Showing posts with label US Family Guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Family Guide. Show all posts

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Jurassic Quest is Coming to Town! (Discount Included!)

My 6 year old LOVES dinosaurs. I'm not sure if it has something to do with Chris Pratt, but the Jurassic movies are top on her list. She'd take those over Disney princess movies any day. So, of course, I was thrilled when I saw this new promotion through U. S. Family Guide. They are working with Jurassic Quest to promote the show that may just be coming to your town! 

There is quite the lineup already for the locations available. They even have shows in Canada! Texas has Abilene on March 3-5. I can imagine that my youngest will be wearing her new Chris Pratt shirt if we are able to make it. She will enjoy seeing the animatronic dinosaurs that rule the show there! As I'm typing this, I have her running around talking about riding dinosaurs, digging up fossils and watching the "live" dinosaurs! This is perhaps the closest thing to her going to a real Jurassic World. 

FAQ's

I like to plan out trips like this as much as possible in advance. So the FAQ section is typically my go-to. I'm happy to say I got a lot of helpful knowledge from doing so. 

First off - children under 2 are free, however will need activity tickets to participate in some of the events inside. Kids tickets are for 2-10 year olds. 

Tickets can be purchased at the door. It will cost you the same online as in person. However, subject to availability. They have safety restrictions on how many may be allowed to enter at once. Ticket prices are $19 - $36.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons - evenings are the least busy. I think this is one of the most helpful things for us. We aren't big on large crowds. 

Wear socks! Unless you want to purchase socks there. The inflatables and soft play areas require socks. 

My teen boys are going to be a bit bored. This is mostly geared for 2-10 year olds. Especially the rides and activities. 

Check ahead about parking! Since they are using venues from third parties, you could have to pay parking. Once you figure out where the venue is for your town, you can contact them to find out if you need money for parking.

Bring your cameras! And share your rawr-some moments with them! @jurassicquest #jurassicquest  I know I plan to do this. After all, my little one will be losing her mind from the fun. 

Cash and cards are accepted. They have activity tickets as well as souvenirs.  

And the most important for our family - food! Seems like food options and rules are run by the venue. Jurassic Quest does not provide food. So check out what your venue allows. Being that the event is usually about 2 hours to get through the whole thing, you might not even plan to eat there. Just plan your trip around meal times. 

Activities include....

Dino rides! These are just for kids. There are stationary dinosaurs that walk in place as well as those that walk slowly forward.  

Bounce houses! My little one tends to be afraid of these. Not really sure why, but she's afraid of others bouncing her. So we might not even bother with them. 

Dino crafts! You can do a quick craft to create your own dinosaur. My daughters might enjoy this. Looks like paper crafts. 

Dig for fossils! My little one recently learned to say paleontologist. As well as what that is. And she is excited to dig up dinos.  

Meet the baby dinos! When I was telling my kids that we might go to Jurassic Quest, they wanted to know what kinds of things were included. My oldest 3 were meh about it. But the youngest has been squealing about the possibilities since. Meeting baby dinosaurs has to be on the list or she won't be satisfied. If she could have her own baby dino, she would. That and a unicorn....

While you are walking around, look out for the walking dinosaurs! They are playful and like to run and walk around the guests. So be ready and snap a cool pic while you are at it! 

Lastly, discover the ancient oceans! I'm a skeptic on this front. Then again, dinosaurs trigger my skepticism too. However, it could still be a lot of fun to see the ancient ocean creatures moving around.  

Want to go and save money?

I can't wait to possibly make the trip! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Is anyone you know a dinosaur fan? Would you enjoy taking your family somewhere like this? Let me know all about it!  

Don't forget to use this code at checkout to save 20%! 

My readers get an exclusive offer of 20% off by using the code USFAM at checkout!  Get your tickets before they go extinct! https://www.jurassicquest.com/
 

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Reading Kingdom is Helping My 6 Year Old in Our Homeschool

Teaching my children to read wasn't working very well the first time I tried homeschooling. I'm just not as good teaching the basics as I am in continuing the lessons that follow. However, I am no longer floundering in this! I am currently using Reading Kingdom to help my 5 year old in learning to read. And she loves it! 

