Family Potlucks at the Park and Monkey Mat

Disclosure: I was given a Monkey Mat for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

We've all been there - a space or place that requires sitting on the floor and the floor

makes your stomach flip and your eyebrows raise. And it's not always convenient to 

carry around a blanket or a sheet as a barrier between your family and the ground.

That is, until Monkey Mat! This fun 5'x5' mat is your portable floor that provides you a

clean surface inside or outside.

Every month during the summer we have a family potluck night at the park with the 

families from church. I usually bring a chair for my husband and I, but then that leaves

the kids with nowhere to sit. I used to tote an old blue sheet to the park, but now I

am loving my Monkey Mat. It folds up into a little pouch that fits in the palm of my hand

and you can purchase stakes to keep it right where you put it on the grass.

The water repellent ripstop nylon fabric is soft and durable. The corners are weight for

indoor use and have loops for the stakes when you're outdoors.

I was worried the 5'x5' wouldn't be big enough, but it fit all three kids perfectly.

However, if you have a family larger than ours, they make the Mega Monkey Mat that is

5'x8' that can seat 8 people or lounge area for 4 people. I love that it fits in my diaper bag

and that I can have it with me for whatever situation may arise. It's also machine washable

which is a total necessity.

Do you have a place that would be perfect to have a Monkey Mat with you?

How do you keep the family comfy, safe and clean when out and about?

TOO Cute Tuesday: Linky Par-Tay! #300

Grace woke up one day last week and declared that she wanted to ride

the train! So, we put on her overalls and headed to the Irvine Park Railroad.

The weather was beautiful and there were only a few other people there at

opening, so we had a great train ride together and then visited the

OC Zoo while we were on the property. The 2017 Pumpkin Patch is opening

on September 17th and we're super excited!!

Now onto TOO Cute Tuesday!

What did you make this week that is TOO Cute??

Come link up!

Rules:

• Must be made by you.
• Link up to the specific post - not your main blog.
• No Etsy shops or giveaways please :)
• Please post the button or link back here so more people can join in the fun.
• Visit some of the other participants and leave them some LOVE!

TOO Cute Tuesday will be open Tuesday-Saturday.
On Saturday or Monday I'll highlight some of my favorites
and then we'll start over on Tuesday!


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I changed the linky party so that the most recently uploaded project will show up as number one. This way everyone gets a chance on top. So, look in the first spot for your project, not at the end. Thanks!!!

Lunch Notes and Peanut Butter Sushi Roll with #SnapwareBTS

Disclosure: I was given product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

We're back to school and that means it time for packing lunches each day. It is honestly
one of my least favorite things about being back to school. I know the kids get tired of
eating the same thing every day, but I get in a lunch rut, and with a picky eater
sometimes my options are limited. That's why I am loving these Snapware Total Solution
On the Go sets with the ice pack because it opens up a world of foods that the kids
wouldn't eat because they need to stay cold to be yummy.



The Snapware Total Solution On the Go pieces fit perfectly inside the kids' lunch boxes
and I love that the lids snap on airtight and are leak-proof. This is really important
because the lunchboxes have to last the entire year. So if something gets spilled inside
of them they can get stinky really quickly. The included ice packs keep the food fresh
and cool and ready for lunch a few hours later. There is nothing worse than warm,
limp carrots or warm lunch meat when you sit down to eat.



One way I keep lunches exciting and fun at our house is to do something fun with the
same old peanut butter sandwich that both the kids love. One peanut butter sandwich
variation that is especially fun is the Peanut Butter, Honey, and Banana "Sushi" Roll.
It's quick and easy to put together and adds a level of fun to what is usually an ordinary
lunch. I made a little video below of how to make this sandwich. All you'll need is bread,
peanut butter, honey, a banana, a knife and a rolling pin.


Once your peanut butter sandwich "sushi" roll is done, pop it into your Snapware
container, add a couple of cute cupcake liners and fill with your fruits and veggies, and
your lunch box is now snazzy and ready to go. Then top it with the ice pack and
everything will stay fresh and ready for your kids' lunches that day at school. I also like
to use the little Snapware containers to add in some pretzels, chips or another side.



In addition to new variations on a the same old peanut butter sandwiches, I also like
to include a cute lunch box note as a fun little surprise for the kids each day. They both
love to see which note they are going to get that day and they make a big deal not to
see which note I've give them so it can be a big surprise at lunch. So that I didn't have
to stress each day about getting new notes printed or made, I created this little box
where I keep all the notes and they are easy to grab and put one in each day.

