Ringing Rocks Parks Review

Ringing RocksRinging Rocks Park  in Pa we went today.  I did not tell the kids were we were going. Ringing Rocks Park is located in Upper bucks County  in Upper Black Eddy.  I can recommend it as a fun afternoon with the kids,  that is free.   The ringing Rocks are a sight to see a field full of giant boulder.  Only 1/3 of the rocks make a bell like tone but it is fun figuring out which ones do.   The rocks are 10feet thick.   There is also a slate shelf type water fall in the park.

ringing rocksNo one is sure why the rocks ring some say it is because of iron in the rocks. They think that the boulder were left during the glaciers and ice age. There is some more nature fact about natural phenomenon

Here are my recommendations of what to bring when you go:

  1. Great shoes: Keens or sneakers  avoid wearing strappy sandals or crocs
  2. Kids should be over 6/7 years old the terrain of the rocks is rough so being a good walker is important.
  3. Bring Hammers so everyone can hit the rocks
  4. Wear jeans
  5. Protecting eyewear or glasses- you are hitting rocks with hammers- things fly
  6. If you have a walking stick bring it it will help you steady as you walking
  7. Leave the bags in the car.. too much to carry them while walking into the rocks
  8. There is a picnic area near the park area  so you can eat before or after your hike
  9. Bring a first aid kit (just in case)
  10. There is no bathroom except for a porta potty
  11. Park Guards are not always on location.
  12. Ringing Rocks Park park is about an hour north of Philadelphia, 20 minutes from Allentown and 15 from Quakertown Pa.

Here is my video:

Ringing Rocks Park

Ringing Rocks Rd
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972

 

My kids really loved it and thought it was a really cool place to go.

 

How to get your husband to make dinner – Hillshire Farm Giveaway

cheesy rice and hillshire farms sausageHow to get your husband to make dinner with Hillshire Farms Sausage

I ask my husband to make dinner, because I was going out to my Moms group.  Now my husband grew up in a casserole family,  which is means when he does cook most of his meals are made in one pot / dish.   He was making dinner for himself and 2 kids.

So he looks in the freezer and finds the 2 packages Hillshire Farms Sausages.  Note: I am suppose to create a recipe with them, write a blog post and then do a giveaway.  At the time I was still working  on the post in my head.

Well he was so helpful, he took the Hillshire farms and made dinner.. (there goes my blog post..)  When I called to check he said he was using both packages..

I said  “honey.. there for a tasty tues blog post”..

He said “Too late.. they are defrosted and I am using them”

He said “I will take pictures for your post”…(he is not me with a camera.. But I love him because he tried.. he could have cleaned of the stove before the pictures)

sausage in a package

Husbands Cheese Rice and Sausage Dinner

Serves 8 people : He was making dinner for himself and 2 kids.

He wanted to add a can of tomatoes but worried the kids would not eaten it. (My advice ADD the Tomatoes or serve with a tomatoes) or add any vegetable broccoli would have been yummy.. What is it with men and veggies or lack their of?

I say to myself   ” Just be happy he is cooking, and don’t criticize”

His directions

  1. Make rice as directed- 2 cups of rice with 4 cups of  water-  cook thoroughly
  2. Mix rice,  (veggies if you choose) and soup in large glass pan
  3. cook 15 minutes
  4. Lay Hillshire Farm Sausage on top
  5. cook 10 minutes  sprinkle with cheese

cheese rice

I was very yummy! I has some when I returned home and we had left overs for the next few days.   The sausage was amazing,  I would love to use it in a Potato and Sausage soup.. (now I think of a recipe- me slapping head)

The Hillshire Farm sausage  has No artificial Color, Flavor or by products.

Hillshire Farm Giveaway

So want your man to cook?   Have some Hillshire Farm on hand so your hubby can make dinner.  Here is your chance to win 3 coupons for package of Hillshire farm Gourmet sausage. (that is 3 meats or 1 1/2 depending who is cooking. (est. value $18 ) Giveaway ends : Oct 9th Midnight est.

