Category: Sponsored

Win a 4-pack of tickets to the DFW Auto Show!

This post is compensated by Shebuyscars. All opinions are my own.

There’s nothing better than a new car.  The smell, everything is shiny and new, it’s just so darn pretty!  If you are looking to get a new car in your near future there is no better place to do your research than the DFW Auto Show.

The 2015 DFW Auto Show will run March 25-29, 2015, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (formerly the Dallas Convention Center). One of the most anticipated annual events in the Metroplex, the DFW Auto Show is the ideal opportunity for consumers to compare styling and pricing of every major line make under one roof in just a few hours.

The DFW Auto Show was conceived in 1982, and now boasts more than half a million square feet of new cars, trucks and SUVs at the Dallas Convention Center.

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Info about the show:

Dates
March 25-29, 2015

Times

  • Wednesday: 4 to 10 p.m.

  • Thursday: 4 to 10 p.m.

  • Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices

  • $12 for adults

  • $5 for senior citizens 65 and older

  • $5 for children 6 to 12 years old; children 5 and under admitted free

You can also ENTER TO WIN a 4-pack of tickets to the Dallas Auto Show!

Just leave a comment below telling me what your favorite kind of car is?

(Giveaway ends Sunday, March 22nd)

Don’t Pinch Me I’ve Got a GREEN Thumb!

This article is sponsored by Monrovia

Well, spring is officially here!  We have all turned our clocks forward and it’s a bit brighter outside when we get home.  It’s time to start thinking about our front yard again and what to plant.

Terence does a great job every year planting and designing our front flower bed.  We have owned several Monrovia bushes over the years and they grow just beautifully.  One of my favorites is the Monrovia Snowcap Indian Hawthorn.

Here is our front flower bed right now:

The green bushes you see are the Monrovia Snowcap Indian Hawthorn in the winter.

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Monrovia Snowcap Indian Hawthorns are compact, mounded shrubs with large, dark green, highly disease-resistant foliage that changes to dramatic, burgundy-red in cold weather.

Clusters of pink buds open to pale pink flowers, fading to white and followed by small bluish-black fruit.  So, in the spring they will bloom to look like this:

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I picked up another Monrovia Snowcap Indian Hawthorn at my local Nursery last week.  I can’t wait to plant it when the weather gets nice outside.  These bushes do great in the Texas heat and direct sunlight too!

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Monrovia has 3,600 plant varieties that are all nurtured in a customized soil mix that helps develop a strong root system. Mycorrhizae are added to the soil mix–this is a “good fungus” that helps the roots absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil.  The sales lady was telling me about this “good fungus” as I checked out with my Monrovia plant and how she loved them herself because they were exceptional plants.

What are you going to plant this spring?

Check out all of the different varieties Monrovia has to offer HERE.

Color Vibe 5K Color Run + Giveaway! #TumEYummies

This post is sponsored. All products mentioned and reviewed on this page are compliments of Tum-E Yummies. All opinions of the products are my own.

In a couple of weeks I’ll be attending the Color Vibe race in Dallas.  I’m so excited about this because I’ve never been.  I’ve heard a lot of friends talk about it and it always seems like so much fun!  

To get ready for the big race we made our own Color Your World kit with colorful accessories to wear during the race.

Like some fun shades perhaps?

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One of the greatest things about doing a color run is that this is your chance to let loose and have fun. Some race participants even dress up in costume.  This is the time to have fun with COLOR!

We made some mustache necklaces to wear:

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Color bands and hair ties:

These are so easy to make with elastic you can find at any craft store.

White shirts are great to wear because you are going to get drenched in color.  I got our family some tie-dye shirts because….well, why not?

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The more colorful the better!  Wear as MUCH color as you want to.  The color used at Color VibeTM races is 100% safe, edible, biodegradable, and beautiful. I love seeing the look in people’s faces during the Color Vibe race…it just looks like everyone is having so much FUN!

We are going to bring snacks and some colorful Tum-E Yummies drinks to the race.  Tum-E Yummies is a proud sponsor of Color VibeTM, a 5K color run or walk that’s known for family-friendly fun.  Tum-E Yummies are perfect for this race because they come in all different colors and flavors.

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Color VibeTM is a color-blast 5K race for all ages that is all about having fun for the whole family while getting covered from head to toe with splashes of color.

