***CLOSED-Giveaway-Comicpalooza #HoustonNerdsUnite

***Disclosure-This is a sponsored post through Hello Houston Media.  I will receive tickets to attend event.  Any opinions stated are my own.

This year's Comicpalooza 2014 has expanded to four days! 

Houston Comicpalooza will be here from May 23 – 26, 2014,with over 1,000 hours of programming of all types, including panels, Q&As, workshops, games, concerts, sports matches, demonstrations, performances, and many other things. 

You really can’t miss a day of Comicpalooza!  Wanna win tickets, enter below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comicpalooza Back in Houston

***Disclosure-This is a sponsored post through Hello Houston Media.  Any opinions stated are based on my own experience.

Are you a Comicpalooza fan?  Remember last year I went and told you all about my experience here.  Well Comicpalooza is back in Houston.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Comicpalooza is proud to introduce the Education Track. New to this year’s convention, the Education Track is full of panels, workshops and demonstrations. The offering allows educators and students of all ages a chance to learn and have fun at the same time. Topics include art, writing, film making, animation, science, robots, theater, prop and costume fabrication, voice acting, video game development, with others to be added.

Educational offerings include

• Featured concentrated lineup of How-to and educational panels, workshops, and seminars on Friday, May 23 from 10 am to 2 pm.
• How-to and educational panels, workshops, and seminars will be offered throughout the 4-day weekend,
• Professional seminars for educators and librarians

Classes attending Comicpalooza as a field trip will be eligible for specially discounted passes.

Houston Maker Faire will have a large contingent of makers on hand, with DIY tech, university research projects, and lots of good old fashioned American inventiveness. This will include a 5,000 square foot display of robots, to name just one cool exhibit.

Astronaut Panel

Stan love            

Orbital Debris

Stan Love, Sue Lederer

Space Activism: Educational Outreach Programs

Daniel Lockney, Tristan Moody

Commercial Space Flight

Khaki Rodway, Mike Machula, Faith Vilas

Starship Propulsion

Harold White

A Map to the Stars

The Mystery of Moon Swirls:  Weather on the Moon

Georgia Kramer

Astronaut Training

Dr. Kelly Soich

Space Outposts: The Final Frontier

Daniel Lockney, Georgia Kramer, Annie Wargetz, David Brown

Earth Observations Missions

Jim Wessel

Solar, Lunar Observation Missions

Jim Wessel

It Came from Outer Space!

Daniel Lockney

International Space Station

Tracy Thumm, Ryan Launius

Life in the Universe

Annie Wargetz

Crash Test Dummy: Life on the Inside of a Spacesuit

Dean Eppler

Near Earth Objects

Paul A. Abell

Space Mission Tech

David Brown

Effects of Microgravity on Human Health

John B Charles

For the most up to date information on events, guests, admission prices and schedules, visit www.comicpalooza.com.

Giveaway-Legends of Oz (Houston)

***Disclosure-My family and I will be attending this advance screening for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my own experience.

Are you a fan of the Wizard of Oz, like we are? I even through my daughter a Wizard of Oz birthday party.  Here is a treat for us, fans:

LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN in theaters May 9, 2014

Synopsis: Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return is a 3D-animated musical based on the adventure books by Roger Stanton Baum, the great-grandson of L. Frank Baum. A continuation of one of the world’s most popular and beloved fairy tales, Legends of Oz finds Dorothy (Lea Michele) waking to post-tornado Kansas, only to be whisked back to Oz to try to save her old friends the Scarecrow (Dan Aykroyd), the Lion (Jim Belushi), the Tin Man (Kelsey Grammer) and Glinda (Bernadette Peters) from a devious new villain, the Jester (Martin Short). Wiser the owl (Oliver Platt), Marshal Mallow (Hugh Dancy), China Princess (Megan Hilty) and Tugg the tugboat (Patrick Stewart) join Dorothy on her latest magical journey through the colorful landscape of Oz to restore order and happiness to Emerald City. Set to the tunes of Academy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Bryan Adams, Legends of Oz marks a charming, family-friendly return to the Oz franchise.

