Hold Me. Lent is here.

I never really talk about religion or my views regarding religion on my blog, so it may come as some surprise to you that I am a Christian.

Faith is a big part of my life. We attend church, my daughter's praise God and I bow my head in prayer every chance I get.

I don't share much on my blog because my faith is mine.

I will talk to you about my faith and talk to you about scripture, if you ask.

I am not one to push anything on anyone.

But I have to say something about my religion today because you may suffer from my decision regarding lent.

I gave up chocolate.

Hold me.

For the next forty days and forty nights, I will not touch a single piece of chocolate.

Again, hold me.

I made this decision because I wanted to give up something that was important to me for Him.

Now, notice I said chocolate, not sweets so I shouldn't turn into a raging crazy person but I will try and sustain from both as long as possible.

Hey, I'm human.

Wish me luck and tell me, did you give anything up for Lent?

RaceTrac's Be Your Own Barista Giveaway

Coffee is a lifeblood for some. 

Without it, they can't function. It's like they are zombies roaming the streets groggy and hard to understand.

Thankfully there are spots like RaceTrac to keep those pesky zombies away.

They have some crazy gooooood coffee.

And they have a new contest going on where you can win!

The Be Your Own Barista Recipe contest is simple, all you need to do is send your favorite coffee recipe to beyourownbarista@racetrac.com and you could have the chance to have your picture and recipe featured at ALL RaceTrac stores.

And that's a lot!

Check out some recipes that RaceTrac has come up with. 

And to celebrate this new contest, I've got a giveaway for you! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easy peasy, huh?

This contest is open to US Residents Only and will run until March 12, 2014.

GOOD LUCK!

Follow along for more fun on RaceTrac's Facebook Page, and Twitter. Also, check out #CrazyGoodCoffee and #BeYourOwnBarista hashtags for photos and fun! 

I received compensation for this post. All opinions are 100% mine, and only mine. Thanks! 

Aquatica's Ihu's Breakaway Falls

I won't lie, I'm having a hard time getting behind this… only because I am a WUSS!

80 Feet Tall?

*Gulp*

Are you brave enough?

The latest from SeaWorld:

"Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ Daring Details

Watch an all-new sneak peek here or copy and paste link into your browser: http://youtu.be/2KCfFCBvtYg

Download photos here or copy and paste link into your browser:https://www.webcargo.net/delivery/view/id/5879254/dp/sXlmxt15FZtQg2dkAE

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 21, 2014) – Riders brave a watery free-fall when Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ - the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in the southern United States - opens at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ May 9.

At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is where thrill seekers face their fears and each other. After stepping into one of three clear “breakaway boxes,” they’ll watch each other fall one-by-one as the floor underneath them disappears. They’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride! 

“With four unique slide paths, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls brings a whole new level of thrill to Aquatica Orlando,” said Bryan Nadeau, Aquatica Orlando vice president. “Riders can step into three breakaway boxes or test their bravery on a fourth open slide for a different, but just as thrilling experience. No matter which slide you choose, once you get to the top, the only way down is down.”

From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools, to tranquil beaches and the remarkable animal habitats that are the hallmark of SeaWorld®, Aquatica Orlando delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind waterpark is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 38 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches.

Be among the first to hear the latest updates and go behind-the-scenes of Ihu’s Breakaway Falls by staying connected on Facebook and joining the conversation using #NothingTaller.

The best way to experience Ihu’s Breakaway Falls when it opens is with an Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass starting at just $8 a month with EZpay available for a limited time only through March 31, 2014. For more information, visit AquaticaOrlando.com.

Fear the Falls … Fun Facts

• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls features the tallest, steepest, longest and only multi-drop tower slides of their kind in the southern United States.

 

• At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls has the tallest and steepest 360-degree spirals in the southern United States. 

 

• Those who dare to brave Ihu’s Breakaway Falls will experience an almost vertical drop for nearly 40 feet, the steepest in the southern United States.

 

• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the longest water thrill slide of its kind featuring three “breakaway boxes” and four completely different slide paths. Once the floor disappears, riders will drop 20-24 feet per second.

 

• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the only high-speed water thrill slide in the world that propels guests through four, 360-degree spirals.

 

Aquatica is a part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires millions, through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. The Company is best known for its 11 U.S. theme parks, attractions that hosted more than 24 million guests in 2012 and include the beloved SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens® and Sesame Place® brands. The parks offer guests animal encounters that invite exploration and appreciation of the natural world, thrilling rides and spectacular shows.   In 2011 the Company began expanding its popular brands into media platforms to connect people to nature and animals through movies, television, and digital media; plus began developing new lines of licensed consumer products.