  1. Simple entry:   Leave a comment below telling me What you want to be doing so your husband can cook dinner?
  2. Tweet if you want let me know below:  How to get your husband to cook and win @HillshireFarms sausage form @Babypop https://superexhausted.com/?p=3345
  3. Like My FB Page Superexhausted– let me know below you did.

Disclosure:  I did receive coupons for this blog post 2 to keep and 3 to giveaway.

My Runway Momment

So this past week I walked the Runway at the Fashion Forward Conference.   If you read my post on Tues about Facing Fears, I was concerned about walking..I did not trip!!   The conference is about fashion for women who are not 20 something that are mothers and bloggers.  The brand that provided the clothes was Sonsi and the women who styled me was RedBooks Stylist.

I also had Caitlin Wooters – Makeup Artist work on my face,  she was great and spent time get the right make up for my walk and still being appropriate for a women over 40.   I also got my hair in a side pony by Robert Stewart Salon.

So I faced my fears and walked  check out the Ivillage Video.

Striped Cardigan Sweater by Ulla Popken at Lane Bryant Sonsi.com $69.00  It is an over sized sweater so I wore a 14.. I am also small chested.

Stretch Ponte Knit Slim-cut Leggings by Ulla Popken at Sonsi.com  $49.00  The pants were not super stretch and thicker than normal knit pants so perfect and appropriate for the office.   Love the quality.

Leopard smoking slipper at Sonsi.com $49.00

This outfit would also look great Paired with

Classic Big Shirt by Ulla Popken  at Sonsi also

Round Buckle Belt in Caramel by IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel at sonsi.com

I took a lot of picture from the fashion filled day check them out in my Fashion Forward pictures on Flicker.

It was a fun experience thanks to the Fashion Forward ladies for allowing me to participate.

Picture courtesy of Sonsi  and video courtesy of Ivillage

Disclosure: I did receive this outfit from Sonsi and yes I will wear it in my every day.

Facing Fears being Vulnerable

Picture Taken By Little Tech Girl

So I have  always lived by one rule.  Never Live Scared. Which gives me a lot of room to try and fail. Yup,  I am that friend that will do something once.  I have been known to get on a plane the same day I booked the ticket- scared alot.. .  Yes,  I have gotten up and sang Karaoke in front of a room of 300 strangers and peers- I shook the whole time.. and sounded like crap.  I went to a 3rd world country by myself alone, took cabs and navigate the county not speaking the language.  Yea that is me in the fountain..Thinking please don’t fall please don’t look too crazy.

When it comes to relationships.  I believe that people are inherently good. I trust easily and get hurt often.. I am that friend that is all I will be there and care for you.  Yea I get disappointed alot by people.  But yet I don’t learn and I trust the next person.. hoping for better, sometimes it makes me sad.. and vulnerable.

Last week, great inspiration for me and my favorite speaker  Brene Brown,  was on Katie Couric’s new talk show.  I first saw Brene at Blissdom in 2011 ,  She was amazing and her words really resonated with me.  I Brene Browns words,  paraphrasing.. “people who are vulnerable leaving themselves open for criticism but at least they try”..  and I will try to be more vulnerable. Read Brenes Brown’s book Daring Greatly  let her words be your guide for living life to the fullest. .. I try to Dare Greatly… or watch Brene Brown’s Ted Video If  you live scared you will miss amazing experiences.. like taking a walk in a fountain.

So this week I am doing another 1st, walking down a Runway as a plus size model at the Fashion Forward conference. Yea it is a little nerve racking… I have had my own fashion designs go down a runway but I never have been on it..  Lets hope I don’t trip or look too big.. if I do ..oh well at least I tried. Because I am enough.  Thanks Brene.

So what is your Runway.. How are you going to be more vulnerable this week, year, life?