Starring: Lea Michele, Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Kelsey Grammer, Oliver Platt, Hugh Dancy, Megan Hilty, Patrick Stewart and Bernadette Peters

Directed By: Daniel St. Pierre and Will Finn

I have a giveaway for one lucky reader available for the Houston advance screening I am attending.

How to enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will receive a family four pack of tickets (guaranteed tickets).  The guaranteed tickets will be held until 30 minutes before start time (by 6:30 pm-Houston).  Tickets will be on hold, but your tickets are not reserved seats.  If the winner does not arrive by 30 minutes prior to start, tickets will be given away to general admit line.

Label Daddy Discount Code

***Disclosure-I am a USFG member.  This is a compensated post.

Do you have any kiddos leaving for summer camp?  A toddler in daycare?  Do you like to label your baby's items?  Have you heard of Label Daddy?

Label Daddy - The number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all the clothing, sports equipment and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep your belongings from getting lost or mixed up with others. 

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive.

 You design your own labels! . . . Pick from many colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Our exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide. 

I love to label all of my daughter's items.  Especially because at daycare you don't want other kid's getting your kid's items.  Coodies, colds, and who knows what else-don't wanna share any of that.  When my son heads to summer camp I label all his items.  In case someone at the camp has a like item, there will be no confusion.  Even school items like supplies, and backpacks can get labeled.  This can help too if your kiddo goes and spends the summer at grandmas and grandpas.  My son and his cousin's are all the same age and wear the same size.  Grandma can separate any clothes that belongs to mine by checking the labels.

If you order labels remember you can save 10% on Label Daddy labels by using the code USFAMILY10 at checkout -  http://www.usfamily10.labeldaddy.com

The Hurricane Golf Tour Discount

***Disclosure-I am a USFG member and this is a compensated post.

The Hurricane Tour is comprised of four components: the Junior Tour, the Collegiate Tour, the Amateur Tour, and the Tour Shop (online). Based out of Jacksonville, FL, the Hurricane Tour administers over 150 events all across the country. With three different tours, golfers of any age and skill level are provided an opportunity to play the game.
For a Limited Time, my followers will SAVE 15% on your next Hurricane Event Registration and look good when you save 15% on your next online purchase at the Hurricane Tour Shop. Use promo code blog14 - details here: http://floridaparentsguide.com/coupon.php?regionid=405&bid=11677&lid=15586&dealid=1676

The Hurricane Collegiate Golf Tour (#HCGT) was founded in 2011 and is perfect for college-aged golfers looking to perfect their game this summer in competitive tournaments at great venues. Whether you are a collegiate golfer looking to practice during the off-season, a future college golfer looking to prepare for the upcoming season, or a non-college golfer that wants to compete in first-class events, the HCGT is the tour for you! Membership to the tour is absolutely FREE and provides access to all 28 tournaments this summer in 11 different states. Top 3 finishers at each event will earn prizes. For a complete list of Collegiate Tour tournaments, visit: http://collegiate.hurricanetour.com/Event/EventList.aspx.

The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (#HJGT) was founded in 2008 with the intention of providing junior golfers between the ages of 11-18 an opportunity to play exceptional courses in a competitive environment. The tour's vision is to provide superb hospitality and make every event a memorable one. With play open to both males and females, nearly every junior golfer is eligible to participate on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. Membership for the HJGT is $89.00 and players receive discounted member pricing at each event. Every Hurricane Junior Golf Tour event is ranked by the National Junior Golf Scoreboard (NJGS) and features a chance for players to earn AJGA stars. The top 3 finishers at each event will earn prizes. For a complete list of Junior Tour tournaments, visit: http://hjgt.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/hjgt14/schedule/index.htm.

The Hurricane Amateur Golf Tour (#HAGT) was founded in 2014 with the intention of providing golfers of any age and skill level an opportunity to play exceptional courses in a competitive environment, while raising money to benefit the Hurricane Foundation and other charitable organizations alike. In order to play on the Hurricane Amateur Golf Tour, players must become a member for the low rate of $25. Amateurs (men, women and seniors) will compete in one of 10 flights based on their handicap, gender, and age. Senior Flights are for players that have turned 50 years old by May 17, 2014. Every tournament on the 2014 schedule will have a unique "Major Championship" feel to it. A special feature of the Amateur Tour is the "19th Hole Dinner," where players will have the opportunity to win raffles, giveaways, and silent auctions. The top 3 finishers in every flight will compete for the $2,000 total prize purse regardless of field size at the tournament. The payouts will be in form of gift cards to the Hurricane Tour Shop. For a complete list of Amateur Tour tournaments, visit: http://amateur.hurricanetour.com/Event/EventList.aspx.