 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations.  The Company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations. It also operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue, rehabilitate and return to the ocean marine animals that are ill or injured: SeaWorld has rescued more than 23,000 animals over the last four decades."

 

This post is purely informative. Thanks! 

 

Orlando Dunkin Donuts Giveaway FREE Coffee

I don't know about you, but I'm crazy about Dunkin Donuts.

No seriously, I am.

I have a problem… some could call it an addiction.

This upcoming Monday, February 24th, local  Central Florida Dunkin Donuts restaurants will be participating in Free Hot Dark Roast Coffee Day!  You can get a free medium (20 oz.) hot cup of their brand spanking new Rainforest Alliance Certified Dark Roast Coffee just for showing up.

Nifty huh?

And while you're there, get me - ahem, you, some donuts!

To celebrate Free Hot Dark Roast Coffee Day (#DDarkRoastDay on social media platforms), I've got a $25 Dunkin Donuts mGift to giveaway!

Just think of how many donuts and can get with that!

To enter, just leave me a comment on which DD product is your favorite.

Easy, huh?

This giveaway is open to US Residents and will run until Sunday, February 23, 2014.

GOOD LUCK!






I received a gift card for this post and I'm going to use it all to buy donuts just for myself, and not share with anyone! :) All opinions are 100% my own. 

BYOF Day at Ikea Orlando!

Some fyi info for you about ikea orlandO! 

"IKEA ANNOUNCES THIRD “BYOF DAY,” A NATIONWIDE IN-STORE EVENT FOR IKEA FANS  and their FRIENDS

On March 8th, IKEA Fans Will Enjoy Free Food, Gift Card Giveaways, Discounts, In-store Activities, Other Perks to Share with Their Friends

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. (February 4, 2014) – On March 8, 2014, IKEA, the Life Improvement Store, will host its third BYOF (Bring Your Own Friends) Day, a national* in-store event that offers IKEA fans and their friends a special shopping experience, which includes exclusive deals, in-store activities and giveaways. The day is designed as a special reward for IKEA loyalists and their friends.

Consumers can visit IKEA-USA.com/BYOF to create a custom invitation asking friends to join them on BYOF Day and print special offers to be used in-store on event day. For each RSVP, IKEA will make a one dollar donation to Save the Children’s Early Steps to School Success program (up to $50,000). New this year, RSVP and be eligible for a chance to win one of four $500 IKEA gift cards.**

“At IKEA, we love to share the excitement and uniqueness of IKEA with both our loyalists and our newbies,” says Lisa Allen, IKEA U.S., Product Public Relations. “BYOF Day has been a wonderful opportunity to capture everything fans love about IKEA in-store, and allow them to share the experience with their family and friends.”

BYOF Day participants can look forward to the following in-store offerings:

• Food Freebies: Friends love to bond over food, and IKEA makes it even easier on BYOF Day with coupons for free breakfast (and free coffee for IKEA FAMILY members!). Foodies can take advantage of $5 of $25 at the Swedish Food Market with coupon and enjoy buy one get one free desserts with coupon. Hungry for more? Customers can take advantage of our Eat for Free offer with home furnishings purchases over $150. Check out IKEA-USA.com/BYOF for complete details on all BYOF Day offers for foodie friends. 

·         Free Blue Bags: Redeem a coupon for a free IKEA blue bag during this shopping event. The quintessential large, reusable bag is flexible, lightweight and easy to clean. It’s an ideal companion to transport anything from groceries to laundry to a new rug from IKEA!

·         Big Discounts on BILLY: This year, fans and friends that are also IKEA FAMILY members will receive an exclusive discount on an iconic IKEA product – the 32X80” BILLY bookcase in brown, medium brown or birch (marked down to $59.99 from $79.99). This offer is valid for BYOF Day only. Check out IKEA FAMILY for more exclusive offers throughout March and all year round. 

·         Tips & Tidbits from an IKEA Professional: Have a design dilemma in your home? IKEA experts will be hosting DIY tutorials throughout the day covering a variety of topics from home design to storage solutions.

·         Twitter Sweepstakes: Want even more chances to win? Join Twitter and follow your local store’s twitter handle for details on the IKEA BYOF Picture Hunt Sweepstakes and BYOF Day activities in your nearest store. See your local store for their specific rules. Every store is giving away one $1,000 IKEA gift card in the sweepstakes. 