*Disclaimer: I was offered the chance to try out their program in exchange for sharing my honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed for this review.*

My daughter loves to read, or rather to be read to. But she wants to read her books, by herself. Whenever and wherever. I have taught her the letters, in both reading and writing them. So she had better understanding in the concepts taught by Reading Kingdom. 

How does it work? 

First, there is an assessment. As a parent who has been described as a helicopter mom, you need to remember that it is important for the program to know where your child ranks on the reading ladder. This assessment will tweak the lessons to start them where they need to be. Start too easy, kids get bored. Start too hard, kids get frustrated and give up. 

Your child needs to do 2 lessons a day, for at least 4 days a week for the best results. And these are online. My daughter hasn't had much tech time. I do that on purpose. But this is not only helping her learn to read and spell words, but also to learn how to work a keyboard and mouse. I know most kids are born with a tablet these days, but she wasn't. So it took some getting used to on her part. 

The lessons will then walk the child through reading steps. Letters that are put together in words, how to recognize words that are missing letters, and how to fill in blanks to create the word.  

Where there difficulties in using the program?

For me, remembering to sign her on the laptop was the tricky part. Thankfully, she enjoys it so much, she reminds me! 

The lessons are pretty easy to follow along with. The instructions are sometimes confusing. She has had issues knowing how to click the letters and not have it come as the wrong answer. 

It did take some getting used to. However, the program was very well thought out.  

Good for many kids!

Whether you are a homeschool Mom needing help to get your kid started in reading, or just want your young one to get a headstart, it can be used either way.  It can stand alone as a reading guide. Or it can supplement a child who is learning off-screen. 

Options

You can sign up for a free trial to see if this is something that will work for you child(ren). Or you can purchase the subscription to it. They have two options. Monthly is about $20 or you can get the year plan for $200. That is the first child. If you have multiple, each one after that is half off the original pricing. 

So check them out and let me know what you think! 

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Scarborough is Gearing Up For Their Second Weekend of This Season

They opened up last weekend with a lot of great adventure to be had. This weekend, they will showcase their artisans. These talented folks make their living by creating unique designs to be sold at fairs and festivals all year long. We picked up several things with them last year, including my husbands favorite cup. This was by Wondrous Works in Wood. We were hoping to get me one this year. For his, he also got the added lid and belt loop so he can carry it around with him.

They are also having an Easter celebration! Plenty of fun for all to be had. 

What does the Artisan Showcase mean? 

Besides giving you a fun way to shop, if you get $350 or more in receipts (not including food), you can then get 2 tickets to return to their fair on another day! Originally, we had hoped to do that last year since this was the weekend we had gone. However, things didn't line up that way and I gave my tickets to a friend to use. 

In addition to that, you can vote for your favorite artisans and be entered towards winning a gift basket filled with artisan goodies! You can do that at this link here: https://www.srfestival.com/artisans-weekend/

Here is where you can read the information I get from their Director of Marketing & Communications, Helaine Thompson. 

This weekend only, you can shop ‘til you drop and get two free 2022 single day tickets to Scarborough Renaissance Festival® valid any day of the 2022 Festival season when you bring $350 worth of receipts (for items purchased this weekend only) from the Festival shoppes to the redemption tents outside the main gates between 12:00 noon and 8:00 pm each day.

Plus, now through April 19th patrons can participate in Scarborough’s virtual best in show contest at www.srfestival.com/artisans-weekend where they can vote for their favorite Artisan/Shoppe and have the chance to win a basket filled with treasures from the Scarborough Artisans. 

Guest Artisans this weekend are Bird Marie’s Pottery and Spirit Song Ocarinas. Make sure to check out the seventeen new 2022 Artisans as well!

