Inland Empire Family Missing Puzzle Pieces

Fun & Free Events: Friday 10/1 - Sunday 10/3

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:15:00 GMT

Looking for something to do with the family this weekend?

I know it's been scorching hot outside but that's no reason to stay cooped up indoors. Instead you & the family should check out these fun events happening this weekend!

Friday, October 1 @12pm

Location:Victoria Gardens – central lawn, 12505 North Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

Information:Disney On Ice brings the spirit of aloha to Victoria Gardens. Special appearance and hula lessons led by Mickey and Minnie and the star performers from Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey. Kids of all ages will join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and skaters from Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey for noontime tropical fun and excitement. Kids will be encouraged to create their own Hawaiian leis and learn how to hula with Mickey and Minnie. For information on tickets to Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey performing at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario from 10/1-10/3 click here.

Saturday, October 2 @10am

Location:GMI Games, 8300 Limonite Ave. Ste. F, Riverside, CA 92509

Information:GMI Games is hosting a fundraiser to help raise money for Breast Cancer awareness. This fundraiser isn't just any ordinary fundraiser though. The 1300 sq foot store will be hosting various games throughout the day, allowing players & spectators to put up donation money in order to stop someone from making a certain game move or give a donation in order to have a "do over" of sorts. All donations collected will be combined with other local businesses and donated to help Breast Cancer research/awareness. Don't play Warhammer 40K or even know what it is? No worries! Just come down & watch the games and donate to a worthy cause.

(GMI Games is the largest games workshop & store I've found in all of the Inland Empire. They specializes in all tabletop miniature wargames, CCG's & TCG's, board games & much more. The owner of the store, Katherine, is as friendly & outgoing as they come and is eager to answer any question you might have. For more information on their upcoming games/events & photos you can find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter).

Sunday, October 3 @1pm-4pm

Location: Downtown Riverside, various locations
Information: First Sunday's family cultural activities season begins Sunday, October 3, 2010 in downtown Riverside. All events are family friendly and best of all FREE! On the first Sunday of every month, several participating organizations will offer a variety of fun, hands-on art and cultural activities for children & teenagers from 1-4pm, beginning 10/3/10 - 5/1/11. Participating locations will include the Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Public Library, Riverside Art Museum, Riverside Metropolitan Museum, Fox Theater Foundation, UCR Sweeney Art Gallery and UCR/CA Museum of Photography. For further information on the events please contact 951-826-5273. The following will provide information on locations & events:

Sweeney Art Gallery & UCR Museum of Photograpy: No events scheduled for October.
Riverside Public Library: "Candle making & more"- Children will able to make their own customized candles from 1-2pm & then see the "Mentos & Diet Coke eruption" from 2-3pm. The candle craft table will open again at 3pm.
Riverside Art Museum: "Paper masks"- just in time for Halloween. The museum will help participants of all ages design & create masks.
Mission Inn Museum: "Make your own custom puzzle"
Fox Theater: "Send my regards to Broadway"- Children will be able to make their mark on the Fox theater's "walk of fame".
Riverside Metropolitan Museum: "Native American adornment"- Visitors will be able to participate in basket & bead crafts. A special presentation of "Adornment on Native American Basketry" by Bryn Potter will be shown from 2-3pm.

Today I Will Be Better

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:16:00 GMT

I'm a good wife. At least I like to think I am.

I love my husband unconditionally, support all of his wacky hobbies, am his best friend and would walk through fire for him. But recently I've noticed that I take him for granted. Every little thing he does seems to be aimed at pleasing me and making me happy. I know, I'm one lucky lady!

The other day he looked me in the face & told me "I wake up everyday & think of different ways to make you happy" and that alone brought tears to my eyes.

Tears of happiness, joy, gratitude and a bit of sadness.

Sadness because unlike my wonderful husband, who's little quirks sometimes get on my nerves, I get so caught up in my daily routine that I forget to take a moment and think about how I can make him happy. I've been selfish in thinking that I don't have to go out of my way to make him happy and that he'll be content with the mediocre attention I give him throughout my busy day of commuting, work, family & writing.

