FREE Disney stick family decal for your car!

We are counting down the days til my son and I head to Florida for a homeschool trip with some other k12 families for Disney!  David gets to take a really cool class about Animation at Hollywood Studios, and then we have 3 other days at the parks.  Can't wait!

I've been scouring the internet for tips, recommendations and more for this trip.  We haven't been to WDW since 2007!  I want to have a great time and plan everything we want to see, do, and try!  I'll have more posts about this after we get home, but this freebie I discovered is too good not to share right now, and it's for a limited time.

Visit this link to design your own Disney stick family decal.  You get to pick the hats, clothes, wands and other accessories, add pets if you 'd like, and you even pick the park for your background! Then Disney will print this and mail it right to you.  The best part about this? It is totally, completely, FREE!!


Whether you have an upcoming Disney vacation or you are just dreamin' of Disney, you can make one for your family

Here is the one I made for our trip - my husband is staying home this time, so I just put my son and I on our decal, and of course,  David wanted his kitty on there, too!

Did I mention this is FREE?!

I'd love to see a screen shot of your design once you finish - leave it in the comments if you would like to show yours off!

Giveaway: The CW's The Vampire Diaries & The Originals

Do you like watching The Vampire Diaries and/or The Originals on the CW?  If so, you will want to read this post and enter my giveaway at the end!  You might find yourself hosting a watch-party at home with your friends if you win! :)

First – we have four blogger exclusive interviews with the creator of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, Julie Plec. These super fan videos feature Julie confessing her favorite moments & top 5 episodes from the recent seasons of both The Vampire Diaries The Complete Sixth Season and The Originals The Complete Second Season.

Secondly – we’ve included a fun “Viewing Party Eats: Recipes to Satisfy Friends & Enemies” downloadable PDF that’s sure to impress your guests. With index card recipes and party-ready place cards included, we’ve made it easy to prep some snacks to satisfy during your marathon watch-party.

About The Vampire Diaries The Complete Sixth Season

The Vampire Diaries continues its sixth season with more delicious drama to sink your teeth into. In season five, after a passionate summer with Damon, Elena headed to Whitmore College with Caroline, not knowing Bonnie sacrificed her life for Jeremy’s. Meanwhile, Stefan and Caroline’s friendship deepened as they stood up to the Travelers, a nomadic witch tribe driven to strip Mystic Falls of magic and cast out its supernatural residents. In the shocking season finale, Damon, fearing he would lose his loved ones on the crumbling Other Side, made a huge sacrifice to bring them all back — with catastrophic and heartbreaking results. Season six follows the characters’ journey back to each other as they explore the duality of good versus evil inside themselves. Matt Davis reprises his role as Alaric Saltzman, recently returned from The Other Side. Plus, the season will make you misty-eyed as the departure of a major character will turn lives upside down and leave us asking what happened to Mystic Falls.

Own The Vampire Diaries The Complete Sixth Season on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD September 1, 2015 .
Contains All 22 Episodes From The Sixth Season Plus Two Featurettes, An Audio Commentary, The 2014 Comic-Con Panel, Deleted Scenes, And A Gag Reel

The Vampire Diaries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevampirediaries 
The Vampire Diaries on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwtvd

About The Originals The Complete Second Season

As Original vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson returned to the vibrant, supernaturally charged city of New Orleans in season one, he was stunned to learn — along with his siblings Elijah and Rebekah — that Hayley, a werewolf, was pregnant with his child, and his vampire protégé, Marcel, whom the Original siblings had thought long dead, was ruling the French Quarter. Soon, a bloody war escalated between vampires and witches — the stakes raised by powerful teenage witch Davina and by Klaus’s bond with Cami, a student with a painful past — and a ruthless pack of wolves seized the opportunity to stage a violent coup. Now, in season two, a new status quo must be adjusted to, as the newly empowered werewolves control the city. Klaus struggles with weaknesses as Elijah desperately tries to save Hayley — now a hybrid — from a vicious spiral of self-destruction. Meanwhile, with the re-emergence of several Mikaelsons, “family is power” takes on new meaning.

Own The Originals The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD September 1, 2015
Contains All 22 Episodes From The Second Season Plus Never-Before-Seen Featurettes And Much More!

The Originals on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cworiginals 
Ask The Originals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cworiginals










Interactive Blog App:


On September 1st come back to take a new "Could You Be a Supernatural Being?" Quiz - the above app will be automatically updated with a new quiz experience, so be sure to take both!