Scarborough Renaissance Festival® is proud to host one of the largest outdoor juried craft shows in the country with some of the most unique handmade treasures and works of art found anywhere in North Texas. In the hundreds of Festival shoppes you will discover handblown glass and pottery, hand dipped candles, soaps, and bath products, along with hats, leather goods, apparel, footwear and even fairy wings. There’s jewelry, bronze and stone sculptures, and hand forged cutlery, knives, and swords; as well as wooden mugs, boxes and carvings, home goods (or as they call it castle adornments), games and toys, and so much more!

Throughout each Festival day, you can also experience many of the Artisans demonstrating age-old crafts such as glass blowing, leatherworks, candle carving, glass sculpting, metalworks, hammock weaving, stone carving, jewelry making, and woodworking just to name a few.

April 16th & 17th there will be special Easter celebrations as well. All weekend, children can participate in the Easter Scavenger Hunt throughout the Festival to win a free Ice Cream cup. Scavenger Hunt maps will be available at the Exit Gate. On Easter Sunday, April 17th, visitors can participate in the beautiful Renaissance Easter service at 12:00 noon at the Crown Meadow Stage. 
 
Another important announcement would be the following: 
This weekend’s limited engagement performers are The Accidental Acrobats, Emrys Fleet’s the Big Rat Show, and Zilch the Tory Steller. The full schedule of non-stop entertainment and list of shoppes can be found at www.SRFestival.com.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Printique Canvas Review and How to Beautify Your Home With Them

I love having things hanging on the wall. From posters, to beautiful landscapes to prints of our family. But not all companies that provide these things are equal. 

*Disclaimer: This review was in thanks to Printique for the free 8x10 canvas print. All opinions are strictly my own, however, and were not otherwise paid for or endorsed.*

I have been introduced to a brand that I have fallen in love with - Printique. I met them through my association with US Family Guide. And I have added to the aesthetics of our home with their help. 

Printique offers high quality prints that come in a great variety. I have ordered this one from their canvas prints. This canvas that featured one of my favorite parts of our trip to Israel will hang proudly once we are moved. It displays my husband and I standing before a waterfall in En Gedi, Israel. I wanted a prominent display of this treasured memory. So I ordered it from Printique! 

I was not disappointed. It came on a wrapped canvas. I prefer to have the photo wrap around the edges, however, there are 3 options to choose from in the styles you can use.

It is wrapped on a sturdy wooden frame. And best yet, it comes with the accessories needed to hang it already attached and ready to use.

They include an instruction card to keep you on the right track.

I am also impressed with the care they put into making sure that the mail carriers don't damage it during the shipping process. I have had many packages come in crushed from the US Postal Service workers, but not the one from Printique.

Want to get your own? 

They want to entice you even further (as if my review isn't enough *wink wink*). So they are offering you a discount! 

When moments matter, print them. Printique is an online photo boutique that specializes in printing memories on photo books, prints and wall decor. Take the time to print your life for you and your little ones. Save 15% on your first order with code: WELCOME15

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Take a Step Back In Time With Us!

I love Renaissance Fairs, don't you? Festivals that take us back in time. There are themed weekends to celebrate various aspects. Which is one of the reasons I LOVE going to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas. We have been once before and are hoping to make it again this year. Best of all, you can too! Check out the following to get the info you need to plan out your trip. Let me know if you will be there. I'd love to meet other enthusiasts when we go. My husband can't wait to have another of their famous turkey legs! I'm planning out my cosplay. Let's make this year a fun one! 

The 41st Annual Scarborough Renaissance Festival is interactive fun for the whole family, 16th Century style! Here you will step back in time for the time of your life as you discover our 35-acre re-creation of an English village celebrating the visit of King Henry VIII's sister, Margaret Queen of Scotland and the Isles, and her guests to the "Village of Scarborough" with a festival of entertainment, artisans, food, magic and merriment!

Enjoy full combat jousting and birds of prey exhibitions; a Mermaid Lagoon, 20+ stages of non-stop Renaissance style entertainment and our 100+ member performing company. Discover hundreds of shoppes featuring exquisite crafts and authentic artisan demonstrations. There is something for everyone with Knighting Ceremonies, combat competitions, a Grande Parade, Renaissance rides, games of skill and so much more.