I may think of myself as a good wife but in retrospect I'm not being the best wife I can be. I've allowed him to blend into the background of my life while he continues to put me first in his. I've taken him for granted and forgot for a moment that marriage is a partnership.

Today I will try harder to be a better partner and today I will think hard about how I can make my husband happy.

Marriage isn't always easy, it's something you have to work at everyday but it's always worth it.

Disney On Ice: Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:47:00 GMT

I've lived in southern California my entire life and have always been a huge fan of Disney. When I was a child my parents taking my brother & I to a Disney on Ice show at the Anaheim Convention Center and I remember we had a really fun time. I will forever have fond memories of my childhood because of events like this and it brings a smile to my face to know they're still around.

Disney on Ice is bringing another one of their fantastic shows to SoCal. .

Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey will take audiences on a fun-filled tour to four exciting destinations filled with favorite Disney friends. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as tour guides, guests will visit the enchanting worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch and Peter Pan.

The show will be held at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA on October 1-3.

The Citizens Business Bank Arenawill be filled with music and magic in every scene including an enchanting undersea kingdom with Ariel and Sebastian, a jungle adventure in the African Pride Lands with Simba and Nala, a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch and a trip to jolly old London with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

The best part is that you can currently buy a 4 pack of ticketsfor only $44 when using the promo code: MOM

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office, online at Ticketmaster or by calling (800) 745-3000.

(click poster to see full size)

Location & Showtimes
Citizens Business Bank Arena:4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

Friday, October 1 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, October 2 @ 11:30am; 3:30pm; 7:30pm
Sunday, October 3 @ 11:30am; 3:30pm

To learn more about Disney On Ice, log onto http://www.disneyonice.com/

Feeling Grouchy? Try These Mood Boosters

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:12:00 GMT

I'll be the first to admit I'm moody. Ok, I might be the second because it's usually always the hubs that says it, ha ha.

My different moods are brought on mostly by the stress of work, housework, marriage & *cough* aunt flow *cough*. Most of the time I wont even notice that I'm being a grouch & when it's brought to my attention I tend to get really defensive. My husband has expressed that sometimes he feels like has to walk on eggs shells because he has no clue what mood I'll be in next. That's definitely not something a woman wants to hear from the man she loves.

I'm sure I'm not alone in this & that most everyone goes through a crabby day every now and then. Usually when I'm feeling cranky I take a step back, take a few deep breathes & feel a little more relaxed but the one thing that never occurred to me was that the things I ate could also affect the way I feel & the mood I'm in.

While at a doctors appointment a few weeks ago I read an article in Parents Magazine on "Mood Boosters". The article suggested eating a few key things to get yourself in a better state of mind & I thought I'd share a few items that were listed.

Oatmeal

Fiber-rich carbs, particularly oatmeal or whole-wheat or whole-grain bread, increase the feel good chemical serotonin but don't break down as easily in your bloodstream as sugar in desserts does. As a result they don't cause as much of a roller-coaster effect as sweets, which gives you energy, but then makes you lethargic. You can also feel free to munch on fiber-filled carbs that may alleviate tension, such as carrot sticks, strawberries, citrus fruits or apples (instead of chips or even pretzels).

Mixed Nuts

Peanuts, cashews, and almonds have an impressive amount of selenium, a mineral that's been found to help elevate mood. Other high selenium foods are egg yolks, fish (including tuna in water), shellfish, and poultry. You should get 55 micrograms each day; a single Brazil nut has 100% of your daily needs. Don't eat too many though because they're higher in fat than most other nuts.

Green Tea

Green tea contains an amino acid, theanine, which has been found to reduce tension anxiety. Drinking two cups of brewed green tea during the day can promote relaxed alertness. However, it does contain caffeine so it's best to drink it in the mornings or early afternoon.

Fortified Cereal

Start your day with a bowl of whole-grain cereal such as Cheerios (yum!) or Raisin Bran. These are especially good sources of B vitamins including folate, thiamin, B5, and B12, all of which help the brain produce serotonin. Studies has actually shown that eating more foods rich in nutrients can help reduce anxiety. Other B-filled choices include bananas, poultry, spinach, cottage cheese, and low-fat yogurt.