Be sure to grab your FREE PRINTABLE LUNCH NOTES at the bottom of the post,

as long as a chance to win a fantastic prize pack of Snapware Total Solution sets of your

own so you can rock lunch this year like we are doing at our house! And grab a little

box or basket so you can keep all your lunch notes handy. I even included a face plate

label in my notes so you can make your own lunch notes box!

Here's a little bit more information about the Snapware Total Solution products:

• Airtight, leak-proof lid with 4 locking tabs
• Safe to use in microwave, refrigerator, freezer & dishwasher
• Space saving, nestable design
• Write + Erase lids for easy labeling of contents
• Total Solution lids fit both glass and plastic vessels
• BPA-free polypropylene container & lid
• Made in the USA
• Limited Lifetime Warranty  
•          Ice Packs: Frozen ice packs will stay cool for approximately 4 hours at room temperature

{GIVEAWAY}

It's time for a giveaway!!! The rad people at Snapware have given me a prize pack of

Snapware Total Solution to give away! You will love this stuff! So, go print your

FREE LUNCH NOTES by following the link and then enter to win this amazing 

Snapware prize package using the Rafflecopter widget below!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keep up with Snapware on their social media channels!

Web: http://www.snapware.com

Twitter: @WorldKitchenLLC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Snapware

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/snapwarestorage

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/snapwarestorage

Snapchat: WorldKitchenLLC

#Snapware #SnapwareBTS

Aquarium of the Pacific Whale Watching Excursions

Disclosure: We attended a media boat excursion. All opinions are my own.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and Harbor Breeze Cruises have partnered
together to bring guests a unique and amazing whale watching experience. Endangered
blue whales and fin whales have been spotted in the waters off of Long Beach and
guests of the Aquarium can purchase a combo ticket for a visit to the Aquarium of
the Pacific and a three-hour whale watching experience with Aquarium experts daily.

 The combo ticket can we purchased on-site at the Aquarium of the Pacific or in advance

by calling 562-590-3100. We had a fantastic experience on our adventure aboard

Harbor Breeze Cruises newest vessel - La Espada. The boat is spacious and had plenty

of on-deck viewing space for everyone aboard. There was a snack bar, inside viewing

opportunities, restrooms and a knowledgeable and helpful crew. 

We saw several blue whales during our 3 hour excursion - including a mama and baby

pair, which was just adorable to watch! I was worried that the kids would get bored

during the trip, but all three had a great time and were totally engaged during the better

portion of the whale watching experience. What is great about La Espada is that you

can be on deck or you can also view from on the the window tables inside. We did

both during the trip and had a lot of fun

I have a couple that suffer from motion sickness (as do I on occasion)  and so we came

prepared with our peppermint gum, hand fans, and essential oils. It helps to be up on

deck and watch the horizon if the motion sickness gets really bad. We all have mild

cases, so it is totally manageable and wasn't too distressing at all. However, if you are

more prone to motion sickness, then I recommend taking an OTC remedy before you

board so you can enjoy the whole whale watching experience.

After the whale watching excursion then we headed in to the Aquarium of the Pacific

to enjoy all the exhibits and learn even more about these beautiful creatures at the

interactive Whales: Voices in the Sea kiosk. It was amazing to see the life size model

of the largest creature on earth hanging above us and to realize we were right next to

these amazing animals when we were on our boat.

The combo tickets experience for both the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Sea Life Cruise

are priced $59.95 (12+), $42.95 (11 and under), and $56.95 (62+). 

Aquarium experts will be on board daily for both the 12:00PM and 3:30PM cruises.

While you're at the Aquarium of the Pacific be sure to visit the rest of the 11,000 animals and

see the new Horses and Dragons and Vanishing Animals exhibits.

TOO Cute Tuesday: Linky Par-Tay! #299

I can't believe our summer has come to an end. My kids are back to

school tomorrow and I'm feeling slightly melancholy over all the memories

we made this summer and those few things we didn't get to do. I'm

not a huge fan of time marching on and if I were to choose a superpower

it would probably be time travel. But then I'd probably mess things up,

you know space-time continuum and all that, so it's better that I don't

have the power :D

Now onto TOO Cute Tuesday!

What did you make this week that is TOO Cute??

Come link up!

Rules:

• Must be made by you.
• Link up to the specific post - not your main blog.
• No Etsy shops or giveaways please :)
• Please post the button or link back here so more people can join in the fun.
• Visit some of the other participants and leave them some LOVE!

TOO Cute Tuesday will be open Tuesday-Saturday.
On Saturday or Monday I'll highlight some of my favorites
and then we'll start over on Tuesday!


<a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/search/label/Too%20Cute%20Tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Blog/TooCuteTuesdayNEW.jpg" /></a>

This post brought to you by:


 
I changed the linky party so that the most recently uploaded project will show up as number one. This way everyone gets a chance on top. So, look in the first spot for your project, not at the end. Thanks!!!

