Have you read the NY Post article, “Rich Manhattan moms hire handicapped tour guides so kids can cut lines at Disney World“?

Seems to be the talk of the town…

The article starts off by stating:

“They are the 1 percenters who are 100 percent despicable.”

The premise behind this article is that some wealthy Manhattan moms have figured out how to jump the long lines at Disney World.  They have been discovered hiring disabled people to pose as family members so their families can get to the front of the line.

hmmm….

Now…If you didn’t know this about me yet, I’m a “half-glass-full” kind of girl.  I see rainbows and butterflies everywhere I look.

So…let’s discuss it.  WHY does this article enrage you?

• Are you mad at the 1%ers in general…they shouldn’t have so much money?
• Are you mad that you are a 1% and feel guilty for doing this very act?
• You have no idea…it just sounds like something you should be up in arms about!

What if you looked at this article from another point of view?

Maybe the disabled tour guide had a hard time getting work…and found a niche.

Then, shouldn’t you be angry at the tour guides for going along with this rouse?

What about looking at this situation straight on:

• There are people in this world with TOO much money.
• There are disabled people in this world that DO deserve to get a day of NO lines.
• There is a way for EVERYONE to work together….
• (People wealthy enough can buy VIP passes anyway)

Why hasn’t someone suggested the idea that those with extra money and who prefer to NOT wait in lines…host disabled families to Disney World.  This way…those families with extra money do get to wait in shorter lines while also helping families who may not be able to normally take a family trip to Disney World.

We live in a world where there is just so much negativity.  I am a mother of a severely disabled son.  If I lived each day with a chip on my shoulder and looking for fault in every direction….NO doubt  I could find it, but what kind of life would I live?  What kind of example would I be for my son?

We shouldn’t be worried about people with money and how they spend it.  What we should be concerned with is the future consequences of these actions.  Theme parks could be forced to need further proof of disabilities and that time could come where the privilege for allowing disabled people a shorter line would be ended.  ONLY the disabled would be punished.

Think before you act.



Welcome to the Spring Coach Giveaway hosted by My Boys and Their Toys and my amazing co-hosts: Simply Budgeted, Mommy Has To Work, My Sentiment Exactlee, Sober Julie, This Lil Piglet, April Golightly, Couponwahm, How We Learn at Home, and Counting To Ten.

How would you like to win this most AWESOME purse??

Details about the Coach Peyton Hobo:

• Signature embossed patent leather
• Outside open pocket
• Adjustable double strap with 20″ drop-converts to single long strap for shoulder or crossbody wear
• Zip top closure, fabric lining
• Inside zip, cell phone and multi-function pockets

Measures: 13 3/4 (L) x 11″ (H) x 4″ (W)

 Giveaway Time!

Enter below for your chance to win this Coach Peyton bag in pink!

Open to US & Canada residents 18 years old and up

This giveaway is in no way affiliated or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or Coach

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and may differ from yours. This giveaway is sponsored by the bloggers included in this event only. No other compensation was received.

I do LOVE a challenge…

and I’m taking one the ENTIRE month of May!  It isn’t about a diet, exercise program, or promise to shave my legs everyday.  It’s about a challenge to write…really write.  Sometimes…ok, ALL THE TIME, I get too busy with life to just sit back and enjoy what I love to do…write.

The prompt for today is:  What is your favorite memory from childhood?

It would have to be my grandparents….

My mom’s parents lived about three hours from our house…but, that didn’t stop us from always taking road trips to visit them.  This is just a portion of the “farm” that grand-daddy would work at diligently every summer (and we would be enlisted to help if there was work to do).  I think I’m a “city” girl…but, this girl knows how to shuck corn, snap peas, and walk through a muddy garden looking for cucumbers that are ready to pick!

How can you NOT smile when you see this sweet man??  This is my grand-daddy Joe.  I’m named after him and my grandma Cat (Catherine)… (yes…my name is Kathy Jo)….would you expect anything less from a true southern girl??

I can remember my granddad would take the blades off riding lawn mowers and let us (the kids) drive them around his house.  One day, I just begged and pleaded to drive a new one he’d made.  My boy cousins wanted to drive too, but I GOT to drive first.  With my face beaming from side to side…I ran straight into a TREE..and crashed the poor mower.  Those cousins of mine were so darn mad.  I can’t remember how long it took for them to get over that one!

This is Grandma Cat rocking our little Isaac.  I can remember her rocking all of us…and our kids…and one day, she’ll be rocking my grandkids!  There isn’t a better example of love than these grandparents and the unrelenting love they have for their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

I can only hope to be as loving, caring, and giving as they are and have been.