IE Derby Divas: Lace Up Your Skates & Play Rough

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:38:00 GMT

I've lived in the IE for about a year now & I cannot believe that I'm barely finding out that we have a Roller Derby team!

For someone *cough* me *cough* that can't stay balanced on rollerblades for longer than a minute, much less skate, it amazes me how these women can not only roll, spin & jump around a roller rink on four tiny little wheels but also play this sometimes very aggressive contact sport so well.

Back when I used to live in Orange County I swore that I was going to go see the local team play but never made it to one of the games. Now that I moved I figured I'd lost that chance because really...I'm not going to drive out to O.C. or L.A. just watch a game.

However, now that all has changed because the IE Derby Divas host their games just a few minutes from where I live, woot!

IE Derby Divas Team (2010)

I've always been a fan of woman's roller derby & that fact that they look like a bunch of kick a*s hell cats on wheels only makes them that much cooler. The awesome thing is that these woman are just like you & I except for the fact that once their roller skate laces are tied & they step foot in the ring they like to play rough.

If you have no clue what roller derby is a great movie to help introduce you to the sport is "Whip It" (such a great film!).

Unfortunately, I found out about the IE Derby Divas a few days too late because they just had a game on August 29...good news is they're hosting another game on September 25, 2010 @6:30pm at Calskate GT & you bet that the hubs & I are gonna be there cheering these wheeled brawlers on.

As they say "those who cant do...watch from the audience", ha ha.

Click here for more information on the I.E.D.D. events

Relationship Quality Time: We All Need It

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:34:00 GMT

The hubs & I try to have date nights every now & then. Our date night (sometimes day) consists of going out together & having a good time as a couple. This usually happens when I don't bring home our 4 year old god-daughter to spend the night or I don't sit on my computer blogging while he plays video games. We usually aim to do something fun & that we can both enjoy.
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I think that after being together for a while every couple tends to get into a routine that usually consists of doing most everything apart or being so busy that you forget to spend quality "couple time" together.

I think it's important for every couple to remain close and remember why it is they stay together through thick & thin so I thought I'd list a couple of the things the hubs & I have done and/or plan on doing on our date(s), in case you and your special someone are in need of some bonding time & ideas:

See a Movie: There's nothing like a bonding over a good movie. This always seems to be our fall back plan that never goes wrong. If we're in the mood for a movie but want to be outdoors too, we head over to the Van Buren Drive In Theater. It's fantastic!

Visit a Museum: Admiring art & dinosaur fossils is something we enjoy doing together. Then again we're sorta nerds so if this is your type of thing, it's a great place to bond over conversation & discuss the things you see.

Go Bowling: We love cosmic bowling! We're not very good at it at all but it's a fun game that we can play together & still be a little competitive.

Go Wine Tasting: We have yet to do this but I've heard great things about the vineyards in Temecula. I'm thinking it might be a romantic & interesting thing to do.

Go Dancing: Nothing brings you closer than gettin' your groove on together on the dance floor...actually, it doesn't even have to be on the dance floor, it could just as easily be the center of your living room :)

Go on a Picnic: We haven't done this in a long time but it's fun to hang out at the park, read a good book and just lay on a blanket together.

Cook a Meal Together: There's nothing like great teamwork in the kitchen & having a great meal at the end of it. The hubs usually cooks (he'sway better at it than I am) but I enjoy helping him prep the food he'll be cooking for us. My favorite part is watching him cook, he's so cute when he gets all into it, haha.

Visit a Fruit Orchard: This is something we haven't done yet but it's always seemed like fun & I know the hubs used to pick berries as a child so I think we'd have a great time doing it. I've heard great things about Riley's Farmin Oak Glen, CA so maybe we'll have to take a day trip out there soon & hand pick our own fruit.

Visit an Amusement Park: Fun fun fun! This is a great way to spend an entire day together. The only thing you have be wary of is too many people & it being hot cause otherwise you're in store for frustration & arguments. My advice, go during off season to ensure you'll both have fun.