How to Train Your Dragon LIve Show Review

Last night we went to see How to train your Dragon live show.  The show was held and Philadelphia Wells fargo center. check out the kids thoughts below.  I really enjoyed the show.  The show creators definitely used there imagination when creating the show.  The How To Train Your Dragon Stage show will be touring the US.

The Dragons pulled you in particular Toothless.. he was so cute and all the kids wanted to pet him.   The effects we also amazing I don’t want to give too much away.

I will let you know that souvenirs do run from $15-$50   Souvenir cups are $15, Program menus are $20, The Light up viking Helmets are $20 or 25 and the figurines were $25.

My kids ages were 7-11 but younger kids 3up were there, some got upset when the thought toothless was hurt.  Older teen though it was cool when I talked to another bloggers kids.

We really love the show and effects were amazing alot to look at.   I got “Thanks You’s” through out the show and the way home  from the kids.  The word amazing and cool were used a ton by the 11 years olds.  Looks at the smiles.. kids watching a show smiling

If you want to head to the show you can still get tickets on sale 25% off for Philadelphia.

To Purchase tickets for How To Train your Dragon in Philadelphia

Discount code is MOM — that’s good for 25% off to all shows.

Disclosure I recieved these tickets from the show but the opinions stated in this post are my own.

10 Top Tips Consignment Sale Shopping Success

consigment sales

 

Consignment sales they are a great way to find wonderful gently used and new items for your family. Consignment sale are bargain shopping on a grand scale.   Here are my top 10 tips for making your shopping more sucessful.

  1. Go with a plan look to see what you  need for the kids.. take an inventory
  2. Shop with knowing your kids sizes,  take measurements before you go, or take kids with you if allowed (but beware you will buy more toys if you take the kids)
  3. Know your brands,  I shop high end when ever I buy 2nd hand the reason Quality. My favorite brands: Gap, Gymboree, Hanna Anderson, Landsend, Columbia, American Girl  Boutique Brands: Hannah Banana, Deux par Deux, Lemon loves Lime, Queen Circus, Tea, Catimini, 3Pommes, Biscotti,  Jean Bourget
  4. Great Place to buy the dresses and clothes that don’t get alot of use- like holidays, church clothes and special occasion so look at your calendar and see what is on the schedule.  Tip buy Jackets for dress up clothes like brand: Rothschild one of the best wool children’s coats out there.
  5. To get some of the best picks of the sale volunteer your time at the sale-  sale organized gives volunteers 1st pick.
  6. Go the last day of the sale many items are discounted significantly some are 50% off
  7. Consignments sales have a large amount of unopened toys.. so they can help you save on Santa gifts.
  8. Think about bring something to carry your purchases while shopping-  some people bring in kids wagons, beach wheeled carts. Check with your consignments sale organizers to see what they will accept as a carry item.
  9. Review the website of the sale to make sure understand restrictions- such as you are not allow to shop with strollers. Also discounts might be given on website.
  10. If you see something Do not put it down!  Unless you are sure you don’t want it because someone might pick it up,  there is only one of that item.

consigment sales

This weekend is the JustBetweenFriends Consignments sale in Oaks Pa.

This weekend Sales Event: September 13th – 15th

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center – HALL C – 100 Station Ave., Oaks

Thursday, September 13th ~ OPENING DAY!

9am-7pm: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – $3 Admission Fee Charged Today Only; Children and Strollers Welcomed.

Friday, September 14th ~ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

10am-7pm:  No admission; children and strollers welcomed!

Saturday, September 15th – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

8am -6pm: HALF PRICE SALE ALL DAY!! Many items will be an additional 50% off all day; children and strollers welcomed!

Disclosure:  I did receive gift from JBF in exchange for this post. These tips are my tips I use when shopping.

 

 

Who is the card giver in your life! Hallmark Giveaway

Hallmark t shirt There are 3 women in my life that I can always count on to send card,  this is a post to highlight my Hallmark card loving secondary family and friends.  (Note: my mother and mother in law always send a card.)  These 3 women who love buying cards and graciously send them.  Preserving the beauty of snail mail, and creating smiles on the faces of people who receive them.