*I was compensated for this post in exchange for my honest review/opinion*

Picky eaters…can they be inspired to eat and ENJOY it??  Sure they can…and here’s how:

In our house…the boys LOVE Tyson Chicken Nuggets.  Well, let’s start with that.  I made a quick shopping trip to Walmart to purchase the nuggets as well as a few other things I think we’ll need to start the fun! (You can see my shopping trip HERE)

I KNOW that they’ll eat the nuggets…but, how can I get them to try a dipping sauce and a fruit….or, dare I say, a vegetable?

You HAVE to make the food FUN!  Now that springtime is upon us, let’s use that as inspiration to create some fun “platescapes” for the kids to not only enjoy with their eyes…but, with their tummies too!

Go ahead and cook your nuggets and pull out different condiments and dipping sauces to work with.

I started with Ranch dressing…and added food coloring!  (yes..I just used a little and swirled it around to get my desired color)

Not only did I use food coloring…but, I also used Kool-aid (yep…the dry package).  Just pour a little in the Ranch (or whatever dipping sauce you’re working with).  You will have a taste of “orange” or “lime”…but, I think that just makes it a LOT more fun for the kids! (especially, if you add their favorite flavors).

Now…just start creating!  Here’s what I was able to create to INSPIRE MY PICKY EATERS!

To create this flower, you’ll need:

• Tyson Chicken Nuggets
• cheese stick
• lettuce
• ranch (colored to make the dots on the nuggets)
• strawberries

To create this butterfly, you’ll need:

• Tyson Chicken Nuggets
• banana
• strawberries (cut small for the eyes, mouth, and antennae)
• ranch (colored for the dots on the wings)

To create this bowl of fish, you’ll need the following:

• Tyson Chicken Nuggets
• Ranch (colored in blue for the water and to decorate the fish)

While you’re thinking about what kind of springtime decorating ideas you can think of…head on over to Club Tyson’s Facebook page where you’ll be able to have a little fun decorating online!

You can also find out more information about Tyson Chicken Nuggets by visiting the following:

• Website: www.tyson.com

• Twitter: @ClubTysonLive

• Facebook: Tyson Chicken Nuggets

Have fun creating fun springtime food for your picky little eaters!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and Tyson. #cbias #SocialFabric #SpringtimeNuggets All opinions, photos, and awesome food creations are my own!

You may have a little residual snow at your house…maybe the sun hasn’t come out.  BUT…it’s coming!!  Before you know if…SUMMER will be upon us, and out come the swimsuits and flip flops!!!

Are you ready?

Here are Five EASY steps for having Summer Ready toes:

1.  Do NOT spend all your money at the salon…with just a few tools, you can give yourself a pedicure.  Be sure to soak your feet to ensure soft nails.  Then, take the time to clean under the nails and clip them.

2.  Head out to Walgreens to pick out the BRIGHTEST Sally Hansen nail polish you can find.  Pick your favorite colors or use a piece of clothing for an inspiration piece. (Here’s my shopping trip to Walgreens HERE)

(Here’s the cutest dress I have my eyes on for the summer!)

(and here are my “nails” getting their paint on!)

3.  Now that you’re home with your bold polish…try a new technique when applying it!  This season is all about color and color blocking.  Use washi tape or scotch tape to help place your lines where you’d like them and get creative!

4.  With all this work you’ve done to create a fabulous toe…be sure to cover your masterpiece with a strengthening top coat.  This will not only give a finishing shine, but it will help to prevent chipping and help your work last as long as possible.

5.  That’s it!  Pull out your cutest summer outfit and flip flops or sandals and show off those toe nails!

Now…here are some tips I can share with you after my cute toe attempt:

• If you aren’t a patient person…buy the Insta Dri polish (gosh…I am NOT patient~)
• Use scotch tape, washi tape, even painters tape to make your bold blocks
• You will LOVE the Nail Art Pens (Just make sure you paint on top of DRY polish and use a finishing coat to seal it)
• If you have baby flimsy toes like I do…just buy nails (and..it was SO easy to paint the nails on the table and then just glue them on:) (wink wink)
• Be sure to use your Balance Rewards Card at Walgreens (rack up those points and get your rewards!)
• You can get inspiration and products for “Block n’ Roll” designs HERE or Block Art designs HERE.

