Happy Mother's Day!

Every day you learn something new right? Well today I learned that it's Mother's day in Latin American countries! So, happy mother's day to all you spicy Latinas out there! Haha. Anyways, JAM is in this stage where he's forever making me crafts. My brain almost exploded a little bit the other day when he presented me with a "your the best mom ever" card decorated with the expensive crafting beads I just bought that morning. *sigh* How can you get mad for him attempting to do something nice? Even though he knows better not to touch other peoples things without asking....

Well, he's been hyping up this awesome project he's supposedly concocting for mother's day. I hid everything I didn't want included in his "concoction" by the way haha. I never really get surprises since I'm the one in my family that organizes all events and celebrations so I'm actually excited to receive his little project. Last year I volunteered in his Kindergarten class a lot and I led his class' mother's day project. It was super easy to do with the kids. When I say easy, I mean EASY. I was the only one making this with a class of 26 kiddos while JAM's teacher got some "teacher" work done.

 Clothespin Butterflies

What You'll Need:
* A clothespin
* A long pipe cleaner
* Markers
* A pair of small googly eyes
* A snack-sized sandwich bag that ziplocks (regular sized bags work too)
* 1 or 2 snacks of  your choice

Directions:

1. Have your child color the clothespin with markers. Try to guide them with color choices and overlapping colors so that the clothespin doesn't end up being a black or brown mess of overlapping color.
2. Help your child add the tiny googly eyes to the clothespin on the end where the clothespin pinches or clamps down (NOT the side that you squeeze to open the clothespin).
3. Fill the sandwich bag halfway with the snack(s) of your choice. If your adding two snacks, put one snack on each side of the bag. 
4. If you have two snacks, keep them separated as you ziplock the sandwich bag. Release all the excess air inside as you zip it closed as well.
5. Vertically pinch the sandwich bag in the center and place the clothespin where you are pinching. The sandwich bag full of snacks should now look like the wings of the butterfly.
6. Take the pipe cleaner and have your child fold it into a "v-shape". Take each end of the "V" and have your child twirl it around their finger once or twice and release to give the pipe cleaner spiral ends.
7. Take the tip of the "V" and pinch it with the clothespin.
8. Voilà! A cute butterfly to give to mom!

JAM's teacher found a poem online to pair with the clothespin butterfly. We folded and decorated construction paper to glue the poem into to make it look more presentable. 

The craft was a hit in JAM's class! So much that we had to make another one just for the kids to enjoy during snack time so they wouldn't eat mom's. I'd say that only tedious part was the googly eyes. Those suckers had sticker backs and the backing refused to peel off! It didn't help that they were so small either and I had acrylic nails on so I had no way to pick off the sticker well. Besides that, we were good to go! We let the kids choose between filling the sandwich bags with cheez-its, fruit snacks, or fruit loops. You can fill it with some of mom's favorite snacks but these snack choices were the easiest for their nut-free school. Hopefully you can just redirect dad to this post so you don't have to help the kid's make it. It is a gift for YOU after all. Well, again, Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely superwomen out there. We don't always get the credit or recognition we deserve, but that's not why we do the things we do. Not many people can say that they'll cook, clean, referee, drive, teach, or look after children for free or get paid with love and backlash. We're a special group of people that I feel make the world go round. If you're like me, I'm sure you won't have your feet up 100% of the time on Mother's day, but I hope you get a little TLC on your day. You deserve it!

What are your Mother's Day plans?

Easter and Lent

Another holiday has passed for 2013 and it was short and sweet. Since JAM is the only child he usually gets loads of goodies and this Easter wasn't any different. He got an Easter basket from Mommy & Daddy as well as Grandma & Grandpa. By the way, every year my mom gives me money to buy his Easter basket since it's easier than mailing one. Man! It gave me a glimpse of what it would be like to buy an Easter basket for two kids since I bought two complete Easter baskets. Yeaaaa I think we're waiting on trying for kid #2 haha. Anyways, I hid Easter eggs around my apartment overnight and it was so funny because he woke up before me. He wakes me up and says, "Umm, mom, why are there Easter eggs around the house?" I told him to give me a minute to wake up and he can start hunting. His face lit up and all the fun began.

