Three for Free Giveaway” is inviting you to choose three favorite vacations. You can like VISIT FLORIDA on Facebook or  visit their website (Florida’s Three for Free Giveaway) for a chance to win three vacations! When you go on vacation, don’t you wish sometimes that it was longer? Most of the time, I wish our vacations were longer because one is not enough. Participants can enter daily. I just entered!

If I would choose my three vacations, here are my picks from the options:

Renew your glow with the ultimate spa-cation sponsored by PGA National Resort & Spa.

Train dolphins with the pros at Miami Seaquarium, fall in love with the view from your hotel on Biscayne Bay, and explore historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.This giveaway is sponsored by Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Thrill the family with a trip to Central Florida, go to LEGOLAND and its new Water Park, go zip-lining at Fantasy of Flight, and then unwind in serene Bok Tower Gardens. This trip is sponsored by Visit Central Florida.

I want to win this packages for an ultimate "me time", to do things that I haven't done before like train dolphins and lastly is to have a kid- friendly vacation.

There is a dozen to choose from, it is hard to choose! Here are the options:

1) Swim with the Manatees
2) Tennis Lovers Gourmet Getaway
3) Natural Florida
4) Family Adventure
5) Space Cowboy
6) Trainer for a Day
7) The Breakers Luxury Dream Vacation
8) Ultimate Spa-cation
9) Tee Time for Two
10) Classic Family Beach Week
11) Step Into the Past
12) Florida Keys Fishing

The contest will run from 5/25/12-6/30/12, just a few more days to go!

What option would you choose if you win?

How to Make Your Own Playdough

I followed the instructions here. There's a lot of websites that shows how to make play doughs, another DIY made from ingredients out of the pantry.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1 tbsp cream of tartar

1 tbsp vegetable oil / or canola oil

1 cup water

food coloring

Mix all the dry ingredients together. Mix all the wet ingredients in a pan  and bring to a boil. Mix dry and wet ingredients together in the pan until it's all combined and looking like a dough. Take the dough out of the pan, let cool. Sprinkle flour and knead.

I used Ziploc bag for storage.

If you have more food colors, the better but red was the only one I had at the time and this metallic cookie cutters are the ones I saw first instead of plastic cutters.

Learning:
Protect your counters or wherever you are working when you decide to put additional coloring after you take it out of the pan. (I know that is common sense but I made this mistake anyway). I'm not sure with the tile or high end countertops.
It is harder to mix the dry and wet ingredients altogether than I thought.
The more we use it the better because we knead it more that way.

There is so much that you can do with playdough. If you have dollar stores in your area, you can grab play doughs from there but we don't have one here. I bought some at Walmart last few weeks ago because they still are cheap and so we can add to the red play dough. I think the handmade play dough is much better, they are non-toxic and softer for small hands. I will make more with other colors now that I have more food coloring.