Thank you to Warner Bros., who will provide either The Vampire Diaries Season 6, or The Originals Season 2 (prize will be chosen at random)to one of my readers!  This is a great giveaway, and I hope you will enter to win, and then share it with your friends as well! Thanks for your support of my blog, and good luck! (enter to win via the Rafflecopter Widget below by completing the mandatory entries and any of the optional ones you'd like to complete as well).

Fun Fall, Y'all! at Jaemor Farms

Yesterday David needed to get out and have some fun, so we decided to take a drive up 985 to Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia.  We LOVE visiting their farm market and getting some delicious produce and homemade goodies.  Yesterday didn't disappoint.

We always get fresh produce here.  Right now there are peaches, sweet potatoes, melons, peppers, plums, corn, onions and apples, to name just a few of the pickings.   We just got a couple of things: sweet potatoes, gala apples, and avocados.   Then we wandered around the crowded market and picked up a few more items - Cheerwine for David, some apple cider doughnuts, and a small loaf of cheddar jalapeno bread. Yum!  Then made our way to the concession stand at the back for David's favorite - a cup of homemade strawberry ice cream.

This mama got a fried sweet potato pie.  Didn't need it, but I sure did want it! It was delicious.  They have a bunch of other flavors - apple, peach, cherry, blueberry, and chocolate cream.  Try one, they are good for the soul!

Here's a peek inside our bag. Including our snacks, I paid less than $15 for everything!

With Fall fast approaching, Jaemor Farms has their Fall offerings schedule to put on your calendar. 

Starting Sept. 12 they will offer these attractions:

Corn Maze (open 9/12-11/8), Hay Rides, Pumpkin Train, Petting Zoo, Duck Races, Farm Slide, Apple Cannon, U-pick pumpkins (in October), Farm Skee Ball, Concessions and more! 

September hours are Saturday 10 am - 10 pm, Sunday 1 pm - 6 pm 

October/November hours: Friday 10 am - 10 pm, Saturday 10 am - 10 pm, Sunday 1 pm - 7 pm 

The maze and u pick pumpkin patch will be open Monday - Thursday 10 am - 6 pm October 12-29  

 (last ticket sold one hour before close) 

There is a $14 all access pass for ages 3 and up that includes the corn maze and all attractions! 

This is Jaemor Farms 10th season of Fall Fun, so check them out! 

They are located at 5340 Cornelia Hwy Alto, GA 30510.   

770-869-3999

www.jaemorfarms.com 

Here are a few more pics from yesterday.  I didn't take any inside the market - it was packed!  And I almost forgot - you can get applewood smoked BBQ while you are there.  Make sure you go hungry! (Click on pictures to see larger view)

Back to School Giveaway~Orkin Household Pests 101 Back to School prize pack!

It’s back-to-school time and class is in session! Orkin is back with Household Pests 101 – featuring some of Orkin’s scientific knowledge of pests. The Orkin Man is here to help you #LearnWithOrkin so you don’t get schooled by pest problems in your own home.

But Back-To-School doesn’t just mean for the kids. Orkin knows that moms are on the go more than ever and wants to make sure you’re all set when driving the kids to soccer practice, racing to make it to school on time and just maybe getting a minute for yourself!

At Orkin, we use the latest technology and unparalleled training to develop an effective treatment that's right for your needs. To learn more about our pest control based in science or to schedule an inspection, visit orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN.

Orkin on Facebook: facebook.com/OrkinPestControl 
Ask The Orkin Man® on Twitter: twitter.com/AskTheOrkinMan 
Orkin YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/OrkinVideo



• Class is in session! Orkin is back with Household Pests 101 – featuring some of Orkin’s scientific knowledge of pests. The Orkin Man is here to help you #LearnWithOrkin so you don’t get schooled by pest problems in your own home.
• Watch the “Bite Back at Mosquitoes” video, as well as the rest of Orkin’s How-To video series, to get the most up-to-date knowledge on dealing with those pesky home invaders.
• Download the “Protect Your Home” Checklist for valuable tips on keeping pests at bay.


Check out the great Prize Pack Orkin wants to give one of my readers!


Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good luck!

Atlanta-area Pollo Tropical openings!

Earlier this year we tried Pollo Tropical for the first time and WOW did we ever love their fresh, tasty food! I'm really happy to share that the new location in Buford, by the Mall of Georgia ( 3385 Buford Drive) has opened and it is fabulous!

The Woodstock location opened on  Aug. 19 at 188 Molly Lane, with a grand opening celebration from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 21. (*tomorrow*)

The Marietta location opens Sept. 2 at 680 Johnson Ferry Road, with a grand opening celebration from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 4.