Baskets full of goodies!

50 eggs all to himself :)

As far as my personal Lenten journey, it was definitely an interesting one. I gave up a few different things during lent, but my two major ones were texting and social media (with the exception of my blog and school work). I honestly didn't think it was going to be a big deal, but in a way it ended up being a little harder than I expected. I usually coordinate many family events and this year isn't any different. I got information about two events to coordinate and I thought "OK, no problem". Well, problem. I easily used to Facebook or text people for their contact information and due to the Lenten season that wasn't a viable option. You see, I'm the type of person who likes checklists. Once I got word of an event I immediately started brainstorming ideas and wanted to get in touch with certain contacts and guests, but I was limited. I couldn't check things off on my list so I started getting restless haha. I think it wouldn't have been so bad if I gave up one or the other, but since I gave up both I had my hands tied. Needless to say, come Easter I wasn't just busy with the holiday weekend. I was a mad women sending out emails, texts, and Facebook messages to complete major parts of my checklist. An annoying part of my personality, I know, but I'm just happy I could clear "to-do" space in my head haha.

The lovely cross I made on Palm Sunday

You know though, it was also interesting to see other people's reactions to my 40 day sacrifice. Family and friends were getting frustrated with me because I wasn't on Facebook or couldn't text. I actually lost a lot of contact with people who I could talk to text or Facebook for hours, but they either weren't comfortable to actually call or they couldn't hold a decent, non-awkward conversation. It showed me that there are a lot of people I associate with that can't think outside of 140 character thoughts. People still had the option to call, visit, or write me a letter, but they acted like it was such an inconvenience or the end of the world that they couldn't text me or communicate through Facebook or other social media outlets. It was even crazier to wake up on Easter and see the 50+ text messages I received from people or the 100+ social media messages and notifications I had. People were messaging me and telling me how they were relieved that I could text again and I have to tell you this, this, and this. Umm, you could have called or visited. You didn't have to wait 40 days to share all these thoughts silly. Eh, I guess it showed me that it's good to unplug once in awhile and have actual face-to-face communication. Luckily this period got me closer with my extended family as well. Instead of just always communicating through text, we have great conversations via Skype or had heartfelt conversations over the phone. It's hard sometimes to have most of my family back home in Chicago, but reconnecting like this was great. This unplugging period also showed me that I need to log more of my inner circle's contact information instead of just depending on social media to get their information. People post so much of their life and personal information on social media that I never had to personally ask for it. I guess this break period showed me that I should still keep my address book and update it once in awhile. Moral of the story, technology is convenient, but it's not everything. Unplug once in awhile. It gives you personal time to focus on yourself and get things done instead of unconsciously trying to stay on the up and up.

How was your Easter or holiday weekend?

Thanksgiving 2012

PHEW! Man, what a week! I promise I haven't forgotten about you guys. This week has just been super crazy with the holidays and I'm barely recuperating before it's time to set up for Christmas. My extended family spent Thanksgiving in Chicago this year so it was just Mahal, JAM, and I. It was our first Thanksgiving with just us in our home and it was quite nice! Mahal cooked a bunch of traditional Puerto Rican food for our Thanksgiving brunch, then we relaxed a bit until it was time to go Black Friday (or should I say Thursday) shopping.

Puerto Rican Pernil, Puerto Rican Rice, and Potato Salad. Yum!