My oldest friends Dr. Dawn-  she always send me a card that brightens my day for my birthday every year, I am always impressed because she has 2 little boys and an busy practice but she always remembers.. and always is understanding that I forget.  Dawn has been my friend since birth,  she grew up accross the street from me.  She was always with my sister and I.  I think of her as a family.

My Aunt Alice – she sends cards several times a year.  She remembers my kids and my husband.  We always look forward to getting the most beautiful cards from her. I love Alice because she is supportive and connected to all us and keeps tabs. When I had my babies Alice loved the fact I breastfed my kids, she made me feel very accepted when not everyone was accepting of my choice and thought I should hide. She took pictures and celebrated my nursing.  She is also a reader of my blog.. so Shout out to Aunt Alice!!!

Carol- She is actually my mother-in laws bff and she send a card for every occasion even our anniversary.  Carol became a good friend when I first had my son she had a grandchild around the same time and we use to talk and compare notes.   The thought of Carols smile makes me happy, she is always such a pleasure to be around.  When I visit my inlaws I hope I can see Carol because she feels like family.

These 3 women are the card lovers in my life.

Guess what ?  I love getting card .. who doesn’t. So when Hallmark asked me to attend their Hallmark Tour event in Philadelphia, I jumped at the chance  to meet with Hallmarks Designers and writers. We got to meet to the designers and spend time learning how the card design process evolves.

First: They had us run through an exercise  of taking a picture and and coming up with the card.  Then the choose one as the best.. They choose mine.  Here is the card:

baby on a swing not looking happy
Picture courtesy of Hallmark

“Bundle Up Baby, Sometimes Life leaves you hanging.” -was my card

Then they told us about the background of the designers.. most of them come from various back grounds.  They are all not writers or arts.  Hallmark hires to the fit or feeling of a card creator. The one designer we meet had a background in music,  she write the cards,  but then the people at Hallmark  realized she could sing/theatrical and added her to the voice overs the cards. Nurturing Talents – I was impress that Hallmark looks beyond training for  is right for the company.  Many of the employees are with the company for many many years.

Also many of the products are Made in the USA!!!

Check out the video  Hallmark made from the mom’s who were in attendance.

Like any hallmark commercial.   Did it make you cry?

I want to share  some of Hallmarks has some great new items for this fall and back to school.

Text bands–  you children can put in a message in and them bumb fist with a friend and share the message.   My kids are having a blast they come in all different colors and you can switch bands.. they even have Star Wars. a little girl holding the Hallmark Text Bands

I also love the New lunch notes for kids- which make it easy to bring a smile to a kids day while at school.

My favorite is Nugget Interactive Story Book and Story Buddy.  Nugget reads the with you and que’s off of some of the phrases you say. So cool for a starting reader like my daughter who is in 2nd grade or for a parent to share with a child.hallmarks stuffed animal nugget

 

Hallmark has provided me with a Discount code so you can honor your children and family for 30% off at Hallmark.com Use code : BLOG30

Hallmark Giveaway:

Also Halmark has provide me with a Giveaway of Nugget from my readers.   Answer on comment on Blog then confirm comment in Rafflecopter

Who is the Hallmark card giver in your life?

Please Leave a comment below on the blog then let Rafflecopter know you did so. *** You must leave a comment on the blog and then check that you did in rafflecopter to be eligible for the prize.  Open to US residents only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  The lovely people at hall mark provided me product for review,  this post is how I love there product and the emotion is really true, I am sap and cry all at Hallmark commercials.

Who is Driving your Kid?

school busWho is driving your kids? So lately I have been wondering who I leave my kids in the hands of. Like the school bus.   Now I know my district does a a good job of doing background check and working with the bus company to make sure the individuals who are driving the bus are not predators and criminals.

