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Owning My Strong with Mudderella

MudderellaA few weeks back an email crossed my desk and I thought. “That would be fun!”.

Then a couple weeks later I received another email saying “Congratulations, You’re in!”.

I was very excited at first. I called my friends and asked Sabreena if they wanted to join me. Then I watched a couple videos and then I knew I was in trouble. Why in the world did I think Mudderella would be a good idea.  What made me think this would be  an easy activity to get under my belt. I obviously didn’t realize it was a hardcore kick in the ass race and not one of those silly color runs
Mudderella  Obstacle Course Events #Mudderella2015 #ic #ad

Mudderella  Obstacle Course Events #Mudderella2015 #ic #ad

Mudderella  Obstacle Course Events #Mudderella2015 #ic #ad
I’m in for the long haul now.

Mudderella is so much more than a obstacle course though. Mudderella is all about empowering women. It’s about showing women that they can take pride in their strengths and weaknesses.  Mudderella is about making women (and men) aware that they can do what ever they put their minds to.  I’ve been lazy in the last year. I’ve been known to run, do yoga and Tae Bo and play Wii Fit.I signed up and agreed to participate this July because I knew it would give me that boost I needed to back to the lifestyle that benefits me.

On July 25th in Clarksburg, MD I’ll be joined by friends, my sister and Sabreena in probably one of the hardest things I’m ever going to do. I chose my team because I know we can work together and help each other and most of all support each other through the experience start to finish.

I’m starting with training. Since I’ve been a bump on a log for months I’m going to have to ease into it but after seeing the amazing tips and training routines that Mudderella recommends I’m sure I’m gonna be ready to tackle the mud, ropes, walls and whatever else they want to through at me.


Are you interested in Mudderella?  See if it’s coming to your town?

  • NY/NJ – May 9, 2015 – Englishtown, NJ
  • Chicago – May 30, 2015 – Richmond, IL
  • NorCal – June 27, 2015 – Vallejo, CA
  • Toronto – July 11, 2015 – Kitchener, ON Canada
  • Capital Region – July 25, 2015 – Clarksburg, MD
  • Colorado – August 22, 2015 – Snowmass Village, CO
  • Pittsburgh – September 12, 2015 – Slippery Rock, PA
  • Whistler – September 26, 2015 – Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler, BC Canada
  • New England – October 3, 2015 – Thompson, CT

Want to join my team?  Have a great name for our team?   Want to see whats in store for me for the next 12 weeks?

Mudderella  Obstacle Course Events #Mudderella2015 #ic #adMudderella  Obstacle Course Events #Mudderella2015 #ic #ad




A Visit to NFL Offices with Verizon Wireless #VZWBuzz

Who would’ve thought that I would one day be a guest in the NFL Headquarters and also enjoy myself.

Even though I’ve watched football most of my life I’ve only been a fan for the last 12 years.You can thank my son for that one. His name comes from hearing a players name while reading a baby name book and instantly turning to Rob saying “That’s it”. My son is named after former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander. I’ve been a Seattle fan ever since.

NFL Headquarters with #VZWBuzz NYC

NFL Headquarters with #VZWBuzz NYC

NFL Headquarters with #VZWBuzz NYC

NFL Headquarters with #VZWBuzz NYC

Back in November after being invited to be a part of the #VZWBuzz team I was also invited to hang out in NYC with some of the other team members.   I’m always excited to meet other bloggers, influencers and of course great thinkers like Monica Vila, co-founder of Online Mom Media.  Monica is recognized as an expert in marketing to women — the most powerful demographic in consumer spending in the US.

Working with this team has opened my eyes to so much. I’ve learned that little device in my hand can do much more than I ever imagined.  Back to NFL Headquarters.  I always wondered what my husband was looking at on his phone during football games.  I knew he was checking scores but I didn’t know he was getting instant replays, following trades and watching live video feeds from other games.

We also learned of other initiatives from the NFL that bring together the fans and community.

#PassitForward is a way players can directly interact with fans by completing random acts of kindness.  See here how the New Orleans Saints take simple gestures to change someone’s day and motivate them to pay it forward again

On the heels of some devastating footage of domestic violence within the NFL community, Commissioner Roger Goodell has worked hard to learn as much as they can about these issues and how best to address them. With it came a moving and strategic platform called #NoMore as a push to end and bring awareness to Domestic and Sexual Assault. With the start of public address announcements condemning the use of violence came new policy and regulations about such misconduct within the NFL.