TOO Cute Tuesday: Linky Par-Tay! #298

Are you back to school already? We've got just over a week til

we're back at it and we're soaking up every minute! When it's time

for your first day be sure to print off an adorable First Day of School Sign

to mark the big day! I've updated them for the 2016-2017 school year!

Now onto TOO Cute Tuesday!

What did you make this week that is TOO Cute??

Come link up!

Rules:

• Must be made by you.
• Link up to the specific post - not your main blog.
• No Etsy shops or giveaways please :)
• Please post the button or link back here so more people can join in the fun.
• Visit some of the other participants and leave them some LOVE!

TOO Cute Tuesday will be open Tuesday-Saturday.
On Saturday or Monday I'll highlight some of my favorites
and then we'll start over on Tuesday!


<a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/search/label/Too%20Cute%20Tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Blog/TooCuteTuesdayNEW.jpg" /></a>

This post brought to you by:


 
I changed the linky party so that the most recently uploaded project will show up as number one. This way everyone gets a chance on top. So, look in the first spot for your project, not at the end. Thanks!!!

Discover Extreme Dinosaurs at Discovery Cube Orange County

If you visit the Discovery Cube Orange County between now and September 5th,

you'll be able to step back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. You'll immediately

feel as if you're in another world - a prehistoric world filled with 17 life size dinosaurs.

They roar, snarl, and move their heads and limbs. They are not for the faint of heart.

The exhibit is set during the Mesozoic era and not only features animatronic dinos, but

there also full-size skeletons, as well as real and replica fossils.

I get the feeling that there's something behind me . . . JT and Isabella loved the exhibit.

They thought the "Make Me Move" consoles were fun and JT enjoyed reading the facts

about each dinosaur and adding to his dino knowledge. Isabella liked the dig site where

she could find fossils. Grace liked digging for fossils too, but she generally anxious

while we were in the exhibit because she was afraid of the "Rawrs".

So, if you have toddlers or those that are nervous around big, loud monsters, then

you might want to prep they before or let them sit in the stroller so they feel safe. My

friend that has twins about Grace's age went to the exhibit a few weeks after we did

and she said they chose to stay in the stroller the entire time, but her 7-year-old son

loved the whole exhibit.

Yeah, there is definitely something behind me . . . I thought that the Extreme Dinosaurs

exhibit was fantastic. I really loved the giant animatronic dinos and the option to

make them move and find out facts about them. The low lights and the foliage made me

feel like I was back in time when the earth was wild and the dinos ruled.

While you're there checking out the dinosaurs, you'll also want to catch the Hands-On

Harley Davidson exhibit too. Grace LOVED this exhibit. With the option to "ride" a

Harley on the highway and the ramps with balls to test acceleration and friction, she

was in heaven. The big kids enjoyed "shopping" at the Harley Davidson store and 

donning some biker leather and getting the feel of what it might be like to be a biker.

They are both really fun exhibits that you'll want to catch during these last few weeks of

summer before they ride off into the sunset (or extinction) on September 5th. 

While you're at the Discovery Cube, why not become a member? It gets you admission

to the museum for a year ($99) or two years for $124 AND it comes with so many

reciprocal benefits to other museums across the country. And do I even need to

mention the perks that let you get discount tickets to BUBBLEFEST!

TOO Cute Tuesday: Linky Par-Tay! #297

Although I love to sew and trying to do 1-2 sewing projects a month,

I haven't attempted to make a quilt since before my oldest was born. I

made a purple quilt before I knew he was a boy and then had used up all my

newly acquired sewing skills and stamina on that quilt project, that I never

tried to make another one. So I'm so excited to find so many cute

Halloween fabrics from the Fat Quarter Shop and the half hexie ruler

and I'm going to start on a new adventure in quilting!

Now onto TOO Cute Tuesday!

What did you make this week that is TOO Cute??

Come link up!

Rules:

• Must be made by you.
• Link up to the specific post - not your main blog.
• No Etsy shops or giveaways please :)
• Please post the button or link back here so more people can join in the fun.
• Visit some of the other participants and leave them some LOVE!

TOO Cute Tuesday will be open Tuesday-Saturday.
On Saturday or Monday I'll highlight some of my favorites
and then we'll start over on Tuesday!


<a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/search/label/Too%20Cute%20Tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Blog/TooCuteTuesdayNEW.jpg" /></a>

This post brought to you by:


 
I changed the linky party so that the most recently uploaded project will show up as number one. This way everyone gets a chance on top. So, look in the first spot for your project, not at the end. Thanks!!!