Don’t miss out on the Sally Hansen sales at Walgreens this month:

$1 off Sally Hansen Tweezers and Clippers

○ (3/314/27) Sally Hansen Extreme and Salon Effects 2/$5 w/ 1,000 points

○ (3/314/27) Insta Gel Starter Kits $19.99

○ (3/314/27) Gel Salon Kits $59.99

More information on Sally Hansen nail products can also be found:

https://www.twitter.com/walgreens

https://apps.facebook.com/iheartnailart/

https://twitter.com/SallyHansen

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and COTY #cbias #SocialFabric”

The ONLY LEGOLAND Hotel in the United States is now open for business in Carlsbad California!

My boys and I were fortunate to be in Carlsbad for this most AWESOME opening of the LEGOLAND Hotel!  With confetti flying, kids screaming, and parents covering their ears…

Here are the TOP TEN THINGS PARENTS will LOVE about THE LEGOLAND HOTEL:

1.  YOU CAN PLAY EYE SPY FOR HOURS UPON CHECK IN

image provided by Legoland Hotel

If you have kids that need to CONSTANTLY be engaged with you…no worries!  While you’re trying to talk to the staff at The Legoland Hotel and check in, you can play eye spy!  The back wall is filled with THOUSANDS of tiny lego people.  All you have to do is tell your kids to find one (either spy one yourself or make up one to keep them searching!)  Now,  you’ll have the ability to check-in in peace while the kiddos are engaged!

2.  FREE SURPRISE FOR THE KIDS

As soon as you’ve checked in and have your room key…you’ll walk down the hall to find your room.  The kids will be running way ahead…(you’ll need to move a quicker pace to keep up).  Once thery’re in the room, they’ll open the special safe JUST for them, where they’ll find a surprise to entertain them while you unpack!

3.  THE KIDS HAVE THEIR OWN SEPARATE SLEEPING SPACES

Oh yeah!  This means the kids are happy with their bunkbeds…and mom and dad can be ecstatic that they can sleep in their OWN beds without feeling little toes wiggling beside them!  (Legoland Hotel cannot, however, guarantee that your kids will stay in their own beds all night…but, they are provided)

4.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COOK

That sounds like HEAVEN to me already!  The LEGOLAND Hotel has The Bricks Family Restaurant (which is a family style buffet with something for everyone!) as well as the Skyline Cafe (serving drinks and snacks throughout the day).

AND…did I happen to mention that Lego characters can be known to frequent Bricks??

5.  NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT IS PROVIDED

After a long day of playing at Legoland, dinner at Bricks, you don’t have to worry about what to do if the kids are still WIDE eyed and bushy tailed!  The atrium is filled with a magical castle, tons of legos to play with, and nightly entertainment!

6. REMINISCE ABOUT THE DISCO DAYS

Whether you have a room on the second or third floor…you NEED to ride the elevator.  Once the door close, a disco ball falls and music plays…time for the family to get their groove on!

7.  TODDLER TRAINING TOILET SEATS (need I say more?)

In the rooms at The LEGOLAND Hotel, you’ll find the most spectacular toilet seats!  NO…they don’t warm your bum or massage it…BUT, if you came with a potty training toddler, you’ll be as EXCITED I was to see this awesome little seat!  (It’s attached to the toilet!!  Now, the kids won’t be scared of falling in..and you will be able to continue potty training!)

8.  TWO TELEVISIONS

Now…you may the kind of parents that do NOT want a television in your kids’ rooms.  However, while on vacation, you’ll be happy to know that you DO NOT have to watch cartoons!!  Not only do you have your own bed and flat screen…but, the kids do too!!!! (and they can’t pull it off the wall…it’s totally secured to the wall~)

9.  CATERING TO EARLY RISING KIDS

If your kids refuse to sleep in…LEGOLAND has you covered!  First, you get up and have breakfast at Bricks, then…because you’re staying at The LEGOLAND Hotel, you and your family will have early access to select LEGOLAND rides and attractions before the public!

10.  CHEESIEST GRINS ALL DAY LONG

If you can handle all the constant smiles, infiltrating laughters, occasional starring, and heart melting elation…then, you’re ready to stay at The LEGOLAND Hotel!  This hotel was made FOR THE KIDS with their needs and wants in mind.  However, I think I’ve shared all the reasons that parents will love it too!

The Official LEGOLAND Hotel website is HERE.  You’ll be able to read more about the hotel and the park and schedule your first trip!

The boys and I were invited to attend the hotel opening by LEGOLAND Hotel.  Some images were provided by Legoland Hotel and the others are mine.  All opinions are my own!

So…you like the way those Brownie Pops look…do you??   Let me tell you how they came about and how YOU can make them too!