Visit a Shooting Range: The hubs loves his guns so it's no surprise that he enjoys visiting the shooting range but I was surprised to find that I really enjoy it as well. We don't go as often as he'd like because ammo can get quiet expensive but when we have gone we've had a blast. It's an adrenalin rush & such a great way to spend the day. If you're interested but don't own a gun, don't even worry about it because many shooting ranges will rent you a gun at the location (call to verify they have rentals beforehand).

See a Stand Up Comedy Show: Laughter makes everything better! The hubs & I have seen lot of comedy shows & have always come out feeling relieved, stress free and happy.

Take a Walk: Hold each others hand & walk along the beach, lake, or at the park. Sometimes there's no need for anything more than being together.

I could probably go on & on but the point is to stop and take some time out of your busy day/week and spend some quality time together, even if it's just laying bed watching TV and holding hands.

They're Not The Boss, You Are

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:06:00 GMT

Is discipline a thing of the past? A long lost art form that is no longer being passed down through generations? It sure feels like it sometimes.

I made my way to the local Target during my 30 minute lunch yesterday to purchase a pack of note cards from their lovely $1 section. The reason I chose Target was because I knew, based on my past experience, I wouldn't have to deal with little store orphans running a muck like at other stores *cough* Walmart *cough*. Or so I thought...

As soon as I reached my destination 2 little boys came charging my way like a pair of wild banshees, both hands full of items that you'd find in this section. As one little boy barely misses running into me, the one behind him decides it would be a fantastic idea to huck the merchandise that he had in his hands straight at his running companions' direction & me. Needless to say frustration soon ensued.

I looked down at the little boy & nicely told him that he shouldn't be running in the store or throwing merchandise but all he does is give me a blank stare the wonderful gesture of showing me his tongue as he runs off again.

My question....where the heck are these kids parent(s) or babysitter?

I remember being young & having to hold on to the shopping cart throughout our entire trip at the store or I'd get a pinch to the arm as a reminder to behave or the dreaded "wait till we get home" look that my mom seemed to have perfected. I remember being scared of the consequences that my actions might bring forth...not that they'd be more than not being able to play with my friends that afternoon.

Kids now a days seem to rule the household instead of the parents. Maybe parents have gotten lazy or maybe it's the system that has given kids more power with the knowledge that parents can't as much as spank their children without being frowned upon or being called abusive.

Whatever the reasons, I see it way too often & parents need to take back the reigns and remember that they are the boss. ______________________________________

Btw...I in no way condone violence or punishing children through verbal or physical abuse but do believe in there being a consequence for every action. So if you're kid's misbehaving don't buy them that toy you promised, don't allow them to play their favorite video game that day, or simply explain to them why their behavior is unacceptable. However, I would like to quickly point out that a (light) spanking never hurt anyone (including myself).

Oh & if you're wondering, the 2 boys' mom was looking through the sale rack in the woman's section and was completely oblivious to where her children were until they ran up to her loudly whining "some lady yelled at us for running in the store" lol.

What Do You Mean I Can't Recycle This?

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:35:00 GMT

I'm a tad bit ashamed to admit this but I don't 'always' recycle. Yes. It's true. I'm one of the thousands upon thousands that don't go the extra 2 steps to the other bin.

However, if I take the last of the milk I wont toss the empty gallon into the Trash bin. I will set it aside from all of the other everyday trash so I can toss it in the recycling bin when I go outside. I'm doing my part (somewhat), right? Well I thought so.

Turns out that there are certain things that may seem like they can be recycled because they fall into the Paper, Plastic, Aluminum & Glass categories but in reality cannot. For example, pizza boxes cannot be recycled even though they're made out of cardboard, which is normally recyclable. Why not? Because it's been contaminated by food (aka: delicious pizza grease) and the fibers cannot be broken down to be reused.

Who would've thought? Not me! I'm constantly yelling at everyone not to throw the darn pizza boxes in the Trash bin because it needs to be recycled. Guess the jokes on me because they had it right all along, ha ha.

