Wordful Wednesday - First 2017 Six Flags Visit

Me and Adam were Six Flags Gold Level Season Pass holders last year and chose to do the same for this season.  We made our first visit last Saturday.  I prefer to go during off-peak dates because it's not hotter than the seventh level of Hell and ride waits aren't as long.

The Looney Tunes characters were out in full force.  We also watched a show from Miss Kitty's Saloon, The Red Garter Revue.

We ate funnel cakes from the 1904 World's Fair.  I went with light powdered sugar.  Adam chose the sugar coma and went with a funnel cake doused in powdered sugar, whipped cream, Oreo cookies, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup.

American Thunder

I am a ride enthusiast and haven't found a ride I didn't like.  Until...I rode the Fireball.  Never, ever again!  It opened up last year but I didn't ride.  Wish I hadn't done it this year.  It takes you upside down and gives you the feeling of being out of your seat.  I couldn't get off of it soon enough.

Do you visit Six Flags?  What's your favorite thing to do there?

Colortime Crafts and Markers - Review and Giveaway

I received product for review from Colortime Crafts and Markers.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Keeping kids entertained now that school's out can be a daunting task.  If you're reaching for ideas, consider Colortime Crafts and Markers.  The company has easy craft ideas for kids, including t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, tote bags, and more that children will love to color and decorate.  They have keepsake craft products specific to boys and girls, as well as religious, holiday, and even dog wear items.  They're also a great company to consider if you're planning for a birthday, scouting, or other event.

I received the Love Backpack for review and, well, love it.  The drawstring backpack is decorated with a cute image that can be colored.  Colortime Crafts and Markers has their own line of permanent fabric markers that are non-toxic.  I got three markers - red, yellow, and blue - to color in the image of my backpack.

I was pleasantly surprised with how well the markers worked.  I had no trouble coloring in the "Love" design.  I've used some fabric markers before that weren't worth the materials they were made with.  These markers have a thick grip and the colors show up vibrantly.  I didn't have to press down hard or struggle to get the markers to fill in all the desired space.  There was no smearing or smudging when switching between the colors.  I took notice and liked that the yellow colored marker didn't blend in with the black fabric of the image design.  Yellow usually tends to do that and it looks like a smeared mess.

Jason wearing the partially colored backpack

The backpack itself is roomy and can fit a lot of contents.  It is made of good material and fits up to an average sized adult.  Although I haven't done it to mine yet, the backpacks are machine washable.
I would like to note that the fabric markers have to be purchased separately from the "color yourself" crafts.  They can be purchased individually or in sets.

Discount Code:  Receive 15% off online retail purchases at colortime.com when you use coupon code 15for30C. Offer not valid on sale items and may not be combined with other offers or discounts. Offer expires on July 18, 2017.

Free Shipping:  Receive free ground shipping on orders over $60 in the continental US when you use code FRSHW at checkout.  Only for retail, web-based orders, placed on the website. Not to be combined with any other offers and discounts.

Facebook Giveaway:  Colortime does a weekly fan giveaway on their Facebook page.
Each week Colortime Crafts and Markers will randomly draw one lucky fan who will receive a special craft package, which includes a Colortime print item of choice and three special permanent Colortime FABRIC MARKERS. All you have to do to be eligible is to "like" and become a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers on Facebook.  The winners' Facebook name will be posted each Monday on the Colortime Crafts and Markers Facebook page. A message will be sent on Facebook informing you that you won. Look for it, and if your name is a winner, you can also send us an email message to info@colortime.com with your full name and address and in either case we will ship your prize within 2 weeks.

Rules:
1) You must be a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers (www.facebook.com/colortimecrafts) Facebook page.
2) Once you win a prize, you are not eligible for additional prizes for this promotion for 12 months after the prize has been awarded.
3) Prizes not claimed within 2 weeks will be forfeited.

Free Coloring Pages:  Colortime Crafts and Markers offers free coloring pages available for download.

Birthday Club:  Sign up for the "Birthday Club," and as the birthday approaches, Colortime Crafts and Markers will send you a special coupon code and a free exclusive members-only "Birthday Club" backpack - with your order. To receive the free backpack, you must use the code you're provided with for 20% off your order (minimum of $20).

Win It!

One person will win a drawstring Backpack of choice and three fabric markers from Colortime Crafts and Markers.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's National Brother's Day

Donnie with his wife at Jason's MDI graduation

If you have a blood brother or a brother from another mother, take time today to let them know how much they mean to you.  Carve out some time to spend together, reminisce, or irritate.

When I was six years old, I had a half-brother that committed suicide.  I'd like to say I remember him, but I don't.  I have absolutely no recollection of Rick.  But, that's not to say I don't think about him from time to time.  It'd be nice to have had that relationship.

Donnie skating in a roller derby bout

My other half-brother, Donnie, and I grew up together.  My sisters were older and out of the house so it was just me and him.  Donnie irritated me to no end, and made sure to piss me off on a daily.  But, he had my back and was fiercely protective of me.  He was mom's favorite (he'll tell you the same) and he's definitely a bird of a different feather.  Donnie doesn't have a filter and will tell you like it is. He's unconventional and does what he wants when he wants.

Donnie wasn't exactly a law-abiding citizen back in the day, but he's grown up to be a wonderful father to two children and a great husband.  He works hard for his family and is an amazing coach to the roller derby team.  He and I are two completely different people, but I'm beyond proud to call him my brother.