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and reflecting on all the things you have and are grateful for. I want to thank God for keeping my family safe, happy and healthy. Every time we felt lost or stuck in a corner, he always came through for us and I thank him every day that we have our health, a roof over our head, clothes on our back and yummy food in our belly. I also want to thank Mahal for being the amazing man that he is. He works hard for our son and I even when he's sick or physically hurting from his job. He's there when I need him most, he always know how to make me smile, and he makes me feel beautiful every day. I'm also thankful for JAM. While he was still in the womb the doctor told us that he could of had brain issues and possible retardation. He was a preemie at 5 lbs. 4 oz. and even lost another pound while recuperating from the jaundice. Today at 6 years old, he's the top of his class and I couldn't be prouder of my little man. He may be a pain in my butt sometimes but he's so loving and caring. People always have nothing but great things to say about him and I love watching him grow (even though sometimes I wish he'd slow down hehe). I'm thankful for my ginormous extended family! We can be dysfunctional at times, but I love my crazy family. God has blessed up with MANY new and upcoming editions to our family and I can't wait to meet them all! I'm also thankful for my friends old and new. I'd be lost without you all. You guys always push me to be my best and are always a phone call away at any time of day. Last but not least, I'm thankful for my Chitown and All Around readers! I started this blog at the beginning of the year without a clue of how to do it. it's all still a learning process, but I love hearing all your thoughts and feedback. We're quickly approaching 10,000 views from all around the world and that's all thanks to you! Even if I helped out 1 reader out there, I know all of this was worth it. Thanks for always tuning in and commenting when you can. I love reading them all!

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving this year!

Veteran's Day Meals and Deals

Veteran's Day is tomorrow but we tend to celebrate it the whole weekend. There are over 20 million veterans living in the United States. Tomorrow, we will honor all of those men and women for their patriotism, and their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good of our country. I just want to take the time out to thank all of our military past and present who put their lives on the line and sacrifice so much so that my family can be safe at home. I talk to so many families, wives, and mothers who have someone in the military and I see what they have to go through. I know it's not easy so thank you. To honor and give thanks to our awesome military, there will be TONS of discounts and freebies for all of you! 

Just a few tips before checking out these great deals:

• Pay attention to dates these specials are running. They range from Sunday and/or Monday to all month.
• Call ahead to verify some of these deals. It seems that sometimes it varies from store to store.
• Lastly, don't forget to read the fine print for proof of ID to receive these deals.

{via}

 MEALS:

* Krispy Kreme - proudly honoring all veterans and active duty military with a FREE doughnut and small coffee (Offer valid for guests with proof of military service or those in uniform. Offer valid on 11/11/12. Offer one per guest in-store ONLY).

*Outback Steakhouse - honoring veterans and active military with a FREE bloomin' onion and a beverage on November 11-12, 2012  (Proof of ID required).

*Golden Corral -  Military Appreciation "thank you" dinner on 11/12/12 @ 4pm-9pm for both veteran and active duty military.

*Applebee's - Veterans and active duty military enjoy a FREE Applebee's signature entree for Veteran's Day on Sunday, November 11, 2012 (Proof of service required. Check the site for the special Veteran's day menu).

*Olive Garden - Veterans and active duty military get to enjoy a FREE entree from a select menu of options on 11/11/12 (Proof of ID required. Check the site for special menu options).

*Denny's - Stop by Denny's on Monday, November 12, 2012 and all active, non-active, and retired military personnel can get free all you can eat pancakes from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m (Proof of ID required).

*T.G.I.Fridays - Stop in from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Monday, November 12 for your free Veterans Day lunch (Proof of ID required). 

*Chili's - Visit Chili's on Sunday, November 11, 2012, to get your Veterans Day free meal if you are a veteran or on active military duty. You'll get to choose between these free meals, valid on dine in only:

• OldTimer with Cheese
• Chicken Crispers
• Margarita Chicken
• Classic Turkey Sandwich (Full)
• Lighter Choices Grilled Chicken Salad
• Soup & Salad (this does not include the Bottomless Express Lunch)
• Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla

There's also a reduced cost ($5) for any dessert (Proof of ID Required).

*Texas Roadhouse -  FREE lunch from their special Veteran's day menu. Active, former, or retired military only (Proof of ID required). Valid on Monday, 11/12/12. Dine in only.

*Famous Dave's - Click the link to see what specials they're offering. Veteran's Day specials vary per location.

*Red Robin - Veterans and active duty military can stop in on Monday, November 12 to get a free Red's Tavern Double burger and Bottomless Steak Fries.