MADD and the National Football League joined forces in 2010 to collaborate on player and employee programs, game day initiatives, community relations and awareness programs to promote MADD’s efforts to prevent drunk driving. As a first step in this partnership, MADD representatives presented to incoming NFL players at the 2010 NFL Rookie Symposium.

NFL PLAY 60 is the National Football League’s campaign to encourage kids to be active for 60 minutes a day in order to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity.  It’s time to put the electronics down, put the snacks away and get outside.

Verizon is more than just a communications company. The NFL is more than just football. Together they bring people together, create awareness for causes all over the world and show  you new ways to play smart in this thing we call life.

#VZWBuzz Lifestyle Blogger




Movie Favorites for Guys

Last week we celebrated my dad’s birthday.  He’s a simple man and didn’t really want much but I created this special post for him and his birthday. I’ve compiled a list of a few of his favorite movies that can be found on Netflix for you to share with the dads in your lives. My dad and I watch movies together pretty frequently. Invincible has always been one of our favorites but Blades of Glory was the first adult comedy that we watched together and it’s still one of my favorite movies. Thank you dad for introducing me to some of my favorite movies that I still watch today. Happy Birthday, I love you!

Days of Thunder

Bad Boys (I and) II

Karate Kid

Karate Kid on Netfix, Movies for Guys

Redemption

Beverly Hills Cop

Mr. Deeds

Anchorman 2 (and Anchorman and Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory)

Top Gun

Resevoir Dogs

and most importantly
Team America: World Police

Team America, inappropriate movie for guys

I remember my dad watching this on a vacation to Great Wolf Lodge and he wouldn’t stop singing the theme song for a long time, which was a problem because it’s like 50% curse words and completely inappropriate and politically incorrect. He’ll still sing it occasionally but only the first two words.

NetFlix #StreamTeam




Oscar Worthy on Netflix #StreamTeam

The BIG SHOW is over and the awards have been handed out.  Honestly I didn’t get a chance to see too many of the nominated films this year while they were in theaters. Seeing all the fanfare and accolades during the Academy Awards makes me even more excited to see them now. So while you won’t find these films on Netflix yet I found some other movies starring some of this years winners.

NetFlix #StreamTeam

The director of this year Best Picture Winner, Birdman, Iñárritu is a Spanish language director and features many Hispanic actors in his films. Two of his films are available on Netflix if you would like to get a feel for his work. Biutiful featuring Javier Bardem and Amores Perros both of which are totally in Spanish. So if you do watch and you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll have to pay attention to subtitles. I loved the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the subtitles I think made me pay even closer attention and not get distracted during the film.Academy Award Nominated Biutiful by Iñárritu

Eddie Redmayne won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role this year for his part as Steven Hawking in The Theory of Everything. This was a movie that I really wanted to see but I didn’t get the chance.

While there aren’t many movies featuring him, there is one excellent one on Netflix. For example there is no Les Miserables (hint, hint). My Week with Marilyn, which earned Michelle Williams a Golden Globe and a nomination for an Oscar, tells the story of Colin Clark, played by Eddie Redmayne as he spends a week with Marilyn Monroe in London when her husband, Arthur Millar leaves the country. Clark is in charge of keeping her entertained while her husband is away and keep her out of the public eye. The movie focuses on learning who Marilyn was as a person and not who the media made her out to be.

Julianne Moore was awarded an Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Still Alice. I had not heard about this movie until I read the nominations but from what I can tell it is about how Julianne Moore’s character’s family deals with her Early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Some other movies with Moore are; What Maisie Knew, a movie my mom and I actually just watched a few months ago. It was really good and had a satisfying ending that didn’t make me sad, which I was happy about.  If you’re looking for more Oscar nominated movies with Julianne Moore, The Kids are Alright is on Netflix as well. I was too young to see this when it came out in 2010 but I’ve always wanted to go back and watch it. But it was nominated for Best Picture and Best Actress and Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay.The Kids Are Alright on Netflix

Patricia Arquette was the winner for Best Supporting Actress this year for her role as Olivia Evans in Boyhood. I did not see Boyhood, I don’t think it even came into any theatres near me. But I’ve heard lots of great things about it and I’m sure it’s wonderful. There are shockingly few movies with her on Netflix but you can always go back and watch her show Medium.

Holes is the only movie of hers that I had heard of that was on Netflix. It is technically a kid’s movie but it’s still a really good movie and she plays an awesome character in it. Watch it with your kids, it is a great movie for the whole family.