Here's a list of other things you may want to recycle normally but can't:

Food Contaminated Containers

Pizza boxes, take out containers, donut boxes (anything that contained prepared food).
Paper plates, cups, & used napkins.
Soy milk/broth cartons, waxed milk or juice cartons & some frozen food boxes (the coating that strengthens the container contains contaminants).
Foiled, glossy, glazed, glassine & lacquer coated packages (aka: candy wrappers, chip bags, juice boxes).

*Note: Cereal boxes, paper egg carton, cake boxes, etc. can be recycled as long as they're not soiled & don't have plastic coating or a layer of foil inside.*

Plastic Bottle Lids & Caps

Plastic bottle caps (such as soda, shampoo, water, milk, ketchup, mayo, peanut butter & laundry detergent caps) have a different melting point than plastic bottles so they can't be recycled together. Remember to remove the caps off of your bottles before placing the bottle in the recycling bin. Caps (plastic #5) are now being recycled by some Whole Foods & Aveda.

*Note: No worries about removing the plastic ring that's left behind on the bottle when you remove the lid. It's small enough to not cause problems.*

Cosmetic/Makeup Containers

Lipstick, blush, mascara & other containers can't be recycled due to the blend of materials they're sometimes made of. Luckily there are places out there that will take in your used makeup containers, regardless of the brand, and recycle it for you. Click here & herefor more info.

Mirrors

Mirrors are made of heat strengthened material & melt at a higher temperature than regular glass so it cannot be recycled like regular glass. If you ever had to toss out an old mirror make sure you package it safely so no one gets cut by it & remember to label it 'glass mirror'.

Shower Curtains & Liners

Many shower curtains & liner contain a material called PVC, which can emit toxic compounds in the air when melted down.

Colored Paper

Wrapping paper, brightly colored office & craft papers and construction paper cannot be recycled. The dyes used to create the colors are intense, concentrated & harsh and cannot be processed with regular paper recycling machines so this type of paper gets tossed in with the regular stinky trash.

Plastic Bags

According to recycling facilities, plastic bags are a pain in the butt. Not only do they waste time when they get stuck in machines, but they can also break or damage the equipments. The best thing to do with your used plastic bags is use them around the house (ie; bathroom trash bin) or take them to your local grocery store to be property recycled by them.

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Now that I know all this I'll definitely be more careful about what I toss in that big-o green bin but to be honest, you wont catch me sorting through every bit of my trash to make sure I get it 'all' sorted out.

While surfing the web trying to find out more info on recycling I came across this tid bit of information that will for sure help me out when I cant figure out if it goes in the green bin or not, hopefully it'll help you out too:

The next time you find yourself hovering indecisively over a set of trash bins, here are some rules of thumb. Plastics marked No. 1 or No. 2 are virtually guaranteed to be accepted, so go ahead and toss them in with your recycling. Newspaper, corrugated cardboard, magazines, and office paper are most always good to go as well. If your mystery object doesn't fall into one of those categories, trash it.

Bringing Police & Community Together

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:53:00 GMT

I'm a big supporter when it comes to local law enforcement agencies & their programs. My brother is a Police Officer in Orange County and I'm proud of him for patrolling those streets daily & keeping the community safe to the best of his ability.

But, I'm also a big believer in the fact that law enforcement can not keep the community safe on it's own. I feel that the responsibility to keep a neighborhood safe and crime free also falls on the local community & the residents of that community. It all comes down to teamwork!

In honor of the teamwork that is needed between local law enforcement and the community, Target hosts a nationwide yearly event called National Night Out: Crime Prevention Awareness to Strengthen Neighborhood Spirit & Police-Community Partnerships.

For those of you who aren't familiar with this event let me tell you that this is not something new, nope. National Night Out is on it's 27th year...that's as old as I am, so they know exactly what they're doing.

The purpose of National Night Out is to:

heighten crime & drug prevention awareness
generate support for, and participation in, local anti crime programs
strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized & fighting back

The official National Night Out day is set for Tuesday, August 3, 2010 and many Police Departments in various cities are hosting large events at local parks and/or neighborhoods. If you haven't heard about anything going on in your city feel free to contact your local PD's crime prevention specialist and ask if they're hosting an event in your area, as many events are not largely advertised.