Lastly, the online Hurricane Tour Shop was created in 2013 for the purpose of offering golfers of all ages the newest trends in golf apparel, equipment and accessories at PREFERRED PRICING.

SEE OUR MOST RECENT DEALS 
Hurricane Tour - http://floridaparentsguide.com/coupon.php?regionid=405&bid=11677&lid=15586&dealid=1676
Hurricane Tour Shop - http://floridaparentsguide.com/coupon.php?regionid=405&bid=11678&lid=15585&dealid=1675

WEBSITES:
Junior Tour: www.hjgt.org
Collegiate Tour: www.hurricanetour.com
Amateur Tour: www.hurricanetour.com
Tour Shop: www.hurricanetourshop.com

2014 SCHEDULES:
2014 #HJGT Schedule: http://hjgt.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/hjgt14/schedule/index.htm
2014 #HCGT Schedule: http://collegiate.hurricanetour.com/Event/EventList.aspx
2014 #HAGT Schedule: http://amateur.hurricanetour.com/Event/EventList.aspx

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow us on Twitter:
Junior Tour: https://twitter.com/HJGT
Collegiate Tour: https://twitter.com/HCGTGOLF
Amateur Tour: https://twitter.com/HurricaneAMTour
Tour Shop: https://twitter.com/CaneTourShop

Follow us on Instagram: @hurricanejr

Like us on Facebook:
Junior Tour: https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneJuniorGolfTour
Collegiate Tour: https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneCollege
Amateur Tour: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hurricane-Amateur-Golf-Tour/1428485834037506
Tour Shop: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hurricane-Tour-Shop/545348652171159

Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HurricaneJrGolf/videos

Featured videos:
The Hurricane Difference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d52FAsV1MjE
Stonegate Jr. Classic highlight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R92X4WgICQc
Northern Virginia Jr. Open highlight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Iuq6zic0sI

Stay up-to-date and join the #HJGT mailing list: http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1364213-Sz8jqOS0IR

#TideMas-Coachella Trend Recap -See Who Was Spotted!

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Sharing pics from Coachella-

It was a wild weekend one at Coachella & Tide was there to spot the latest trends! Nuvo TV’s newest host, Karli Henriquez, hosted our Tide Style Villa at the Music Lounge on Day 3 of Coachella in Palm Springs. Special guests and celebrities were spotted in our Style Villa chatting about the festival fashion and were gifted the new Tide Plus Collection -- which gives clothes whiter whites, brighter colors, and scent that lasts.  VIPs like actress Edy Ganem, model Karrueche Tran, duo Los Rakas, music mogul Jermaine Dupri, vlogger Dulce Candy, & singer Jessi Malay all made an appearance in their festival fashion to take selfies with our #TideMas mirrors.

According to Karli Henriquez, “The parties brought out the best floral prints, lace dresses and stunning head pieces that definitely made the dessert feel like a three day fashion show.  My ultimate tip for any music lover attending festivals this year is to keep yourself hydrated and your wardrobe fresh. I used Tides’ new Febreze Freshness collection on my clothes after my sand storm filled weekend in Coachella and the fragrance capsules really made my clothes feel and smell brand new. I love it!”

Spotted in the Tide Style Villa – 

I want a blinged out Tide too!  Parties look like lots of fun!!

Travel Tuesday-Oasis in Austin

How romantic can it be to be watching the sunset with your loved one?  Very romantic.  I found the perfect place for my husband and I to have dinner when traveling in Austin.

We almost did not make it in time to catch the sun set at Lake Travis.  But my hubby made got us there just in time.  The Oasis is located on top of a cliff that overlooks Lake Travis in Austin, Texas.

This place is awesome.  You can take the elevator or stairs to the top and enjoy the view of the lake while waiting to be sitted.  We checked in at the front and hung out listen to the live music.  Yes, live music.