Other Oscar Winning and Nominated movies that can be found on Netflix

The Wolf of Wall Street

Silver Linings Playbook

Django Unchained

Hugo

Netflix is not only great for entertainment but it’s a great resource for finding actors and directors you never knew about.  I love seeing what else they recommend when I add something to my watch list.




2015 Kia K900 w/VIP Recap #DRIVESTI

 

K900 Main Line Mansion

As most of you know by now I love driving and reviewing new cars.  What better way to test what’s new on the market without having to actually go to the dealership and deal with the hassle of sales people.

Recently Melinda and I took an awesome trip to Washington, DC and drove there in style behind the wheel of the 2015 Kia K900.  If I had to use one word to sum up this car it would be luxury. It starts with the exterior which looks very high end and classy and then continues to the interior which is state of the art.

Kia Front

Front and Side Camera view

What I first noticed when  I saw the Kia K900 in my driveway was the awesome 19 inch alloy chrome finished wheels as well as the sleek body design and awesome front grill.  Next is the interior which is to die for.  This car comes with everything you could possibly want in a car and more.  Even the kids had their own set of controls in the back to heat their leather seats as well as a lot of other functions.

Backseat Controls

When you sit in the Kia K900 you can feel the luxury and you feel important behind the wheel.  While driving to DC I noticed a ton of people checking out the car and I even had a few people ask us what kind of car it was because it was such a sexy vehicle.

Like I mentioned this car was LOADED with all of the options like the Lexicon® Discrete Logic7® Surround Sound System, 900 Watt Surround Sound Audio System with 17 Speakers, External Amplifier & Subwoofer, HD Radio, advance smart cruise control, blind spot detection, drive mode select, lane departure warning system, leather seats with heat, heated leather wrapped steering wheel and the list goes on and on.  It would take me hours to list every single option and feature that comes standard in the 2015 Kia K900 w/VIP.

in front of Washington Monument

This was by far the nicest car that I have ever driven and I have driven a lot of cars in my day.  I really wish I was in the market for a new car and had an extra 58K laying around because this is the car I would be purchasing for sure.  It was fast, drove very smooth even on the not so smooth roads of DC and just made you feel relaxed while driving.  I wasn’t in any hurry when behind the wheel of the K900.  I wanted to enjoy every second I could behind the wheel of this awesome vehicle.

Kia at Arlington

Kia in front of Smithsonian

I know alot of people don’t associate luxury with Kia but I am here to tell you that you are dead wrong.  Everything about the Kia K900 w/VIP screams luxury and if you don’t believe me feel free to stop into a Kia dealership and check the K900 out for yourself.




Apps to Keep Me on Track

A couple months back I made the leap into the traditional working world after an almost 8 year hiatus.  I’m not saying running this blog hasn’t been work I needed a change of scenery. I needed something more fulfilling and standard.  I’m loving it so far and don’t regret the decision but I know other things have suffered. This blog for example.  I know I’ve neglected it and I’m not sharing the fun things like we used to but I’m still working on getting my life organized with the changes going on.Back to Work on the Computer

Things started falling apart. I was resorting to chicken fingers and mac and cheese too often for dinner. I was letting the kids watch too much television.  I was just absent in the daily grind of home.

I knew I had to find solutions to stay on top of the kids and house. Here are some apps and tools that have gotten me and the kids better adjusted and structured.

Food.com has a beautifully designed FREE app with over 500,000 recipes that  not only helps me with meal ideas but also helps me shop better by incorporation a shopping list and letting me know what area stores are having sales on those items. The recipes are just a touch away when it’s time to cook or prep or gives me ideas based on what’s in my fridge and pantry.Food.com app for busy families

Heads Up is a play anywhere family friendly (with some not so family friendly options) app that the kids LOVE.  When there isn’t enough time to set up a board game or get out of the house we just grab someone’s phone and we’re ready. It’s a cross between charades, head bands, Guess Who and 20  questions. One player hold the phone up to their forehead while the rest of the group gives clues to what is showing up on the screen.  There are so many categories to play.  For just $.99 you get the basic game. For additional small amounts you are able to download more categories.  I spend more on a cup of coffee these days so I don’t mind a dollar here and there for the belly laughs that come from the kids.

Care.com is something I never thought I would need but depending on my mother and Sabreena so much during the week is sometimes a burden. There are times I need a little hand with getting the kids homework done and dinner in the oven.  I live in an area where there are TONS of teens and young adults from the University.  I can find someone last minute for date night or someone to come 2 days a week to make sure the kids are having a healthy snack and getting their chores done. While there is a FREE option that gives limited access Care.com also has subscription plans that may work better for families in need of more regular care for kids and elderly families.