I did some research and I was able to find out that 4 cities in the IE that will definitely be hosting events for the community (I know, it's sort of sad that more aren't joining in or advertising). So if you don't have any plans for Tuesday night (or this Sunday in the city of Perris) make sure you stop by an event near you for some great fun and crime prevention information.

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City of Perris

Sunday, July 31, 2010 from 3-7pm @ Perris City Hall, 101 N. D St. Perris, CA.

Info: The Riverside County Sheriffs Department will have various displays, free food & drinks, music, games, giveaways, children's fingerprinting, & K-9. For more info please contact 951-210-1000 or click here to view flyer.

City of Pomona

Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 5-8pm @ Civic Center Plaza next to City Hall (500 S. Garey Ave.)

Info: The Pomona Police Department will be hosting games, booths, drawings and will answering any questions you may have, as well as passing out crime prevention information. For further information call 909-620-2318 or click here.

City of Rialto

Tuesday, Augutst 3, 2010 from 5-8:30pm @ Downtown Rialto.

Info: The Rialto Police Department will be at Downtown Rialto hosting a fun event for the community which will include games, food vendors, face painting, a bounce house, music, raffles, along with K-9 and SWAT presentations. For more information call 909-820-2594 or click here for their flyer.

City of Apple Valley

Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 6-8pm @ James Woody Park/Community Center, 13467 Navajo Rd. Apple Valley, CA.

Info: The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department will have games, raffles, crime prevention information, children's fingerprinting, and McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog at this years NNO event. For more information call 909-387-3700 or click here.

*Remember that just because your city isn't listed doesn't mean there's not something planned so give your local PD a call or drive to the event nearest you. I attended one in O.C. a couple of years ago & had a blast. It's definitely something fun & free to do with the kiddos.

Torture By Radio

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:42:00 GMT

Due to the hubs still being unemployed he's had the fun-tastic opportunity to spend A LOT of time with his mom while I'm away earning the average big bucks.

Considering he only sees his mom about twice a year, if he's lucky, you'd think he'd be happy but instead he whines & tries to weasel his way out of it. Last week his mom thought it would be a great idea for him to spend the day with her at her apartment...you know to just 'hanging out' like pals, lol.

To say that he was not excited about his mother & son quality time would be an understatement. But nonetheless, he went. She had just picked him up from our house & they were on their way to get In-N-Out for lunch when I get this text message:

Hubs: Help. Me.

Me: ...what?...

Hubs: Listening to soft core praise & worship. Help. Me.

Me: LOL, I'm sorry but your pain just brightened up my day a little! Why didn't you take your ipod?

Hubs: Cause. Did you know that I wont be one of Satan's casualties because he was crucified for me!

Me: Wow...well I'm certainly glad you wont be one of Satan's casualties, that was a big worry of mine. Change that music!

Hubs: I tried to turn it down, she just turns it back up. She's trying to brain wash me!! HELP ME!!!!

Me: ...close your eyes & go to your happy place. It'll be over soon.

Hubs: *crying*

If you haven't guessed it already, the MIL is a raging bible thumper & the hubs is NOT, ha ha. He survived that day but definitely came out of it scarred.

Poor fella'...

Happily Ever After...Not Always

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:46:00 GMT

I came across these photos while cruising the web a while ago & I thought I'd share them since I found them to be absolutely realistically beautiful.

The following photos are a couple of exquisite, yet realistically sad, photos of our much loved fairy princesses in a not so Happily Ever After ending. The photos were all taken by Dina Goldstein & the series is called Fallen Princesses, which "Places Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the Princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict. The '...happily ever after' is replaced with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues."

Little Red Riding Hood

Princess & the Pea

Rapunzel

I think she did a great job at capturing the essence of the roller coaster that is life. I wouldnt go showing these to your little girl & ruining her princess fantasy but as adults we know that fairy tales, like life, dont always have happy endings.