Grand opening celebrations will feature calypso bands and spin-and-win prizes, and an interactive charity challenge where contestants will compete for first- and second-place prizes of $500 and $300 to go to their favorite charity. The first 100 guests at the festivities will be entered into a raffle for the grand prize of Free Chicken for a Year* and receive a free meal coupon, redeemable on a future visit.

Pollo Tropical’s menu centers on its signature flame-grilled chicken and also includes Mojo Roast Pork, Grilled Tropical Wings and made-from-scratch sides like rice, beans, Caribbean corn souffle and balsamic tomatoes. The Tropical Lite menu offers tasty, lighter options that range from 340 to 510 calories and are built around the core Caribbean flavors of the Pollo Tropical menu.

At Pollo Tropical, savory island spices, herbs and citrus juices are blended into rubs and marinades that enhance the flavors of its fresh dishes. The famous Saucing Island® brings on the flavor – and a little heat – with 10 signature sauces including Curry Mustard, Guava BBQ, Pineapple Rum, Cilantro Garlic and Spicy Poyo-Poyo. To complement its menu, Pollo Tropical also offers a variety of island-inspired beverages, ranging from Caribbean beers to coconut water.

The 3,400-square-foot restaurants will be open from 10:30 a.m. to midnight daily, and will feature indoor and outdoor seating for more than 90 guests, with limited table service and a convenient drive-thru. Guests can receive a coupon for either a buy one, get one free small TropiChop® or $3 off a family meal by signing up for the Pollo Reward$® loyalty program.

My family and I had lunch at the Buford location over the weekend and it was so delicious. Everything is fresh and a nice change from the usual restaurant fare around here!

I had the chicken, bacon, avocado wrap with Caribbean corn souffle.

I tried their BBQ sauce and also added some of my favorite, the Pineapple Rum sauce.  To. die. for!!

While I'm talking about sauces, here is their awesome sauce bar!

David tried a Chicken Quesadilla wrap with mac and cheese as his side.  He added Curry Mustard sauce to his wrap and proclaimed it delish!

My husband had their BBQ pork sandwich with fried yuca as his side.  He tried several sauces and peppers with his.

I also made sure to take a few pictures of the new restaurant in Buford - it makes you feel like you are close to the beach!  The tropical colors and light, airy space make a wonderful getaway for a fast lunch or dinner.

I'm loving the mason jar lights!

Don't judge, but we even went back for lunch yesterday! I know - twice in a week! The Buford location is close to us, and some days, homeschoolin' families just need to get out of the house. :) Yep, this place will be a favorite of ours, I know...

To celebrate the three new locations in Atlanta,  Pollo Tropical wants to give one of you a Pollo Tropical swag bag with coupons!  I also have a few coupons from the grand opening to give away, so there will be a couple of winners for those, as well!

Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win.  Good luck!

THRIVE Premium Nutrition Giveaway!

My friend Heather just started her THRIVE business, and she is super-excited about how it's changed her life so far.   She is offering a fabulous prize for one of my readers -  a 5 day trial of the THRIVE program!

 The THRIVE Experience is an 8 week premium lifestyle plan, to help individuals experience and reach peak physical and mental levels. You're going to live, look, and feel Ultra Premium like never before!  Results from the THRIVE Experience are high impact, and can slightly differ for everyone – depending on which areas of your lifestyle need the most help – and depending on your 8 week goal. Whether your goal is to lose weight, get in the best shape of your life, or simply be the best you can be, we know the THRIVE 8 Week Experience will get you THRIVIN' in all areas of your life! Individuals on the Experience will enjoy premium support and benefits in the areas of:

• > Weight Management > Cognitive Performance
• > Digestive & Immune Support > Joint Support
• > Lean Muscle Support > Aches & Discomfort Relief
• > Anti-Aging & Antioxidant Support

THRIVE by Le-Vel is something that's hard to explain, and challenging to describe... it's something that can only be experienced.

If you like what you've seen here, visit her website for much more information, or to sign up for free as a customer or promoter!  Heather is also offering a fantastic incentive through August 22nd:   

New customers or promoters who order $150 or more (kit that contains 1 month of lifestyle capsules and mix plus orders the DFT) I will give them $25 cash back.  

Le-Vel is also offering this special offer that goes perfectly with Heather's offer above!

Enter below for your chance to win a five day THRIVE trial that Heather is giving away! We have lots of easy ways to enter! :)  **One of the mandatory entries on the Rafflecopter widget is to leave your email for Heather to create a free customer account for you.  This is no way obligates you to purchase anything! **  

YOU MUST ENTER THROUGH THE RAFFLECOPTER WIDGET.  JUST COMMENTING  BELOW DOES NOT ENTER YOU IN THIS GIVEAWAY! 