Tum-E Yummies will be onsite at the race in Dallas offering free samples, giveaways and an interactive photo experience to capture colorful photos of race participants after visiting the Tum-E Yummies tent for colorful face paint, glitter, hair color and temporary tattoos – a colorful keepsake of the fun day you and your family will experience.

Tum-E Yummies is a line of fruit-flavored, non-carbonated drinks for kids, providing 100% daily value of vitamins C, B6, and B12 at only 50 calories per a bottle in a spill-proof sports cap bottle, perfect for on-the-go fun and refreshment!

Win  

Two (2) race tickets for the Color Vibe 5K race in Dallas, TX on March 14, 2015 by leaving a comment below telling me why you would love to go.

AND get $5.00 off race registration for the Dallas, TX race by using the promotional code “PARTY”

Don’t forget to create your own Color Your World kit too!

Fun times in Miami

There’s so much more to Miami than just beautiful beaches, although admittedly, it is a great place to soak up the sun. Miami is Florida’s second largest city, and with a population of around 417,000 people- traffic can be hellish, so choose one side of the city and stick to it, to minimise time spent in the car, and maximise time having fun!
Shop ‘til you drop
Miami is a popular place with shoppers, as its home to many huge malls and shopping precincts. Dadeland Mall on North Kendall Drive is a one stop shop for all things retail, and houses stores like Apple, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora and Zara, as well as many high end stores like Hugo Boss, Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton. There are also plenty of coffee houses and eateries to keep you going whilst you shop (Le Macaron being particularly good if you fancy a sweet treat!)
Eat, eat, eat!
There are so many fantastic restaurants in Miami, you will be completely spoiled for choice. Whatever your choice of cuisine, from Chinese to Hungarian, this city has it covered.
If Japanese is your thing, try stylish Makoto at Bal Harbour. Its chic but relaxed dining style transforms seamlessly from the open, bright and airy lunchtime ambiance created by its interior designer who worked closely with Reveal Design. It also boasts an impressive outdoor seating area for after dinner drinks.
Executive chef Makoto Okuwa receives shipments of the freshest ingredient direct from Japan three times a week. Try the king crab with yuzu butter for a delicate but delicious dish you won’t forget in a hurry.
Brunch is also huge in Miami, so you can have a lie in and still grab pancakes or waffles until 2pm most days. Heaven!
Jungle Island Zoo
Jungle Island Zoo located in Watson Island is the perfect family fun day out. The zoo has a wide range of mammals such as Ligers, white lions and Zebus, and guests can take part in many of the exhibits and shows taking place such as Kangaroo Konnection, where you can go and meet some of the zoo’s Kangaroos – it’s not to be missed!
Winding down
Relax and unwind after a long day of shopping with a cocktail in the Broken Shaker on Indian Creek Drive whilst enjoying the view over South Beach.
From shopping to good food to animals – welcome to Miami!

5 Online Hobbies for Moms

5 fun online hobbies for moms
At the end of a long day looking after the kids, all a mom is likely to want to do is flop down on the sofa and relax in the peace and quiet. However, for many moms, this part of the day is the only time they have for their own interests ? so thankfully there are plenty of ways you can get the most out of this time while still relaxing.
Shopping online
Easy to access? Virtually every shop you can think of has an online presence these days, so as long as you have a bank account you can buy anything online.
Time consuming? This depends on whether you know what you want or not ? but then browsing what?s available can be the most enjoyable part.
Fun rating: 5/5
Online education
Easy to access? Yes ? again the number of places with online courses of study is increasing all the time (see here for more details: http://www.thebestschools.org/rankings/30-best-online-colleges-2014/).
Fun rating: 5/5
Writing a blog
Easy to access? If you use Blogger or WordPress this will provide you with the template, so all you have to do is choose a subject and start writing.
Time consuming? It depends how easy you find the writing process, tips on getting started are available here, but you?ll find it easier if you love your subject.
Fun rating: 4/5
Online casino
Easy to access? Definitely, as there are plenty of sites available such as www.MobileCasino.co.nz and registration is simple.
Time consuming? It can be, because the games are a lot of fun, so it is best to set yourself time limits.
Fun rating: 5/5
Reading
Easy to access? Nowadays you can download as many books as you want onto devices like the Kindle.
Time consuming? Depends on the quality of the book, as a good one can be very hard to put down.
Fun rating: 4/5
The internet offers so many different options now for amusing yourself once the kids are in bed, that there is no need for any mom to feel bored in the evenings.