Feast on food fit for a king with our famous giant roasted Turkey Legs and the largest food-on-a-stick selection in Texas plus delectable favorites from the Village Bakery, Pasta Palace, and more! There is also a full-service restaurant and 12 pubs & taverns. For the more discerning palates there are daily wine and beer tasting events as well.

Just 30 minutes south of Downtown Dallas, Scarborough Renaissance Festival is open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Mondays April 9 - May 30, 2022. Each weekend also has a different theme and a variety of special events. Check out all the details at www.SRFestival.com

Kids 4 and under are ALWAYS free!

Need more information? Check out my last visits' review. So much fun that one day isn't enough! Read about it HERE.  

Sunday, November 14, 2021

The Things I have Learned About Oral Hygeine and Microbiome Rejuvenation Therapy

Dental health is a big deal for me. After all, my mom paid good money on braces (headgear included) during my teen years! I don't want to get dentures for as long as I can hold them off. However, I'm not always up to date on the latest studies. That is why I was completely clueless about what a dental probiotic was. Which is why I was glad to partner with Smile Brilliant again to try out more of their dental products. They have a wide array to choose from. Each one, they back with science to ensure you are getting the best care. For this review, I'll be showing you their dental probiotics. 

I had heard of probiotics before in relation to dietary health. Mostly for gut health. I had never considered the possibility that it might do something good for my dental health as well. I've been doing some reading up on it, and I would have to say that it is best if I just share their layman's term explanation. 

Dental Probiotics & Microbiome Rejuvenation Therapy:

Smile Brilliant's line of cariPRO oral care products are custom-formulated with the latest science and clinical research to support the oral microbiome. Our mission is to improve oral care through real science and innovation.
In addition to offering preventive solutions that maintain health, we are now looking for ways to proactively improve oral health. Like other medical probiotics, such as those for the stomach or skin, dental probiotics shift the balance of the existing bacterial composition (microbiome) toward an increased population of "good bacteria", improving the overall health & fortitude of the area. This is the process of "Microbiome Rejuvenation Therapy".
This proliferation of good bacteria supports dental health in many ways: studies have shown that they reduce plaque, cavities, gum inflammation & the causes of bad breath compared to simply brushing & flossing normally. Oral probiotics also promote microbiome rejuvenation in the surrounding areas (ear, nose & throat) to reduce incidences of ear & sinus infections in particular.
What is a dental probiotic?

It's a chewable tablet containing concentrated amounts of healthy bacteria that can be taken once daily (after brushing, before bed) to support oral and sinus health. For more information on the entire line up of Dental Health products please visit https://www.smilebrilliant.com/#usfamilyguide.

Other things to take into consideration, are the many benefits they have found that come with changing the microbiome:

Easier dental visits - healthier teeth & gum require less dental care

It is the first line of defense for immune support during the cold and flue season

A healthy microbiome - it does not produce the gases we associate with bad breath

Fewer ear infections in children

It is an easy way to support your existing health routine - improved oral health is linked to better overall health. 

Improved gum health

Yearly or seasonal sinus infections caused by allergies or weather changes

This supplement is meant to be affordable, while fortifying long-term oral health beyond (or even without) proper dental care

Helps to keep you with fewer cavities

What are my personal thoughts? 

I loved that they are not chalky in taste. Easy to take after my normal brushing-before-bed routine. I've noticed that they definitely help with what I call my 'dragon breath' in the morning. It is decidedly less strong. Something I appreciate when I wake up next to the love of my life! 

Now to save some money!

Want to invest in you and your families' dental health? Get a discount, just for reading my blog! There are two groups of products to choose from:

Adults are here

Children's are here

Being a blogger with the US Family Guide, means that I can offer some great discounts! This time, you can enjoy 25% off any supply of Dental Probiotics by using the code usfg25 at checkout!