Verizon Family Base helps me keep track of the time spent glued to a device. This service helps me not only control data usage but gives me the opportunity to see what they are doing online and who they are talking to. For just $5 I’m given the peace of mind that they kids are streaming or texting during class or downloading apps that I don’t agree with.#VZWBuzz Lifestyle Blogger

Any.do is more than just a to-do list creator it’s a tool to use for personal and work life where you can share tasks, notes, reminders and even files.  As a family I can delegate chores to be done if I’ve stuck at the office late.  Since I know I’ll be passing the farmers market each Sunday Morning I can give myself a weekly reminder to pick up the produce for meal planning.

CraftGawker is my lifeline to keep me crafty and inspired lately. I haven’t had much to come up with new ideas for arts and crafts with the kids lately so I look at other people’s creations to at least let the kids know I’m still here even though a touch sidetracked with life.  Find ideas for every skill level, every medium and every crafty niche.

While I’ve linked to the iOS version of these apps many of them also come Android and some even are desktop compatible.

I’m not claiming to have my entire life completely organized with the addition of these 5 apps but I am a better mom because I took some action against the chaos that was happening. Looking for help can be easy with the help of your device that’s already in your hand.  As a busy mom I turn to technology more than I like to admit but in all honesty it’s working for me.

What do you use to keep organized when on the go?  What apps do you use the most to keep your home, family, personal life and work running smoothly?




What to Watch in 2015 Netflix #StreamTeam

The New Year is here and I’m so excited for all of the new things that Netflix has coming out next year. Orange is the New Black Season 3 is coming some time in mid 2015. Hopefully the next seasons of Archer and Bobs Burgers will be out soon too. I know my sister is excited about the new show, All Hail King Julien, which is all about the King of the Lemurs from Madagascar.All Hail King Julien Netflix #StreamTeam

There have been tons of great movies and shows on Netflix this year. We can expect new seasons of many of these next year so everyone needs to get caught up soon. These are the 15 shows and movies I think everyone should watch in 2015.What to Watch in 2015 on NetFlix, Movies, Shows and Cartoons #StreamTeam
Shows
1. Parks and Recreation
My all time favorite show. With 6 seasons to go through, there is plenty to catch up on. This is a perfect show if you love binge watching and laughing and Chris Pratt.
2. Orange is the New Black
An amazing look into a women’s prison based on an autobiography. Every character is developed and interesting and bring their own zest to the story. The best part for me is looking into the histories of the inmates and learning how their lives lead them to prison.
3. Criminal Minds
The best crime show ever made. Look into the minds of serial killers and learn way too much about the psychology behind murder. There are a ton of episodes to keep you occupied for weeks.
4. Walking Dead
Because it’s currently on TV, Netflix isn’t caught up completely but there are still 4 full season to watch. It’s got zombies and excellent characters and an elaborate story, all of which make it a great show. There are four seasons to go through and the new one is usually added some time in the fall.
5. The Killing
This show was originally on television but was canceled before it was finished. Netflix picked it up for the last season and gave us an incredible finale. It’s a crime thriller with tons of suspense but every seasons finale is incredible. This is a show I would highly recommend.

Cartoons
6. Archer
A weird concept with great execution; Archer follows a team of spies as they go on secret missions and also while they deal with dumb interpersonal conflicts. It’s funny and really weird and everyone should give it a try. It might not be everyone’s sense of humor but it could take some of you by surprise.
7. Bobs Burgers
This follows a family running a burger restaurant deal with low income and all of the other curves life can throw at you in a hilarious way. It shows events that are possible in real life but unlikely to actually happen to any sane person. They’re hilarious and strange but it’s an adorable show that anyone can laugh at.
8. Courage the Cowardly Dog
This is an older show from when I was a kid. It’s really bizarre but for me it’s a classic. It’s also more for older kids because it can be a tad scary and disturbing at times.
9. The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy
Another cartoon from my childhood. The saddest thing to me is that all of the episodes aren’t on Netflix but I’ll take what I can get. This show is the definition of weird. The episodes don’t go in order and they don’t follow any kind of logic. It’s a show about two kids who force the Grim Reaper to be their best friend forever and they meet all kinds of paranormal and supernatural creatures including a giant spider that thinks Billy is his dad and Count Dracula in his later years. Just watch it, I can’t explain it.
10. Adventure Time
Your kids probably already watch this show. I did even before Netflix and I have a few seasons on DVD. It’s adorable and fable-esqe with each episode teaching a lesson. But it also a lot of fun with adventures and monsters and a little bit of romance. This is a show mom and dad would approve of their kids watching. It also has a deep backstory which only the older viewers would be able to comprehend.