Football is over….it’s basketball’s time to reign (Thank goodness…it’s my FAVORITE!)  With college basketball playoffs going on, it was the PERFECT time to say, “honey…I NEED to go to the store and grab a few items for a little PARTY!”.  OK…we’re kind of basketball nuts in this house!  My hubby played in high school and college (I only played church ball, but I LOVE to watch it).  AND…I am TOTALLY a DUKE fan all the way!  (I mean from back in the day when Christian Laettner  and Bobby Hurley were on the team against the championship UNLV with NO hope in winning!  And they did…the biggest upset in college basketball in a LONG time!)

ahhh…the good ole day.  Back to my little party.   We have kids and kids galore coming over…and, then a few adults will find seats amongst the little people.

I don’t really make a list, but I do decide to head to Walgreens to get everything that I need…and to get in out and QUICK!

Wouldn’t you know it.  The minute I walk in the store…this is starring back at me! (Coke Zero and Reese’s it is then!)  That’s exactly what I grab, and add in a few candies,  chips, popcorn, frozen pizzas, chicken nuggets, etc (You can see my entire shopping trip HERE.)

Decorations–All you need are brightly colored paper plates.  Print out some letters, attach them to the plates, and string them on a ribbon.  SUPER fast, easy, and cute!

Bring out the food!

OK…so, how DO  you make those SUPER cute Coke Zero Reese’s Pieces Brownie Pops?

Here’s the secret:

All I did was put a Reese’s mini in the brownie pop pan.

Then, mix the brownie mix with a can of Coke Zero (THAT’s IT!)  (No water, oil, or eggs).

Bake it at the temperature on your box…just keep checking it every five minutes after 10 minutes of cooking.

When you’re ready to put them on a stick…just put a little cake frosting on them and roll them in Reese’s Pieces!

The brownie is SO moist and yummy…you’re going to LOVE it!

If you’d like more info about where your local Walgreens is OR what deals they have going on, check out these links:

• WEBSITE: http://www.walgreens.com/

• TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Walgreens

• FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Walgreens 
• FACEBOOK:  http://facebook.com/cocacolazero

I hope this helped inspire you to throw the BEST basketball viewing party you can!  Be sure to check out all the Coca-Cola and Reese’s products at your local Walgreens!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and Walgreens #cbias #SocialFabric  All photos and opinions are my own.

I’ve been out of town…and after a great family-fun-filled-week…there’s nothing like getting my CRAFT ON!  (because yes, I do still have my sewing machine on the dining room table and NOT up in my office area).   AND…did you know that March is Nation Craft Month~

I get in moods with sewing.  Sometimes, I have GRAND ideas and sometimes, those ideas just end up in a basket in the corner of my office.  This past week, we were paroozing through Wal-mart and Eli makes a B-Line for the donuts.   While he was negotiating a donut-chore exchange,  I happened to notice what was ABOVE the donuts.

A BIG OLE Starbucks sign with different blends of coffee.  Hmmm….

With further investigation, Starbucks has put a few blends on display and tells you which Walmart bakery items complements the taste of the coffee.  (GENIUS)
As I currently have Sir Isaac in the cart screaming at me and Eli STILL negotiating to get a donut, I decide I need a nice cup of decaf.

Keep a look out for THIS display at YOUR Walmart.  Who knew that to bring out the best of Starbucks’ blonde roasts, you should pair it with citrus, milk chocolate, and nut flavors!   And…while I’m deciding what Bakery item I want to buy with my Starbucks, Eli decides to pose for a picture (to ensure that he gets his chocolate donuts!)

(and No…I have NO idea what’s going on with his hair!  What can you do?)

Eli snags his donuts and I decide on the OH SO YUMMY The Bakery Lemon Sliced Cream Cake…and we’re off.

I know…we WERE talking about crafting…and I’m getting back to it!

First, you must know that we had to devour our snacks purchased at Walmart.

You must all know that I LOVE my sweets.  This is the first time that I’m trying this Willow Blonde flavor of Starbucks (I picked it because it says on the package that it’s bright and clean)…sounds refreshing.  While that’s brewing, I have to taste my lemon cake…DELICIOUS!  Then, after trying the Starbucks’ Willow Blonde coffee I try the cake together…they really do complement each other.  (who knew??)  There is nothing like a relaxing snack before messing up your house getting your craft on!  With bits and pieces of lemon cake on my plate and a fresh cup of coffee in my cup…it’s time to sit down to the machine!

While you drool over my snack…let me just share with you WHY it was SO important to tell you about it.   BECAUSE we’re using the Starbucks bag for our craft!

This craft is SO easy and quick!