It’s TAX Time: Do you know what to do? #TurboTaxACA #PMedia

 

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and TurboTax, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TurboTaxACA disclosure HERE”

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It’s TAX TIME people!  I for one and excited about this time of year because we usually get some extra cash in our wallets.  I’m also glad I’m not an accountant.  TurboTax makes filing your taxes so easy you don’t have to BE an accountant!  We are all in the same boat and as we prepare to get back some of what’s owed I would like to help educate you during the process.

Did you know there’s a new requirement on your taxes this year? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all Americans have health insurance coverage in 2014 or pay a penalty in their taxes, which means this year you have to report your insurance stats on your tax return.

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Luckily, it’s really easy with TurboTax. If you get insurance from work, all you have to do is check a box! Plus, through February 16th you can file for free – Federal AND State – if you have a simple return (1040A/EZ). That is what I call a bonus.

Not only does TurboTax have a great tax filing system but they have a tool to educate everyone as to how the Affordable Care Act plays into their life. Head over to TurboTax Health to get familiar with the website and the with the ACA requirements coming up this tax season.   Also, the videos (linked below) explain the step by step process of how ACA reporting works for all three audiences.

Insured Filers

Marketplace Insured Filers

Uninsured Filers

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With TurboTax filing my taxes is super easy and I’m in the comfort of my own home.  No standing in lines or waiting on someone else to give me peace of mind.  TurboTax is super easy to navigate & don’t fear the health insurance portion of your taxes, everything is pretty much spelled out for you.  All you have to do is go through each step….it’s quick and easy!

File your taxes through TurboTax and take advantage of filing for free before February 16 through the Absolute Zero promotion available for simple returns (1040A/EZ).

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This coming weekend is important – health insurance open enrollment ends on Sunday, February 15. This is the last chance you’ll have to purchase insurance to avoid a penalty on your taxes next year. You can check out TurboTaxHealth.com to learn more about your health insurance and taxes, including finding out if you’re exempt from the tax penalty.  While you’re at it, don’t forget to go to TurboTax.com to file today for absolutely free before February 16 if you have a simple return (1040A/EZ).

Follow TurboTax on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, Tumbler, & Pinterest for helpful hints and resources.

 

MetLife TRICARE Dental Matters @MetLifeTDP #IC

“I participated in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central for the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

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I’ve written about MetLife TRICARE Dental over the past few weeks and our military experience.  I’ve really enjoyed sharing our story and encouraging other military families out there.  It’s a subject that is near and dear to my heart.

I’m so proud to say we were in the military and my husband served his country proudly!  I’m also proud of companies like TRICARE Dental that support our military and offer great care.  If you are military and eligible to apply, please take a moment and check out the MetLife TDP Monthly Premiums chart to get a better idea of coverage.

The MetLife TRICARE Dental Program is making changes to their monthly premium effective February 1, 2015. Premium amounts change annually each year on February 1st.  MetLife TRICARE Dental Program premiums vary based upon a family member(s) military status (Active Duty, Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve and type of enrollment).  With the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program Family members are covered regardless of a sponsor’s change in status to and from active duty.

The TRICARE Dental Program is ideal for military families because it is a convenient and cost-effective way for families to have continuous dental coverage despite changes in life events, geographical locations, or military status.  We are already a month into 2015 and having coverage for your chompers is a big deal y’all.  Especially if you have kids and they start to lose their teeth, get cavities, braces, or have molars removed.  The costs can rack up quickly.  Taking advantage of TRICARE Dental through MetLife will give you peace of mind.  No matter what life events occur this year you and your family will be prepared and taken care of.

The flexible coverage that TRICARE Dental provides is a major plus in my book.  Everyone has changes in life and through this program you aren’t tied down.  After completing the 12-month minimum-enrollment period, enrollment may be continued on a month-to-month basis until an enrollment termination request is made by the sponsor.

Connecting with TRICARE’s Facebook page and signing up for Dental HealthMatters Newsletter are two great ways to stay in the know with TRICARE.