Family time away

It's been a busy few months, as I said in my last post, things have been a little crazy.  Last week, the hubs got an AWESOME email.  Sea World has launched a teacher appreciation.  Until June 30, teachers can receive a free fun card.  We quickly took advantage of this and booked a room for the weekend.  How could I resist?  With his free ticket, a great deal on tickets for the big one and myself, and a great $50 credit on expedia.  I just couldn't pass it up.  

Saturday morning bright and early we headed west in the JuiceMOBILE to San Antonio.  Of course, as always, it was an adventure.  When we got to the hotel, we realized we had gotten the last room they had available and the a/c was broken.  Thankfully, it had black-out shades so it wasn't THAT bad.  :)

Sunday morning we grabbed the free breakfast buffet in the lobby and headed to the park.  

First stop, dolphins:

The little one wasn't so sure about this.  

The new Bay of Play was definitely a favorite of the princesses:

The little one and I rode the carousel

 While Daddy and the big one ride the Shamu coaster

 The big one loved the water, but OMG look at all those people

If you plan on visiting Sea World SA anytime soon, I definitely recommend Rosita's Cafe for lunch.  It was an all you can eat Pizza, pasta and salad buffet, drinks included.  It was less than $30 for all of us to eat and we got PLENTY!! 

The little one had a nap while Daddy and the big one sat in the splash zone for the Believe show

 Rio Loco!!  (in case you don't speak spanish that means Crazy River ;) )

One last time on the carousel before we head back to the hotel.  I'm so excited I can't even stand it

Fine, I guess I'll smile

Overall it was a GREAT weekend, just the four of us.  I think my favorite part of the weekend was the last night when the little one didn't want to go to sleep.  She called for mama, she called for daddy and when neither one of us would come, she gave in and started yelling "Sissser!  Sissser!"  <3 Love!

Where is my creativity??

Handmade jewelry, belt buckles, hats, broaches, and more.  These were all things I saw yesterday while working the Home for the Holidays gift market for Juice in the City.  I am so envious of these women and their talents.  Why can't I be creative?  Why didn't I think of making a necklace with a picture of my kids?  Why can't I be a fabulous children's photographer?  These are all things that went through my mind.  Of course, after I wanted to buy all of their stuff.  I always tell people, the only things I can make are food and babies, and I'm not making anymore babies.  And since I've been on the weightloss kick, I'm not making much food either.

I can't even decorate my house by myself.  I am constantly asking my decorator friends for advice before buying anything or committing to paint colors.  I feel like I am missing some sort of my DNA, and then I remember where I am gifted.  I am GREAT at finding deals.  I love to tell my friends that my daughter's crocs only cost $8 on zulily. Or that I can get the same rug on overstock for less than what it would cost at target.  So, I guess even though I can't MAKE anything, I can make my money go further with a little creativity.

On that note, here are some of my favorite deal sites.

Of course, juice in the city

Living Social and has started featuring some local deals, every once in a while.

And for online deals for the house, check out The Foundary.

Welcome to the blogosphere!

Since I am trying to join the cool girl cult club of mommy-bloggers, I thought I would share with you some of the awesome blogs I have found recently.  Of course, most of them have been around a lot longer than me and have TONS of followers.  I'm still a little fish in their big pond.  But I strive to be like them.  You need to check them all out and follow them.

I Like it, I Love it! 

She has some FABULOUS decorating ideas and a little cutie to look at too

Eat, Live, Laugh, Shop 

 another Christian mommy is loves to share her faith and great shopping tips as well.

Kelley's breakroom 

when you need a break from LIFE :)

The Spoiled Mama's Guide 

another mommy blogger in the Houston area who helps me be fabulous

Team Giles

My workout inspiration

and of course, my daily sources for all the deals

Houston on the Cheap

Living on love and cents

My latest obsession...Greek Yogurt

My weakness used to be Ice cream.  I contribute my excessive weight gain over the last 5 years to the bowl of ice cream I ate every at 9pm.  I do not like to share and the only time of the day when I didn't have to share with a little person was 9:00.  As I'm sure you know, the food you eat late at night, mostly turns to fat.  So, eating ice cream is not the most dietetic of decisions.

I gave up the ice cream January 3 (well, not completely it's just not every night :)) and now for a sweet treat at night I eat yogurt.  I'm sure if there is a nutritionist reading this they will tell me I shouldn't be eating it at night anyway, but a tiger doesn't change his stripes overnight.  LOL!!  I recently discovered Chobani Greek yogurt

If you haven't discovered it, run don't walk to Randall's right now.  They are 10 for $10.  I sent the hubs over there last night to grab some.  Non-fat, high in protein, and tastes great!!  From the Chobani website, "Chobani Greek Yogurt is a naturally good for you food. The straining process we use to make it gives it two times more protein—34% of your daily value-than regular yogurts. Plus it's has 50% less sodium and is naturally lower in carbohydrates.

You'll also find five types of live and active cultures including three strains of probiotics in Chobani. Plus, it’s deliciously thick, rich and creamy so it’s an ideal way to satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet."  

The flavor of the day today, Pineapple!!  So good, I don't even miss the ice cream.  

I've been a bad blogger

These past two weeks have been crazy in our house.  Between traveling and baby showers, I've barely had time to think, let alone look for deals.  


But I promise I will start doing better this week.  I'll start with a deal from Walgreens:

EARN up to $20 in SUPER Walgreens JINGLE CA$H

Other

Offer Valid Dec 5 - Dec 11

Get $5 for every $25 you spend.
Good on your next in-store purchase.
Spend $25 ........... EARN $5
Spend $50 ........... EARN $10
Spend $75 ........... EARN $15
Spend $100 ......... EARN $20**
The more you shop, the more you earn!
REGISTER REWARDS®* are now Walgreens JINGLE CA$H.

*Coupon printed at checkout. Limit 1 coupon per offer. See coupon for exclusions, limitations and expiration. **Maximium $20 reward per transaction

So go get your Jingle on at Walgreens.  :)

Buy 1 get 1 Starbucks Coffee

Starbucks is having a great special today through November 21, 2-5pm.  Buy one drink, get one free of equal or lesser value.  So, grab a friend and have an afternoon coffee date.  It's a great way to enjoy this awesome weather we have been having lately!!!

Burger King Free Coffee Fridays

Don't forget every Friday in November Burger is offering a free 12 oz coffee.  No purchase necessary.

Find your local BK here