*On the Border - On The Border is giving veterans who have proof of military service a free entree certificate valid up to $10. This certificate can be redeemed any time between November 12 and November 30, 2012.

*IHOP - honoring veterans on Monday, November 12 by serving them a free breakfast - a Two x Two x Two which includes two eggs, two pancakes, and your choice of two bacon strips or pork sausage links. You'll also get a cup of coffee to go along with your breakfast (Bring along your military ID to get this Veterans Day free meal. LIMITED PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS SO CALL AHEAD TO VERIFY).

*California Pizza Kitchen - Veterans and active duty military can stop in on Sunday, November 11, 2012 or Monday, November 12, 2012 and you can get a free pizza and non-alcoholic beverage when you dine-in (You'll need come in uniform or bring your military ID or another proof of service).

*Carrabba's - honoring veterans and active military with a FREE appetizer of their choice on November 11-12, 2012 (No purchase necessary. Proof of ID required).

*Little Caesar's - FREE crazy bread for veterans and active duty military (Proof of ID required).

* Great American Cookies - On Sunday, November 11, patrons—either in uniform or carrying their military ID or proof of service—who stop by a Great American Cookies location will receive a free regular cookie of their choice.

*BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse - Offering all veterans and active duty military a complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini or individual pizza on Sunday, November 11th and Monday, November 12th. Simply present proof of service.

*Hooters -  10 FREE boneless wings with drink purchase (Proof of ID required).

*Sweet Tomatoes - Past and present military can receive a FREE meal this Sunday and Monday, November 11 and 12th with the purchase of another regular priced meal.  Just show proof of military service or be in uniform.

{via}

 DEALS:

*Home Depot - The Home Depot offers a year-round, 10 percent discount, up to a $500 maximum, at our U.S. stores to all active duty military personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families. Customers requesting the discount should present a valid military ID. In addition, a 10 percent discount is also offered in recognition of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day at all U.S. Home Depot stores for all other military veterans.

*Lowes - Lowe's established the 10% Military Discount to support the men and women who are currently serving our country in the Armed Services and to honor Retired Veterans and VA Recipients. This 10% discount is also extended to the immediate family of those who are currently serving, Retired Veterans, or VA Recipients.

*Family Dollar - Offering a 10% Veterans Day coupon valid from November 10-12.

*Knott's Berry Farm - The free-admission offer applies to all U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel and their spouse (or one guest.) Up to six additional tickets may be purchased at Knott’s Ticket Booths for only $19 each from November 1-21 and for $25 each November 22 through January 6. Military personnel may also purchase additional tickets at participating local Military ticket office. Veterans, active and retired Military Personnel can also stay at the Knott's Hotel at a discounted rate through January 6, 2013. 

Happy Halloween!

As a kid I remember hopping off the school bus, running upstairs to change into my costume, rushing my 10+ cousins to hurry up and get dressed, then heading out and getting all the candy my heart desired. My neighborhood was FILLED with kids and we used to come home with pillow cases full of candy! Then we all got older and realized that there weren't as many kids trick or treating since we technically were the kids of the neighborhood and we're all in college now. BUT, the best part about having a kid of your own is that you get to experience all these things all over again with your child!

JAM is 6 now so he wants a little more say in what he will be for Halloween. Apparently mom doesn't know what's cool anymore haha. Living in Las Vegas, NV I noticed that Halloween works a little differently here compared to in Chicago. Instead of going trick or treating right after school, the kids go trick or treating once it gets dark, which usually isn't until around 6pm. I remember the first year we moved here, JAM was 3 years old. He was old enough to sort of understand the concept of Halloween so he was really excited to go trick or treating. He's been practicing saying "Trick or Treat" for a couple of weeks now. I picked him up from preschool around 1pm and he was ready to go, but I told him he had to wait a little bit since it was still to early. I said once his older cousins get home from school that we can go. He waited downstairs in his costume sweating his butt off until they came home! We waited for them to get ready and it was about 4 or 4:30pm when we went out to trick or treat. NO ONE WAS ANSWERING! My little man was so bummed. The ones who did answer were surprised to see us and said that they haven't even bought candy yet since they weren't expecting kids this early. Huh? Finally our neighbor across the street answered WITH candy and told us that he's from NYC and he remembered how kids used to trick or treat after school back home too. However, in Vegas kids don't start trick or treating until it's completely dark. Interesting. We reminisced for a bit and then went back home to wait for it to become dark out. He wasn't kidding. The streets went from deserted to FILLED with kids once 6pm hit.