Beyond this one-day special event, IKEA shoppers can continue to get more out of each IKEA store visit by becoming an IKEA FAMILY member. The free membership includes perks like special discounts, gift card giveaway entries with each purchase, free coffee and tea in the IKEA Restaurant and more. On BYOF Day, shoppers will have the opportunity to sign up for the free, ongoing rewards program.

“IKEA Orlando is looking forward to hosting our third BYOF event. This is a great shopping event for you and your bestie to have a fun day out - whether you always visit or have always wanted to visit our store,” said Kendra Ferguson, IKEA Orlando’s Local Marketing Specialist. “To learn more about the local offerings for BYOF, look at ouragenda online and follow @IKEAOrlando on Twitter.”

For more news from IKEA, connect with us on Facebook (facebook.com/IKEAUSA) and follow us on Twitter (@DesignByIKEA), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/) and Instagram (Instagram.com/IKEAUSA).

ABOUT IKEA

IKEA strives to be ‘The Life Improvement Store,’ and since its 1943 founding in Sweden, has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 340 IKEA stores in 43 countries/territories, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings company, incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, go to IKEA-USA.com.

DISCLAIMER  
*IKEA Portland will not be participating in BYOF Day.

**Visit IKEA-USA.com/BYOF for details on IKEA gift card giveaways."

This post is purely informative! No compensation was given! THANKS!

Disney Junior Appisodes: Sofia the First 'The Great Aunt Venture'

Last night I was laying in bed when I heard from my girls' room, "Go Pete Go! Go Pete Go! Go Pete Go!"

I didn't move at first because as Moms you know the rule, if they see you, they will want you to do something for them.

Then I heard it again, "Go Pete Go! Go Pete Go!"

And I had to laugh.

Turtle sounded so stinking cute, so cute that I didn't care that it was past ten and she wasn't asleep.

Tip toeing into the room, I discovered the little princess in bed with the iPad playing the newest game we had downloaded, Disney Junior Appisode.

What's is really cute about the new app is that your kids can watch the latest show from Disney Junior and participate in it!

The app comes with Mickey Mouse's Road Rally but we downloaded Sofia the First, 'The Great Aunt Venture' and Doc McStuffins 'Doc Goes Mobile.'

Turtle is loving being involved in the appisodes and using her voice to get Pete the Cat going or helping Sofia and her aunt get through mazes. She loves being a part of the story.

I love it because the app is easy for her to play and doesn't require much intervention from me. She can do it all herself!

And I'm sure if prompted Turtle's only complaint would be that there were no Ariel appisodes for her to play!

You can download the app for free from iTunes and each appisode costs $4.99


I received a download of the appisodes for review purposes. All opinions in this post are 100% my own. Thanks! 

Protecting Loved Ones with MasterLock

Way back in 2004, Central Florida was slammed with FOUR, yes four, hurricanes in the blink of an eye. 

That summer was a horrible one.

I worked at our local police station as an assistant and part of my job was to visit the local shelters that the American Red Cross had set up in various areas and see how the volunteers and police officers were doing.

I will never forget walking into a shelter for the first time. It was packed full of people needing relief from the storms and full of people who had lost so much in the storms.

I won't lie, It was hard at first for me to see… but once the shock wore off, I was able to do my job and to help out. My grandmother has been a longtime Red Cross Volunteer was helping run one of the shelters and her dedication to the organization has always been a source of pride for me.

And it reminded me of what I value, what I want to keep safe in my life.

At the time of the hurricanes, I didn't have children but I did have my puppies. My two silly dogs that meant the world to me. My goal during that time and in the years to follow, was to make sure they were safe. They relied on me to keep them safe. 

Keeping pets, people, valuables, whatever is important to you, safe is the mission of Master Lock.

The people at Master Lock have teamed up with the American Red Cross to run the "Protecting All That You Love and Care About" Sweepstakes. It's a year-long program that is asking consumers to tell social media what the want to protect most in their lives. If you tweet using the #MasterLockProtects they will donate $1 to the American Red Cross and give you an entry into its sweepstakes and the chance to win one of 28 prize packs. 

Master Locks goal is to help keep the people and places close to you, safe and supports the mission of the American Red Cross.

The sweepstakes runs from February 17th to February 28, 2014 and includes 3 Grand Prize Winners. You can find the rules and regulations here. 

Curious about more? Join in on the Master Lock  “Protecting All That You Love and Care About” Twitter Party on Tuesday, 2/18 RSVP and learn more at:  http://resourcefulmommy.com/13569/master-lock-cares-twitter-party/

I was involved in a campaign with MasterLock and was compensated for my post. Thanks!