All you need is:

• empty Starbucks bag
• thread (sewing machine is faster, but you can totally do this by hand)
• velcro

First….you need to cut your bag open.  These Starbucks bags are already the perfect size!  Just cut the bottom off and round the top so that you have something like this:

Now…fold it in thirds.  Bring the bottom towards the top and the top over.  (press those creases so that you can see them when you start sewing) This is the back side (with the flap)

and this is what our front will look like:

Now…unfold it.  Cut two pieces of velcro and mark where you want to sew them and sew them in place. (yes…I see there are some coffee grounds I didn’t wipe off!  I’ll get them!)

All that’s left is to sew up the sides. (I used a zig zag stitch)

That’s it!  How cute is that??

I don’t drink a lot of coffee at home…and I’m usually a drive-thru type of girl anyway.  BUT, I was pleasantly surprised that I did it…and it turned out great!

If you LOVE your Starbucks…go ahead and try brewing it at home…you can start saving those bags and make coin purses and tote bags galore!

 I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #cbias #SocialFabric   All opinions and photos are my own.

Do you have a competitive nature?  Do you need to WIN at all costs?

I don’t…not one single competitive bone in my body.  However, my husband is quite opposite.  He’ll race you with a broken leg, bowl with his left hand because his right hand is broken (and still beat you), and stay in the basketball game with a torn bicep.  Yep…that’s my guy.

My boys…they’re a good mix of the two of us.  Take the recent Pinewood Derby for instance.

Eli was sitting in church a few weeks ago.  With pen and paper in hand….he was drawing his ideas for his car.  Eli and his dad spent the entire sacrament meeting perfecting the look.  McDonald’s French Fries.  Yes, that is correct…he wanted his car to look like McDonald’s French Fries.

With a few cuts, hours of sanding and painting….we glued on an empty french fry container and added straws for our “fries”.  This car was complete!

Now…with Joe’s discerning eye, he asked Eli, “are you sure you don’t want to win this year?  Can we take the straws out when you get ready to race?”

Eli’s response was just matter-of-fact, “no dad.  I want to keep the fries.   It’s ok if I don’t win, I just want the car to look cool!”

and with that direction….we headed out to church for the Pinewood Derby race.

Eli brought a friend with him….and they were most excited about the popcorn and cookies available between races than the actual races.   Every time Eli’s name was called, I’d hold his cookie and he’d go and place his car on the track.

and win.

every single race…he’d win.

what????

This car has STRAWS sticking out of it!  AND….it’s winning!

Eli’s just a little annoyed that he keeps racing and has to keep going up to race again and can’t finish his cookie….

Joe is SO excited now that Eli’s beating the dad that’s sitting in front of us! (seriously)

In the end….Eli was the champion.

Joe took the champion, his friend, and the 2nd place winner out for ice cream after the big race.

When Eli finally came home…he said, “This was the best day EVER!  I got straight A’s on my report card and had the coolest pinewood derby car!  Oh yeah, and I got first place”.

Having a competitive nature isn’t a bad thing….but, having the nonchalant attitude about winning is something awesome!  Winning when your heart is content on 5th place is a winning attitude to have.

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please visit Amazon.com to get your own copy of Far Cry 3, today’s Gold Box Deal of the Day! I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

I know that it’s hard to be a teenager today.  I mean…at the age of 18, when you’ve finished your first semester of college and are preparing for that next step in life…it’s STRESSFUL.  Take Chris, MY 18 year old for instance.  He has a rough life.  His mom cooks for him, provides him with a free place to stay, free water to bathe himself (sometimes multiple times a day), and quite frequently gives him gas money.  But, in return for all those freebies, his SUPER annoying and nagging parents just ask for one thing…to keep his room clean.

How can parents put such unrealistic demands on a kid?  It’s unfathomable!

Therefore, Chris choses to escape from reality a lot and dive into a world where he’s more in control.  For instance, playing video games…and his newest love would be Far Cry 3.

(Yes…he wants to Journey into the heart of Insanity)

As much as I’m joking about Chris…his de-stresser really is playing video games.  When he really needs to detach from school work, or girls, or even his most perfect parents…escaping into these worlds gives him the ability to really get away!

There’s just something about running, shooting, driving, hang-gliding…doing all these SUPER COOL things in the video game world and still actually live to tell the tale!

Chris loves that this game has four different game modes:  Team deathmatch, firestorm, transmission, and domination.  (and yes…I do miss the days of pink unicorns and fluffy bears).   But, this is what he likes.

Remember…this game is rated M for Mature audiences (I’m not sure why I let my Chris play it…he isn’t so mature yet)

Do you play video games when you’re stressed out too??  What’s your favorite?