This year JAM decided to be Rafael from TMNT. I'm dressing up as Wonder Woman hehe. I made it a little fun and made a tutu for myself to wear. We're going trick or treating with fellow mamas this year to make it a little more fun while Mahal stays home to hand out candy since I did it last year. I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween this year! Be safe! Wear glow sticks or reflective tape so that cars can see the kiddos. Check their candy. If you're driving, take it a little bit slower today to watch out for trick or treaters. We had a couple deaths last year because kids and drivers weren't being safe in the streets. Especially watch out for drunk drivers as the late night approaches. Sometimes people don't make the same assumptions that us parents do when it comes to safety on Halloween. HAVE FUN TONIGHT and I hope you guys get all the candy your heart desires.

What are you and your kiddos dressing up as for Halloween?

Fouth of July 2012

My family and I LOVE 4th of July! It's one of the highlights of our summer.  Moving to Vegas, our celebration is a little smaller now, but there's so much to do around the Las Vegas area to celebrate. If you want to buy fireworks to set off at your home I'm sure you noticed the TNT Fireworks set up all around the valley. One thing many do not know, however, is that many of these booths are ran by different non-profit groups for fundraising! Most of them have their organization posted on the front of the booth so if you want to support a specific group or organization, buying fireworks from them is a big way to help. You can find a list of locations here.  I couldn't find an official list of which booths are ran by which groups but I found info about some of them:

*Costco shopping center at I-215 and north Decatur Boulevard - The Coon family is raising money for the Myotubular Myopathy Resource Group, a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of families affected by the rare muscle disorder, in memory of their 2 year old son.

*Windmill Lane and Bermuda Road - the Canyon Springs High School basketball team is raising money to try to get new balls, new uniforms, and new traveling uniforms.

*Green Valley Plaza shopping center on the corner of Sunset Road and Green Valley Parkway - the Las Vegas Bulldogs, a local traveling softball team is trying to raise money to cover the team’s travel and equipment expenses.

*Outside the Red Rock Harley-Davidson on Rainbow Boulevard and Sahara Avenue - Kevyn Major Howard , who appeared in the 1987 film "Full Metal Jacket", run this booth with  his nonprofit, Fueled by the Fallen. The money they earn goes to returning veterans and the families of those killed - paying medical bills, helping fight foreclosures and providing scholarships to children left behind.

*Terribles on MLK and Craig - you'll find Southern Nevada Pop Warner Pee Wee Apaches trying to raise money for their football team.

*In the Shell Gas Station parking lot on Ann Road and Tropical - you'll find the Southern Nevada Pop Warner Teams raising money for their teams.

{via}

There are 4th of July celebrations going on TODAY (7/3) and TOMORROW (7/4) all around the valley and the Las Vegas Sun has posted a list that goes on and on!

There are tons of greats specials going on at our local resaurants:

• Baskin Robbins – Buy 1 Oreo ‘N Chocolate Cone, Get 1 Free (exp: 7/6/2012)
• Brio Tuscan Grill – $15 Off 2 Lunch or Dinner Entrees (exp: 7/18/2012)
• Buca Di Beppo – $10 Off $20 Purchase (exp: 7/15/2012)
• Buca Di Beppo – Feed 4 People for $40 (exp: 7/8/2012)
• Caribou Coffee – 2 Medium Drinks for $4 on 7/4 and 50% Off Any Drink from Thursday – Sunday When You Bring Back Your 7/4 Receipt (exp: 7/8/2012)
• Carl’s Jr. – FREE Grilled Cheese Bacon Thickburger When You Come Dressed as Spider-Man on 7/4 (exp: 7/4/2012)
• Chili’s – Free Chips & Queso when you buy 1 Entree (exp: 7/4/2012)
• Cinemark – Free Medium, Fountain Drink or Regular Frozen Drink with Popcorn Purchase (exp: 07/11/2012)
• Cracker Barrel – Free $5 Digital Gift Card When You Sign up to Play Summer Spin n Win (exp: 8/15/2012)
• Del Taco – BOGO Free Macho Beef Burrito (exp: 07/04/2012)
• Denny's – 20% Off Entire Purchase (exp: 7/6/2012)
• Great American Cookie Company – 35¢ Off Any Purchase (exp: 7/15/2012)
• Great American Cookie Company – 6 Free Cookies or $2 Off when you buy a 16″ Cookie Cake (exp: 7/4/2012)
• Hardee’s – FREE Grilled Cheese Bacon Thickburger When You Come Dressed as Spider-Man on 7/4 (exp: 7/4/2012)
• Jack In The Box – Free Mini Cookies when you buy a Chipotle Chicken Club Combo (exp: 7/4/2012)
• Macaroni Grill – Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 Free (exp: 7/4/2012)
• Mimis Cafe – Buy Any Lunch or Dinner Entree, Get 1 Free when you buy 2 Drinks on 7/4 (exp: 7/4/2012)
• Papa Johns – 50% Off Regular Priced Online Order (exp: 7/4/2012)
• Quiznos – Buy 1 Sub & Large Drink, Get 1 Small Sub Free (exp: 7/7/2012)
• Souper Salad – $4.44 Buffet Starting 7/4 (exp: 7/7/2012)
• Starbucks Coffee – FREE Tall Starbucks Coffee on July 4th
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – $2 12 oz. Ice Blended Drinks on 7/4 (Will donate $1 to Operation Homefront with each sale!)

If you're just looking for a parade or a fireworks show to take the family to, here you go:

*18th Annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade: 9 - 11am on July 4th (Public is suggested to arrive around 8am to get a good spot). FREE TO THE PUBLIC

*5 Station Casinos are hosting a firework show after 9pm on July 4th, These casinos include Aliante Station, Green Valley Ranch, Fiesta Rancho, Texas Station, and Red Rock Resort.

*Las Vegas 51s Fireworks Extravaganza: after the 7:05pm game on July 4th.

*Caesar's Palace Fireworks: 9:15pm on July 7th

*64th Annual Boulder City Damboree Celebration: includes a parade, carnival, and entertainment. The parade begins at 9am and fireworks are at 9pm on July 4th. FREE TO THE PUBLIC.

*City of Henderson 4th of July Celebration: 6 - 9:15pm on July 4th. Fireworks show at 9pm. FREE TO THE PUBLIC.
       
*Primm Valley Casino Resorts fireworks display: July 4 at 9:30 p.m. The prime viewing location will be situated behind Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino within the Star of the Desert Arena parking lot.

I hope you guys have a wonderful Independence Day and be safe! God Bless America!!

Deals and Freebies for Dads on Father's Day!!

Here are some fun things to do with the hubby on Father's day especially if you're on a budget!

TCBY - Free Yogurt for Dad’s on June 17, 2012

Denny’s – Send Dad an e-card and receive a coupon for a free Pancake Puppies Sundae with an entree purchase at Denny’s!

Apple Store - Get a free Father’s Day app from the Apple store! It includes information about gifts dads will love things to do with Dad, and fun facts about Father’s Day!

Caribou Coffee - Text DAD to 70626 and receive a mobile B1G1 Free coupon for drinks at Caribou Coffee on Sunday, June 17!

Bath and Body Works - Get a free Men’s Signature Collection item (up to a $12.50 value) at Bath & Body Works with any $10.00 purchase! The offer is valid online and in stores, June 15-17. Go to the Bath & Body Works Facebook page, click on Countdown to summer, and then click on #5 “Father’s Day Exclusive” to print your coupon.