But I cant stand the start of school such Bus anxiety  for parents students and drivers.

This week  I have heard the following stories:

Problems:

A 5 grader new to the district got off at the wrong stop,  she missed her stop, it was Tues.  The girl stood outside in the rain and wait for her mom to pick her up 2 hours later because she did not know where she was. The little girl could have went to someones home but with stranger danger, she did not.  My son said she was really nice. Shouldn’t the bus driver should have been aware who was getting on and off- training?

This morning I ended up driving my son friend to school mom works.. because the bus did not show up to pick him up.

Our sons bus came 15 minutes early to pick up the kids because he was driving by and saw them standing out if I was not early we would have missed the bus.. Why do they have a bus schedule?

Positive:

But on the flip side I was very happy with our bus driver and how a bully situation was handled on he bus this week.   He actually pulled over the bus.   Parents also backed him up- Great Job

I realize being a bus driver is one of the hardest jobs.  Because you are transporting many kids with many personality.  It is a lot to juggle  while operating a large vehicle.  There primary concern is getting kids home safely.

How do you deal with bus issues?

 

 

Beauty Box 5 Review

picture of cosmetic items in the boxRecently I received a  BeautyBox5  to review.  What is a Beauty Box five from beautybox5.com?  It is a beauty grab bag that is sent to your house once a month.    The box contain all different beauty products for you learn about and enjoy. Every month a different products ship so every month is a surprise.  Allowing you to try new products for different companies.  You can purchase the box once or sign up for a  subscription.  The beauty box 5 offer a 1 time, Quarterly every 3 months  or 1 year.  Get 4-5 beauty samples delivered to your door every month – Subscriptions under $12. Get the box!

Quality Box The people at BeautyBox5 really fill the box with the smaller more boutique type cosmetic and beauty brands.  So the box exposes you to a brands that put heart and quality into there products.  The size of the products most of the products are large enough or Full size so you can use more than once.

Gift Of Beauty I love the idea of giving the Beauty Box 5 as a gift.  With the flexible purchase options it would be a Great gift for any Women girl Beauty lover, Teenager, and college student.  Something to look forward to every month.   The BeautyBox5 packaging is perfect for a gift.

The products I got in the August BeautyBox5 were great.

August Beauty Box 5 Contained the following:

  • Pur-lisse Cleanser and make up remover -Full Size I have been using this product every night and it works great is is not harsh and removes my mascara and leaves me feeling clean
  • Rosebud Salve- Full size my daughter has been using on her bumps and bites really helps to revealed the swelling and repair the damage- great smell
  • Bodyography Primer -Full Size  smooth and works wonderful as a primer
  • All Natural Face Vegan Eye shadow Peach ice- Full size is great to use as a high lighter on the upper eyelid.  I also used a bit on my upper cheek under eye them applied the primer to giver a under skin radiant glow.
  • Miracle Hair mask- sample size (you got 2 samples)We so need this after the summer of harsh chemicals with the pool water and salt water   I perked mine and my daughters hair back to a healthy shiny state.  So we are ready for fall.


picture of Beauty Box Five packaging

Cost of BeautyBox5:

  • 1 month: $12
  • 3 Months: (quarterly) $30 save $6
  • 12 Months:(1 Year) $100 save $44

The price is so reasonable it is a great treat for you or for that special Beauty Lover in your Life.

The packaging is great it comes in a Pretty blue box that is Recyclable with brown packing paper, in a fabric bag that ties with a ribbon.  All boxes ship mid month.

My BeautyBox5 Review : I can recommend the BeautyBoxfive as a great product I think the value and the size of the samples are worth it for what you receive in the box.  It is great chance to try product you would not normally buy but end up loving.  This is also a great gift I know that I will be purchasing the box for some people in my life.

To learn more click on the box below and start getting your box delivered this month:

This post does contain affiliate links to help cover the cost associated with running this Blog.  The opinions stated in this post are my honest opinions.