 The band was awesome.  They have different groups and the schedule is online.  I called ahead and checked if reserved seated was needed-nope.  They did recommend we get there early to get a good spot.  I recommend if you want to be entertained seat where the band is playing-top floor.  Live music, dancing, and good food...yeah the food is good!

They have something for everybody.  The chicken fireballs appetizer is so yummy to share and the perfect size, so you won't get too full and not want to eat the main course.

Can't wait to go back!

Motivational Monday-Moms' Night Out

***Disclosure-Thanks to a special invitation from MomSelect, I got invited to an advance screening of the movie.  Any and all opinions stated are my own based on my own experience.

Is this you?  I so needed to watch this movie.  For a moment I wondered if they had been secretly filming me as research for this movie because I could so relate.  I am one of those mamis that has everything under control and even if I don't you could not tell because I give out the illusion that everything IS OK.  More and more, I am learning this is a serious mami problem.  I can't control everything.  Just this past week, this is how my schedule looked:

allergic reactions, broken pinky, ear infection, surgery, knee specialist appointments, stress test appointment

Yes, you saw that right.  Stress test appoinment.  I scheduled an appointment with my doctor because I think I am about to have a melt down.  Turns out I am!  Are you about to have a melt down moment yourself?

Like I said, I needed this break.  This moment not only was a way of me to get out of the house for a couple of hours and relax but it made me laugh, cry, and have ah ha moments.  It even had a wonderful message that I needed to hear.  I so recommend this movie for all mamis out there.  Take a break, schedule a mamis night out, and let it all work it self out on its own.

MOMS’ NIGHT OUT is an endearing, true-to-life family comedy that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting.

Description

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms' night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a paper bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for three hours—what could go wrong?  http://momsnightoutmovie.com/

Coming to theaters on May 9, get ready to see YOUR life on the big screen. But don't worry … it's a comedy!

Want to win a trip to the Hollywood premiere?  For more information, click here.

Maleficent-Are you Ready

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

I am getting more and more excited.... 

"Maleficent" explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty" and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever. 

   

The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with Angelina Jolie, Michael Vieira, Don Hahn, Palak Patel, Matt Smith and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in U.S. theaters on May 30, 2014.

Disneynature’s BEARS Activity Sheets

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears” showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food—ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run—while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf. “Bears” captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska!  

Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Earth,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee”) and Keith Scholey (“African Cats”), and narrated by John C. Reilly, “Bears” arrives in theaters April 18, 2014, to celebrate Earth Day.

Like Disneynature on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Disneynature

Follow Disneynature on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Disneynature

Visit the website: http://nature.disney.com/bears?cmp=wdsmp_dnt_bear_url_dcombears

Giveaway-good2grow #BzzAgent #GotItFree

Thanks to BzzAgent I received a good2grow bzz kit which included:

• good2grow™ natural 100% Apple Juice singe serve bottle with reusable SippaTop™ character topper
• good2grow™ Strawberry Kiwi V-blend refill 6-pack
• 2 additional SippaTop™ cap bottle toppers
• Pass along coupons for my friends to save a dollar when they buy a bottle of good2grow™
• Pass along coupons for a free good2grow™ refill pack with the purchase of a single serve bottle

My daughter loved the SippaTops.  She could not pick a favorite.  She kept wanting to switch out SippaTops.  These were perfect for my on the go toddler. 

Want to know how you can have a chance to win good2grow™ giveaway! 

Enter the good2grow™ giveaway and you could throw a party full of good2grow™ juices, featuring SippaTop™ caps in the theme of your choice (Princesses, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Superheroes and more), plus $500 cash! This giveaway is EXCLUSIVELY for BzzAgents like me.  I can share this with my readers and you and I can both be winners.

 Every winner wins a prize for themselves AND for whoever referred them to enter the contest! So enter and tell them Alba Garza-Independentmami referred you!  Just for entering you’ll receive a special BOGO coupon. Join the contest now!

Rio 2 Movie Review

***Disclosure-My family was invited to an advanced screening any and all opinions stated are based on our own experience.