Let me know what you think in the comments below. Do you think this is as beneficial as my post suggests? Why would you be drawn to use it?

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Men's Grooming Gift Ideas!

Christmas is around the corner. And with that, comes the stress of shopping. For me, shopping for men can be the most difficult. But fear not! I have some ideas I think you will like. Check them out and let me know what you think! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for writing the review and sharing it with you guys. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own or my husbands.*

Now that you have seen why we love this brand, why don't you look into getting something special for the men in your life? You can save 20% automatically by going to https://www.manscaped.com/gifting. They have quite the variety of products to choose from. 

Like these:

1. The Lawn Mower 4.0 by MANSCAPED
The fourth generation groin and body trimmer features cutting-edge ceramic blades to reduce grooming accidents thanks to their advanced SkinSafe technology.


2. The Weed Whacker by MANSCAPED
Proprietary SkinSafe technology helps reduce nicks, snags, and tugs.

Fits nicely in our bathroom drawers!
Stocking Stuffers by MANSCAPED
1. Refined Cologne by MANSCAPED
A clean and fresh scent designed for the refined gentleman

2. Shears 2.0. by MANSCAPED
Luxury 4-piece nail kit featuring tempered stainless steel tools including:

3. Foot Duster foot deodorant
Say goodbye to stinky foot funk with the Foot Duster deodorant spray

What do you think? Worth a shot? Leave me a comment below! Love hearing from you all! 

Monday, August 30, 2021

Fun Brushing Starts With Plaque Disclosing Tablets!

Ever wonder just how well your children, or even you, are doing at brushing your teeth? Smile Brilliant wants to help!

*Disclaimer: I was sent a box of these to try out and share my personal review on them. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own unless otherwise stated.*

My kids hear from their dentist quite often about proper care of their teeth. We have gone over it, but it doesn't always seem to click with them. Does this sound like something you have to deal with at home? If so, I think you need to look into plaque highlighters.

What are they?

Little tablets that color left behind germs like plaque! They show you what was missed so that kids (and adults too) can learn to better brush and protect their teeth. 

How does it work? 

It is actually pretty simple. Have your kid brush their teeth. You give them one tablet. They chew, while counting to 30. Then they swish everything around and spit out the remainder. Now you can see if they had done such a great job with brushing or not. 

If you see staining like in the pictures, then you know they missed some spots. They can now go back over those spots, brushing and rinsing until no more pink remains.  

This is a great tool for teaching proper brushing. It is one thing to tell them the way, but this allows for them to see actual results! They can start to see where they are missing to develop a better pattern. Or shall I say, a habit. It was quite informative to us! 

Why are they important?

Think of it like this. You want something to last a longer time, you have to put in good maintenance, right? This is a training too that will instill long term brushing habits that will protect their teeth. Could also save you money as a parent in dental hygiene bills. After all, the more they care for their teeth, the less time you are spending with the dentist or work in trying to get through to them!

Where can I get some?

Smile Brilliant has options for children and adults, alike. You can get packs that are based on how many days worth of supply you are wanting. Or what kind of deal fits your price range. There are 30, 60 or 90 day options, ranging from $12-$20. Even better is that you can get 25% off! Go through this LINK to get your discount when you use the code usfg25.

What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear what you think and whether you think would find this product useful. So leave me a comment below! 

Monday, April 19, 2021

Taking a Step Back In Time At the Waxahachie Scarborough Renaissance Festival!

I absolutely love Renaissance festivals! This is my second time going to one. It is hosted in Waxahachie (Texas). Fun for the whole family. My husband and I took the kiddos. You can too! Every weekend through May 31st. The Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a must!

*Disclaimer: I was granted free entry passes to enjoy a day at the festival with my family through my association with US Family Guide. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.*


Each weekend has its own thrills.

Festivals are such a great experience. There is food, music, shows, vendors - everything you need to have a good time.