Donnie and my mom a few years ago.

He got a kick out of irritating her too.  And she always took it in stride.

Do you have any brothers?  What's your relationship like with him?

Free YouTube Digital Scavenger Hunt

I received no product or compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing product or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Award-winning author, Carew Papritz, has created the first ever YouTube scavenger hunt.  This free world-wide reading event combines literacy, technology, whimsy, supports charity and, unlike Pokemon-Go, you can actually win PRIZES.

Starting June 1, participants will compete in a 10-week “digital scavenger hunt” finding hidden books located in best-selling author, Carew Papritz’s YouTube videos.

The videos range from his “I love to read” series and his “first-ever” book events, such as signing books on the top of volcanoes and while on horseback, delivering books by drone, and his most recent signing in Havana, Cuba.

HOW IT WORKS:

Interested participants will go to the website www.wheresthebook.com to sign up and subscribe. Over the course of 10 weeks, bestselling author, Carew Papritz, will be releasing two videos per week on his YOUTUBE channel. He has hidden a specially-marked version of his award-winning inspirational book, The Legacy Letters, in 5 of his 20 fun videos

Supports Make-A-Wish Foundation

100% of the profits from every purchase of The Legacy Letters made during the 10 weeks of the First-Ever YouTube Scavenger Hunt will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Inspires Summer Reading

One of the main goals is to provide a new, interesting way to get kids inspired to read and to spark childhood fun & curiosity over the summer.

Win Prizes

There are 2 ways to win prizes-- There will be 5 main prize winners and 10 bonus winners over the course of the hunt.  The first five participants to find all five books will win the grand prizes.  Prizes range from Amazon gift cards to a new Kindle Fire!

Bonus searches and prizes will be released each week. In order to get clues and the info on each week's bonus search, participants will have to follow Papritz on social media.

Freeze 24-7 Radiance Brightening Face Mask- Review

I received product for review from Freeze 24-7.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

#FaceScareDontCare

No, I'm not trying out for the role of Ed Gein in a movie (Texas Chainsaw Massacre reference).  I'm actually wearing the Radiance Brightening Face Mask from Freeze 24-7.  Developed by top dermatologists, the face mask is formulated to help skin regain luminosity and restore vitality.  It's also made to brighten and even skin tone.  It is recommended to apply a face mask 2-3 times a week, and there are eight gel masks to each box.

To be honest, application is a little messy.   You are to remove a mask from the packaging and unfold.  Then you are to peel off the protective paper from one side of the mask, apply the mask to a clean and dry face, then remove the protective film from the outside of the mask.  Doing this, you will more than likely get gel on your fingers and who knows where else.  You'll want to make sure the mask is adhered to the curves around the eyes, nose, and mouth.  

Once the gel mask is in place on your face, you're to leave it on for 20-25 minutes.  I'm not gonna lie, I had a great time getting reactions out of my hubby and kids when they saw me with the mask on.  I was compared to some great horror legends.

Having the gel mask on for so long doesn't bother me.  I am still able to see and breathe.  Once in a while, I have to press down on the sides to get the mask to adhere to my face again.  After the recommended time is up, the mask can be taken off and discarded.  There's no need to rinse any excess serum.  You just have to pat your face until the remaining serum is fully absorbed, and apply excess serum to neck and chest.

As for how they work, I haven't turned into Pamela Anderson but I love how my skin feels after using a mask.  My face feels refreshed and even looks more alive.  It is smoother to the touch, and seems more vibrant.  So, I'll take looking like I do while wearing the mask to get the results it gives.

10% off with Zak! Designs Memorial Day Sale

This post contains an affiliate link.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Zak! Designs makes everyday meals a little more special by creating safe, innovative and fashionable products that add a touch of color and an element of fun to tables around the world.

In honor of Memorial Day, Zak! Designs is offering 10% off everything on zak.com.  The sale runs from 5/22/2017-5/30/2017.  There's no code to apply at checkout.  The 10% off is already applied to every item.

Memorial Day Sale! Enjoy 10% off everything at zak.com!

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Sweatshirt Throw - Review

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

No complaints here, but life has been busy.  And it's about to get busier.  To start, I have two boys graduating high school and a husband to celebrate Father's Day with.  Party planning and purchasing gifts are on the agenda.  If you're in the same boat, you might want to consider The Northwest.  The company is the number one throw manufacturer in the United States and offers a variety of innovative and exciting sports-themed products.  You will find an extensive list of items for several universities and colleges.

Our household is split on sports.  Some of us watch or participate, while the others could care less.  Logan is the one who knows a lot about college sports, and he was thrilled when I received the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Sweatshirt Throw.  Rutgers is the state university of New Jersey.  Although Logan liked the throw mainly because it's branded with a sports team logo, I like it more for the comfort and way its' made.  Apparently, so does everyone else in the house because we all fight for it.

This Sweatshirt Throw is made of material to mimic a sweatshirt.  It is lightweight, so it's perfect for breezy or chilly nights.  I was impressed with how long and wide the throw is.  It measures 54" x 84", making it big enough to easily wrap around myself or throw around a shoulder and share with someone.  This throw is super comfortable and feels like you've got a sweatshirt on.

If sports aren't your the theme you're looking for, The Northwest also sells other licensed products.  For instance, they have throws featuring Dr. Seuss, Pokemon, Gas Monkey Garage, and others.
Bean bags and wristlets are also products offered by the company.