Movies
11. Silver Linings Playbook
It was Oscar nominated so you know it’s great but I didn’t hear a ton of buzz about it when it was in theaters. Even if you’ve already seen it, watch it again, it’s a great movie about family and mental illness and how the two are related. And Jennifer Lawrence is in it and she’s adorable.
12. Django Unchained
Not quite the same scope as the other movies on this list. It’s a Quentin Tarantino movie so it’s crazy violent but it’s also incredibly funny. It’s an all around great film that’s a lot of fun for mom and dad. Definitely make sure the kids are gone when you turn this one on though.
13. Annie
Watch the original on Netflix and then go see the reboot in theaters. Both are terrific in their own ways and Annie is a great introduction to the world of musicals and theater for young kids.
14. Camp Takota
It’s indie, it’s adorable, it’s all about friendship. It’s just a cute story about a girl who gets cheated on so she heads back to her childhood camp for the summer; you know a classic storyline. But it is a lot of fun.
15. What Maisie Knew
My mom and I watched it together and we didn’t know anything about it going into it but it turned out to be incredible. It’s so sweet to follow this little girl through her life and her parents dysfunctional life and separation, remarriage and more. But it ends in a great (but odd) way and I enjoyed every minute of it.

You don’t have Netflix? Let us change that for you. We have a 1 year subscription to giveaway to a LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! reader. Let us know what you’re looking forward to watching just from the list above.

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Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday , January 27, 2015. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.




Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam

Breakfast is the most important meal of my day. I love having something special and delicious first thing in the morning like chocolate chip waffles or Nutella and banana pancakes. Basically I just like having chocolate and candy for breakfast. One of my favorite special breakfasts to have is monkey bread. Its essentially just biscuits cut up and covered in caramel sauce but it’s one of the most delicious things you can have. One morning this week, I decided to make it for my family. There are so few ingredients you can almost always whip some monkey bread up in the morning. This recipe is adapted from Andrea Lynn, Salted Caramel Monkey Bread.Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam

For the caramel:

  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt, not-optional

For the monkey bread:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 cans (4.5-ounce) Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1/3 cup melted butter

I had to run to the store in the morning to get heavy cream and biscuit dough but everything else was right there in my cabinets. There are two main steps to making monkey bread, coating the biscuit pieces and making the caramel. I cut up the biscuit dough into small chunks and shook them in a mixture of white sugar and a little cinnamon. I put them in a greased bundt pan and sprinkled a little bit of the leftover sugar on top. I also added some chopped pecans for extra goodness. Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam

In a saucepan, I mixed a 1/4 cup of butter and 3/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of heavy cream together. Then I added a good shake of sea salt and poured the caramel sauce over the biscuits. Then I baked it at 350 for 40 minutes until the biscuits were totally cooked.

Before it cools off, you have to flip the bread out on to a plate. The caramel will have melted and pooled at the bottom and will run down the sides of the bread and harden. It looks so delicious and tastes just as good. Just wait for it to cool down a bit and pull out chunks and enjoy.Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam

With our monkey bread in our laps, Shae and I cuddled up on the sofa and watched some My Little Pony, one of her favorite shows on Netflix. (and maybe one of the cutest cartoons ever.) I already miss spending time with her now that she’s away at school. But we will always have great cartoons to watch together.Netflix Stream Team




Kid Friendly Cruising on Carnival #cruisingcarnival

Being miles and miles off shore on a cruise ship is one of the most exciting things to happen for my kids. They absolutely love cruising and have been lucky enough to have experienced it twice now.  I get asked a lot if cruising is truly a kid friendly vacation. My answer is an emphatic YES when it comes to Carnival Cruise Lines. Your kids will never be bored when it comes to #CruisingCarnival.Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation

Camp Carnival

We were able to register them online so their information was on hand and name tags were ready. When we first boarded we had to hunt done the locations of camp so that when they were ready to go they knew where to go. Shaun was able to come and go as he pleased due to his age. That isn’t the rule but something we allowed him to do. Shae had to be checked in and out by an adult or Sabreena. This is a level of security that I appreciated. Even on the last day the camp counselors were checking out Sign and Sail cards as ID. You can never be too sure!