This one in particular is geared for families. Before going, I like to check out their options. To know ahead of time which things I want to see and do. What don't I want to miss? Each weekend has a theme with specials running. The first weekend, for example, was kids free weekend. The weekend we went, second, was all about shopping! Artisan's Showcase is what they called it. I was worried when I realized I picked our weekend for this one. The themes each come with special activities. And I was thinking we wouldn't enjoy it as much as the others. The Live the Fantasy & Spring Celebration, Celebrating Chivalry, and Legend of the Seas were all ones I'd love to have been a part of. I even appreciate that they have Deaf Day on May 15th! Shows are signed for them. Way to go on exclusivity! But it worked out great. We brought our receipts in and earned 2 free tickets to go back! So excited. We are planning to try to go back for a date. Just us adults. I totally plan to cosplay on this next trip there. Before we even exited the SUV, we could see others in costume heading to the festival. I regretted not wearing my own!

As you will see in the interview I had with the Marketing Director, Helaine, there is something for every person.

No matter when you go. And you can't get through everything in one day. Believe me, we tried! It's impossible.

Some events are pre-scheduled to happen every day of each weekend. You can get the full schedule HERE. My husband would have loved the Historic Weapons Demo. Sadly, we arrived too late the first time we went. I was wanting to see the Fire Whip Show. Totally worth going to! This guy was on fire! Okay, his whips were!

And who doesn't like the Cannon Drill? There are lots of other shows for those who love music too. Next time we want to see the Glassblower show too.

Time for FUN! 

               Jousting is something we have always wanted to see.

We missed out on the Medieval Times show last year, due to the pandemic. So this year, we wanted to see it at the festival. I highly suggest you go and get your place early. Kiddos couldn't see by the time we got there from the heavy crowd around the arena. My daughters wouldn't be able to resist seeing a mermaid in the Mermaid Lagoon.
              Or how about all of them being knighted by Their Majesties!
I was impressed by the Games they had to offer. My husband and I are talking about knife and axe throwing next time we go. My son was fun to watch in the barrel ride.

Food to impress each palate. 

Doesn't matter what kind of food appeals to you. There is such a wonderful variety that each and every person should find something to be delighted by! The kids chose slices of pizza that were well seasoned.

 
My absolute favorite of the day was the peanut butter and chocolate crepe!

         Mmmm it was delicious. The kids loved the caramel apples.

These fruit smoothies were amazing. More like slushies. We tried the strawberry and the Dreamcicle (orange) versions.

My favorite was definitely the orange. My husband modeled off how good they are!

Another thing to try came from the Far East Stir Fry kitchen. This serving runs $6.
And the turkey legs on a stick?? Huge! Although the sausage on a stick was delicious too.

Don't forget to shop!

Finally, you can't leave without getting a souvenir. They have shops and vendors of all kinds. There is something for every age to appreciate. So don't forget to take a memento with you. I grabbed these two pins for my pin collection for just $1 each.

My absolute favorite shop was the Glass Dragon. You want to talk about amazing skills, this guy has them!

You can watch him work, and then purchase pieces that will blow the minds of everyone who sees them. We bought a beautiful glass sword with dragon claw necklace. It comes with a warranty. If it were to get broken, we could bring it back and he will fix it!

We bought a training bow as well. This too comes with a lifetime warranty from it's maker. Before I get any comments - I know I'm not holding it correctly! I simply wanted to show it off and wasn't thinking about form.

My husband says this is the gangsta version of archery...

I saw this and knew we had to get it for my husband. As you can see, he likes to goof around with it!

They have candle makers, word workers, blacksmiths - you name it, they most likely have the artisan to make it there. Check out the tiny pewter treasure chest that is the same size as my Minecraft figures! My little Drowned is the guardian of its secrets.

I appreciate their reactions to pandemic conditions. They have these handwashing stations set up everywhere.

Water fountains have Covid Cautious Cups to use too and they are constantly cleaning the bathrooms. Cleanest public restrooms I've seen in a long while. All the employees we came across, no matter the job, were funny and friendly. I didn't see a single frown anywhere!
If you go, let me know what you like best!