I actually didnt know this until just recently but did you know most of our fairy tales (fables) have been changed to be all 'happy' like? The hubs was telling me that the Brothers Grimms' versions were always more gruesome (ie: Cinderellas' evil step sister cutting off her toe to make the glass slipper fit *gross*) & sometimes they didn't have happy endings at all.

I think I'm going to have to get myself a copy of all the Bros. Grimm stories.

Fairy tales & gore...totally my kind of stories.

Summer Fun: Discounts at Raging Waters & Wild Rivers

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:40:00 GMT

Now that summer's here I'm sure most of you are looking for something fun & exciting to do with the kiddos or with your sweetie on your day's off so what better time for Raging Waters & Wild Rivers Waterparks to be having a discount!

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Now through September 12, 2010 Raging Waters (San Dimas, CA) has a discount for $7 off a general admission online purchase or $5 off a general admission purchase at the park.

If you'd like to print out the coupon (good for up to 6 tickets), please click the following link: http://myragingwaters.com/rw1067or you can use the coupon code 1067 for the online purchase at http://bit.ly/boJGrE.

Also, for a limited time only (expires July 31, 2010) you can get $7 off a general admission purchase at the park using this coupon.

(print coupon here)

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Or if you're more interested in visiting Wild Rivers, you'll be happy to know that now through September 25, 2010 you can get $5 dollars off a general admission ticket.

To print out the coupon click the following link: www.wildriversfun.com/sun2 or you can enter the promo code SUN2 when you purchase the ticket online at https://tickets.wildrivers.com/mainstore.asp.

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This is such a great deal!

I visited both of these parks about 4 years ago and the hubs & I had a blast. I'm normally a huge woose when it comes to heights or dark enclosed areas but these two parks were SO much fun that I sucked it up & got on every water slide. So if you're looking for some summer fun or something to help you cool off during these extremely hot days, either one of these parks is the place to be.

Sunscreen: More Harm Than Good?

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:23:00 GMT

I'm not going to lie, I don't use sunscreen on a daily basis but I do use it if I know I'm going to be out in the sun for a prolonged amount of time. I also make sure my husband is slathered in it if we're spending the day at Disneyland or at the lake because of is really sensitive skin. But in reality is sunscreen actually helping?

We've been told that it helps protect our skin from sunburns & UVA radiation but most of us, including myself, don't always follow the directions to a T. You know what I mean...apply the proper amount, reapply after sweating/swimming and/or every 2-4 hours , wait 20-30 minutes after applying before going out into the sun, etc.

I for one never truly follow those directions because I think since my wonderful sunscreen bottle states it's a SPF 55 that it'll protect me longer & better. Well...I'm wrong.

According to EWG's (Environmental Working Group's) fourth annual Sunscreen Guide, the higher SPF ranking on a bottle means a higher sense of security not protection. Most people using sunscreen believe since the SPF is so high that there's no need to reapply or use as much, hence your skin not getting the protection it needs.

Hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protection. Studies show that people typically use about a quarter of the recommended amount. Because sunscreen effectiveness drops off precipitously when under-applied, in everyday practice a product labeled SPF 100 actually performs much like SPF 3.2, An SPF 30 rating equals to a 2.3 & SPF 15 translates to 2. Moreover, FDA scientists say SPF claims above 50 cannot be reliably substantiated.

Finding out all of this information opened my eyes to the fact that I'm spending money on a product I believe will help decrease my chances in getting burned & cancer when in reality it's probably just as effective to go around sporting a huge sun hat. EWG has flagged products with oxybenzone, a hormone-disrupting compound found in about 60% of the 500 beach & sport sunscreens analyzed. This chemical is known to penetrate the skin & enter the bloodstream.

If you're interested in seeing where your sunscreen ranks click here. EWG researchers assessed about 1,400 products with SPF, including beach & sport lotions, sprays & creams, moisturizers, make-up & lip balms.

Next time I'm applying sunscreen you can bet that I'll be following those directions & reapplying every 2-4 hours. And, now that I know anything above 50 cannot be 'confirmed' to work any better than the rest I think I'll be switching to a lower SPF & one that's definitely less expensive...and maybe a big sun hat just to be on the safe side.