Camp Carnival is specially designed  with crafts, activities and games for different age groups: 2 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years. The daily schedules are available each night before we were able to check off all the things the kids wanted to participate in the next day.  This let the whole family plan their day around lounging, activities, spa treatments or even exploring the ports. Shae spent lots of her time working on crafts, playing board games and and painting. Shaun of course spent lots of time playing video game and EPIC rounds of dodge ball.  I was never worried about them having a good time while at camp.  Carnival also offers a Night Owls segment. From 10-12pm they had special activities and movies for the kids so the adults could plan time at the casino, clubs or just alone on the Serenity Lounge. Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation

Games and Chess

This was one of the first things we noticed when coming aboard. Rob and Shaun like to play chess and little did we know Shae knew how to play too. The spent lots of time challenging each other and other kids with a game or two. Regular chess in the Library was a great way for Rob and Shae to spend a little quality time together too.
Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation
Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation

Video Arcade

We tried to stay as unplugged as possible while cruising but the flashing lights and high tech graphics drew the kids in for one night only.

Mini Golf

With 360 degree views of gorgeous blue ocean there was no wonder mini golf is a popular activity for the kids.  The wind can make it a little tricky sometimes but it also made it super fun when trying to race against it.Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation

Circle C and Club O2

Hangout spots for the older kids too are needed when they need some downtime away from the family. Carnival organizes movies, club nights and activities for the big kids too.

Punchliner Comedy Club

The comedy club makes cruising truly family friendly by offering swear word free sets. Shae joined us for one show before heading off to her nightly activities.

Waterworks

This waterpark overlooking the ocean is a site to be seen. Kids can splash and slide while parents lounge on the sidelines.Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation
Pool & Deck Parties

The Lido Deck is the party hub especially when there are Hairy Chest contests to watch and pools to jump in. The cruise director and their staff along with a DJ keep the people moving, laughing and entertained with goofy games and lively music. Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation

Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation

Stage Shows

Shae was called up on stage during the magic show but was so shy she couldn’t participate. During the next show and Hasbro, The Game Show she insisted on sitting farther away from the stage just so she could watch.

The list goes on and on with activities the kids and families can participate in each day. Don’t forget about the excursions available when you arrive at each Port of Call too. Those adventure are once in a lifetime. Know one thing, your kids will never be bored on a Carnival Cruise.
Your Kids Will Never Be Bored on Carnival Cruise #cruisingcarnival #familytravel #kidfriendly #vacation




2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Recap #DriveSTI

2014 disclosure

Exterior
I have reviewed Kia’s, Ford’s, Mitsubishi’s and now I can add Mazda’s to my list.  Back in June we reviewed the 2014 Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5 door which we really liked and this time we reviewed the 2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD which was a really nice vehicle.

Interior

This is only my second time driving a Mazda and I must admit I really liked how they felt, drove and handled.  If I was in the market for a new vehicle I would be buying either a Mazda3 or Mazda CX-5 for sure.  But since I am not in the market let me just dream and tell you what I thought about the Mazda CX-5.

The Mazda CX-5 wais loaded and I mean loaded with awesome features like push button engine start (which I love), dual zone auto climate control (which rocks since Melinda is always cold and I am always sweating), bluetooth hands free phone/audio, Skyactive technology, sweet audio system plus a ton of other stuff.

Every vehicle we have reviewed including the Mazda CX-5 has had Sirius satellite radio which never gets old because I love all of the different types of music offered as well as Howard Stern.  I also loved the touch screen display with navigation and back up camera so I could see what was behind me.

Legroom

We are a family of 5 so having plenty of leg and cargo room is essential and the Mazda CX-5 didn’t disappoint.  Shaun (11 yrs old) and I are pretty tall dudes (me – 6’3 and Shaun – 5’6) and we fit in the Mazda just fine so that means if we are able to fit and be comfortable anyone can fit and be comfortable. I also loved the leather interior and the front heated seats.  It’s summer and hot here in Delaware so I didn’t test the heated seats but after the winter we just had I would have killed for heated front seats, LOL.

Trunk Space

The Mazda CX-5 had so many features that I didn’t get to test every single one but I did test as many as I could.  I feel it takes months to discover everything that a new vehicle has to offer but like I mentioned I really liked every feature that I was able to test.

interior space

Overall the Mazda CX-5 was an awesome vehicle that didn’t disappoint and I would give it 5 stars.  It met all of our families needs and wants and didn’t lack in comfort what so ever.