The Zoo - Do something different for Father’s Day this year and head to the zoo! Many zoo locations across the country are offering free admission for dads on Sunday, June 17!

FOR VEGAS LOCALS!
Bodies...The Exhibition at Luxor Las Vegas – they’re teaming up with the American Heart and Stroke Association to offer complimentary blood pressure, body mass index and glucose testing to educate dads about their current state of health. Dads will also receive 20% off admission with a paid admission from 1 to 5 p.m. June 17.

KISS by Monster Mini Golf -  4503 Paradise Road, is offering half-priced miniature golf and a free KISS gift for dads on June 17.

Fogo de Chao - 360 E. Flamingo Road, They will give dads a complimentary lunch or dinner card for a future visit if they dine at Fogo de Chao on Father's Day.

Rhumbar - For $20, guests can choose from a variety of cocktails to go with a cigar blended by Litto Gomez of La Flor Dominicana.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas in The Venetian - free admission for dads Sunday with the purchase of a child ($15.95) or adult ($25.95) general admission ticket. Age restrictions apply.

Happy Father's Day!!

Fathers are Wonderful People
Fathers are wonderful people
Too little understood,
And we do not sing their praises
As often as we should...

For, somehow, Father seems to be
The man who pays the bills,
While Mother binds up little hurts
And nurses all our ills...

And Father struggles daily
To live up to "HIS IMAGE"
As protector and provider
And "hero or the scrimmage"...

And perhaps that is the reason
We sometimes get the notion,
That Fathers are not subject
To the thing we call emotion,

But if you look inside Dad's heart,
Where no one else can see
You'll find he's sentimental
And as "soft" as he can be...

But he's so busy every day
In the grueling race of life,
He leaves the sentimental stuff
To his partner and his wife...

But Fathers are just WONDERFUL
In a million different ways,
And they merit loving compliments
And accolade of praise,

For the only reason Dad aspires
To fortune and success
Is to make the family proud of him
And to bring them happiness...

And like OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,
He's a guardian and a guide,
Someone that we can count on
To be ALWAYS ON OUR SIDE.
Helen Steiner Rice

Thank you Mahal for being the amazing father you are to our son. You work so hard to give us the best in life and for that I am forever grateful. I couldn't have asked for a better father for my children. Today's your day so I hope you enjoy it and get the relax! You definitely deserve it!

Last Minute Father's Day Gift

I usually never post 2 posts in one day, but with father's day coming up tomorrow, I just had to share this great last minute gift idea! I realized that Mahal was spending a good amount of money on razors. His job requires him to maintain a clean cut look so he's tried every disposable razor possible and I even bought him an electric razor last father's day. His skin is fairly sensitive so most razors usually make him break out in acne after he shaves. I stumbled upon the Dollar Shave Club and it's the greatest thing. It's convenient, EXTREMELY affordable, and they supply great razors! Basically you have 3 razor packages to choose from: $1, $6 or $9 package. The more expensive the package the better quality the razor because it offers more blades and other things on the razor. You sign up and set up a bank account or card to charge the payment to each month. The $6 and $9 package includes shipping, but the $1 doesn't so with S&H it's actually $3 (still not bad). Each package includes a handle and you get 5 razors a month for the price. It's that simple!

If you want, start off the same way I did. I signed up Mahal with the $1 razor package to see if he liked the razors and gradually moved him up since he loved the razors so much. Yes, you can move up or down from one package to another with no fees. The same thing goes with cancelling your membership as well. NO FEES! Monthly shipments will ship on either the 7th day of each month, the 17th day of each month, or the 27th day of each month, or on the nearest business day to those dates, should those dates fall on a United States national holiday or weekend. So if you want your razors closer to the beginning of the month, sign up closer to the 7th.

So if you need a last minute father's day gift, and if your hubby is a little on the hairier side like Mahal (I love ya babe haha), I suggest you check out Dollar Shave Club !!