It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in RIO 2, after they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all – his father-in-law. All our favorite RIO characters are back, and they’re joined by Oscar® nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy® winner Bruno Mars, Tony® winner Kristin Chenoweth and Oscar/Emmy®/Tony winner Rita Moreno. RIO 2 also features new Brazilian artists and original music by Janelle Monae and Wondaland.

Did you watch the first Rio movie?

Well you will want to watch Rio 2, and if you have not watch Rio-you need to.  The birds are back and now the story continues.  This movie is so much fun to watch.  The songs are great.  We all loved the movie.  My daughter loved the birds.  We recommend this movie for all families to enjoy.  The movie opens today, perfect for a night at the movies.   

Join the party and go on an amazon adventure this weekend!

Travel Thursday-American Tourister #Disneyside

Thanks to MomSelect and Disney Parks, I was selected to host a Disney Side Celebration.  And what a celebration we had, did you our party?

  Celebracion de Nuestro Lado Disney Did you watch my reveal kit video?  In case you missed it:

Did you see the American Tourister luggage that the entire kit came in?

• Reinforced corners defend against the harshest travel conditions.
• Multiple exterior and interior pockets keep you well organized.
• Push button locking handle.
• Four multi-directional spinner wheels for easy mobility.
• Weight: 6.8 lbs.

We have been planning for our Disney trip but one thing we had not thought about was the luggage for our trip.  The old luggage I had did not have all these pockets, and did not go everywhere I went.  I love the way this luggage skates through the airport, especially when you are running late to your flight.  It fit perfect in the overhead bin.  I fit all my clothes, shoes, boots, and souvenirs too.  I just went online to visit their americantourister.com and fell in love with the American Tourister Colora 20" Spinner in Lime.  That color just pops. I also like the American Tourister Color Your World 21" Spinners that come in 3 different colors.  I really like the Teal Wave.  

There is a SALE tab in case you are on a budget, and free shipping right now on orders over $99.

McDonald's Houston Children's Festival

Did you attend the Houston Children's Festival?  I did.  Thanks to my complimentary tickets my family and I attended the festival.  This year's festival was sponsored by McDonald's!  And what a sponsor they were.

The weather was perfect in Houston.  We headed out as a family with our teen and toddler.  There was so much to do.  My favorite zone was the McDonald's area where there was free samples of apple slices for the kids, drink samples, and even changes for you to win gift cards or free food coupons.  The entire family could participate to win.  The characters and even Ronald McDonald was out making appearances and taking pictures.  But those were not the only characters, you did not have to be at the stage to meet and greet them-they were all over having fun too.

We did not even have to worry about things not being toddler friendly because there was a toddler zone.  This was our favorite area and our toddler loved all the fun.

In the toddler zone, there was free bubbles, tattoos, face painting, balloons, and so much more.  We had so much fun at this year's festival and know we will be back next year!

Travel Thursday-Seaworld's 50th Celebration

I do not think I have had the chance to share with you the wonderful news that I will continue to be a

If you remember my adventures last year, we got to do so many fun things as a family:

-Stingray Encounter
-Met Franklin and had an awesome time at the Just for Kids Celebration
-Polar Plunged for Special Olympics
-Snow, Snow globe, Dinner with Santa....so much fun

This year sure will bring many more adventures for our entire family to enjoy.  All the fun has already started as Seaworld has opened it's doors and is celebrating 50 years!

The party and celebration was so much fun.  But it did not end this day.  The party will continue all year long.  You too can come and party.  Look for the Surprise Squad, they will be delivering an experience everywhere they turn up, including all sorts of surprises and prizes.

As part of the 50th Celebration, there will be more animal encounters, from the fun and frivolity of flamingo parades to the grace and nobility of the magnificent eagle.

For the 50th Celebration, they wanted to highlight the importance of our oceans and so with the help of the non-profit artisan group Washed Ashore, a collection of larger-than-life sea-themed sculptures – many weighing more than half a ton – have been created out of debris that was found washed up onto shores.

 Find out more at SeaWorldCares.com.

This is the schedule for this year:

 Also find out about the 50 trips Seaworld is giving away as part of their 50th celebration, click here.

Check out all the Seaworld Wildsiders.