FREE Homeschool Health/Anatomy/Science downloads

These are awesome online resources  that you can print and use for your students!  They are available for free until 8/31/15 so hurry and download yours!

Giveaway ~ Scooby Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery on Blu-Ray

Everyone’s favorite crime fighting kids are back with their biggest mystery ever in Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery!

Get ready to Rock! Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang team up with the one and only KISS in this all-new, out-of-this-world adventure! We join the Gang at Kiss World – the all-things-Kiss theme park, as they investigate a series of strange hauntings. With help from Kiss, they discover that the Crimson Witch has returned to summon The Destroyer from the alternate dimension of Kissteria! The evil duos ghastly plan, to destroy the earth!

Can the Gang's cunning and Kiss's power of rock save the day?! Tune in to this Rock and Roll Mystery for some thunderous, heavy FUN!




Here are a few fun crafts to make before you watch the movie - great family-fun night ideas!






Now for a quick giveaway! One of you will win this fun movie on Blu-Ray! Just enter through the Rafflecopter Widget below.  Good luck!

HUGE bundle of FREE Homeschool Resources!

I have to share this - we downloaded ours last night and it's full of wonderful books, curriculum and more.  My son LOVES the Egyptian Warfare by Duct Tape book best of all.  I can't pick a favorite - they are all wonderful!  Retail value of $130! Expires on August 3 so HURRY and download your freebies while you still can!  These will be perfect for supplementing our k12.com curriculum this coming school year!

Giveaway ~ Chuck E. Cheese's all new menu for grown up tastes!

If you are a mom, you've probably spent many hours at Chuck E. Cheese with your kids.  I know I have! We've both hosted and attended many birthday parties there, and I can't even count how many times I've taken my kids for play time when it is too hot, too cold, or rainy outside! It's a great place for me to catch up with friends while our kids play and run off some energy.

My kids always liked ordering pizza there, but I usually just ate a few breadsticks.  We didn't really go for the food, it was mostly for our kids to have fun.

Well, parents - that has changed! Chuck E. Cheese has added some delicious new menu options just for us grownups!   CEO of CEC Entertainment, Tom Leverton, says "We've added new items that cater to the more sophisticated tastes of the parents who take time from busy family schedules to bring their kids into Chuck E. Cheese."

David & I attended a Taste Test at a local Chuck E. Cheese yesterday and I must say that we were surprised by how good the new menu items are!

Corporate Chef Gregory Casale was on hand to tell us about the new menu and let us try everything. He told us about their new thin and crispy crust (you can order it with any of their pizzas), and that they make their dough fresh in each store every day.  The whole-milk mozzarella cheese is freshly grated, veggies are chopped by hand - just like any pizzeria.  He shared that "The new menu boasts a wide variety of options and flavor combinations and I'm most excited about the new pizza crust and pizza options."  In a blind taste taste of 308 respondents, 59% preferred new thin and crispy Chuck E. Cheese pizza to Pizza Hut and Dominos combined!   I have to agree - I really liked the new thin and crispy crust - it's delicious!

So now you get to find out about the delicious new menu items Chuck E. Cheese has to offer!

There are two new Signature pizzas:

Cali Alfredo ~ thin and crispy crust with alfredo sauce, fresh spinach, sliced musrooms, chicken breast, sausage and freshly grated mozzarella cheese.

BBQ Chicken Pizza ~ thin and crispy crust with chicken, bell peppers, freshly grated mozzarella, crispy onions and a BBQ sauce drizzle.  (This was my favorite pizza!)

Here are the three new sandwich options:

Caesar Wrap made with whole wheat tortilla

Club Wrap made with whole wheat tortilla

Oven Roasted BBQ Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich


Want an appetizer with your meal?  Try one of these new options:

These are the new boneless wings ~ I loved the Sweet Chili sauce.  Spicy but oh so good!  They also come in BBQ sauce.  Chuck E. Cheese also offers bone-in wings with either sauce.

The breadsticks are tasty, and the new Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Bread was awesome.

A visit to Chuck E. Cheese deserves a sweet ending, so you should try one of the new desserts:

David loved the Churros with the salted caramel.  My favorite dessert is the new, improved Cinnamon sticks with a cinnamon shortbread crunch and a drizzle of white chocolate icing.

We will be going to Chuck E. Cheese for a family fun night soon! David is growing up so fast, and I want to enjoy every moment with him.  I love watching him have fun and let loose when we visit Chuck E. Cheese.

And now I want you to do the same with your kids.  Chuck E. Cheese gave me a Guest Pass to give away to one lucky reader.  It's good for a large pizza, 4 soft drinks and 30 game tokens.

All you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good luck!