Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 2

Wedding Vacation Day 5 – Clark’s Trading Post

July 12, 2013

Our morning started off with a breakfast of champions – flapjacks! We ate at Flapjack’s Pancake House (actually we ate there a few times!) The food was amazing and I loved the fact they used local maple syrup (“from a tree 10 miles from here” is what the server told us!) and they also use local, cage free eggs! Seriously, amazing stuff is made there!

We almost didn’t stop at Clark’s Trading Post, but at the recommendation of others we did and I’m so glad. We had a blast! Tickets were $19 and included everything! So if you are looking for a good, affordable family trip this is it!! (The only thing not included was the segway tours.)

We started off on the train ride and rode into the Wolf Man’s territory. The story goes that Wolf Man was an old miner who was searching for Unobtainium. He’s been searching for a long time! He was worried that people on the trains were coming to find his precious Unobtainium so he tries to scare off the folks on the train.

The train stops to listen to Wolf Man and you see his home, his mine and his traps. He speeds along side of the train in his car.

On the way back, we are told if you squint one eye and point at him and yell “Scram you old Goat!” it really gets him going. That was all Josh needed to hear! He thought that the Wolf Man was really awesome.

After our train ride we saw the bear show. I’m bummed my photos didn’t come out well! Who knew that bears love ice cream?!? The bears did a great job as they played basketball, rode scooters and did other fun tricks!

Clark’s Trading Post is like a museum! They have a collection of just about everything old and neat. We wandered around looking at all of the neat things making our way over to the water bumper boats. Josh, Andy and I all got in our own boats. Andy and I found out quickly why we were the only adults in boats! It must be some kind of kid code because the second we got in all the kids stopped squirting each other and came after us! I’m not sure if it’s because we sit up higher than the kids do so we are easier to hit or if it was because we had a small army after us but we were more soaked than all the kids combined! We didn’t last long, but Josh stayed in forever! I’m pretty sure he would have stayed all day if we would have let him. (Water Bumper Boats are now on his Christmas list. Thanks Clark’s Trading Post!)

Wedding Vacation Day 1

Wedding Vacation Day 2

Wedding Vacation Day 3

Wedding Vacation Day 4

Wedding Vacation Day 4 – Loon Mountain – And My Proud Mommy Moment

July 11, 2013

One of my favorite days of our wedding vacation (other than the actual wedding of course!) was the day that we spent at Loon Mountain. We had Super Adventure Passes and spent the entire day exploring everything they had to offer!

We started off our morning with mountain biking. The staff really knows their stuff and picked out our perfect bikes and got us set with directions. Andy and I haven’t ridden bikes in years and it was Josh’s first time on a mountain bike (all those gears!) so we chose for the easy route – 5 miles – and headed out. It was a fairly easy ride – as easy as you can get in the mountains! I was really proud of Josh for how awesome he did on the ride!

After our bike ride we wanted to rest for a minute so this was the perfect time for the gondola ride!

We rode it all the way to the top of the mountain.

The views were amazing! But make sure you wear bug spray! We got eaten alive by black flies once we reached the top of the mountain! Once you are at the top there are trails and caves to explore, a restaurant and a shop filled with local artists’ creations.

Once we were headed back down the mountain Josh got set up for the bungee trampoline. If you know Josh then you know this is right up his alley! He loves to bounce!

The last thing we did for the day was zip lining. None of us had ever been before and Loon Mountain was the perfect place for us to start. It’s perfect for beginners to learn and get some confidence on. Everyone got suited up and headed to the top.

The staff was amazing! Josh is afraid of heights and was really nervous. They talked to him, showed him all of the parts of the ropes and explained how they all worked. They were so nice and helpful and am we are so grateful! After they showed him how everything worked he decided to go for it! Proud mom moment! J Once he did it once he loved it. He even got brave and let go to wave! For the rest of our trip he kept talking about how he went zip lining! He was definitely proud of himself!

Loon Mountain was so much fun and the perfect place to spend our day. And make sure you plan on spending your whole day there! There is so much to do! I love the fact that everything is covered under the one price for the Adventure Pass! If you are ever in New Hampshire you need to stop by!

Make sure to follow Loon Mountain on Facebook or Twitter.

Day 1 of our Wedding Vacation

Day 2 of our Wedding Vacation

Day 3 of our Wedding Vacation

Disclosure: We received Super Adventure Passes in exchange for a review. All thoughts are 100% mine. We had the most amazing time, made some wonderful memories and will definitely be going back next time we visit New Hampshire.

Back to School Shopping: Save Big and Get FREE Kid’s Clothing!

July 6, 2013

Can you believe that it is time to start getting ready for back to school already? Josh starts in 4 weeks! Where did summer go??

thredUP is one of my favorite places to shop for clothes for kids (and myself! They have women’s clothing too!) The prices are great and everything I’ve ever received has been perfect. thredUP is an online clothing store that sells new and almost new brand name clothing. Prices start at only $2.99! Plus, new members get a $10 credit on their first order – that means FREE CLOTHES!!! Shipping is only $2.99 for the first item and $0.99 for each item after (or free on orders over $50). Their clothes are all carefully inspected and in like new condition.

Here are a few outfits I put together that would just require basics that are probably in your child’s closet already! (All outfits shown are in a size 5 so if that’s the size you are looking for I’ve got you covered! 🙂 thredUP goes up to size 20 in kids! And yes, they have boys clothes too!)

The outfit above is all from Gymboree and retails for $152! WOW!
Navy sweater cardigan $2.99
Red Sweater Vest $7.49
New with tags red t-shirt with navy ribbon $10.49
Red Cardigan $2.99
New with Tags Navy Cords $9.49

Total: $33.45
Use $10.00 New Member Credit
Final price: $23.45 (plus shipping)

Here are some more Gymboree finds! (I searched in the size I needed, the brand I wanted and then sorted by price lowest first)

Sweater Cardigan $2.99
Flower Tank top $2.99
Total: $5.98 plus $3.98 shipping
Use New Member $10 credit
Final price: BOTH FREE!!! And the ship for FREE!!! The retail price is $60!

This Gymboree set retails for $59, but you can get them both for FREE if this is your first order on thredUP!

Snowflake Cardigan $2.99
Snow Cute long sleeve t-shirt $2.99
Total: $5.98 plus $3.98 shipping
Use New Member $10 credit
Final price: BOTH FREE!!! And the ship for FREE!!!

Plus, you can clean out your child’s old clothes and request a thredUP bag. Ship them to thredUP (shipping is FREE) and get paid cash!

Make sure you sign up for our newsletter! It’s free! 🙂 Sign up here.

Posts on It’s a Fabulous Life may contain affiliate links.

Celebrate Autism Awareness Month & Giveaway!!

April 22, 2013

Celebrate Autism Awareness Month & Giveaway

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Freebies 4 Real and a few other bloggers have teamed together to celebrate Autism Awareness with a few facts and a giveaway.

Here is Char to tell you about the giveaway!

The Centers fora Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies that 1 in 88 children in the United States are on the Autism Spectrum. This has been a significant decrease over the last 40 years. Many studies also show that Autism Spectrum Disorder is four to five times more prevalent in boys than in girls. It affect approximately 2 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide. There is no definite answer but lots of research is being done to determine what causes this disorder.

Having a child with Autism I can’t stress how important it is to be aware of the signs! I’m so glad that we took notice of some signs (like not making eye contact and delay in speech) and talked to our pediatrician about them. Our pediatrician was able to get us enrolled in First Steps which came to our home (for free) for speech therapy and occupational therapy. Having that early start has helped my son so much! We worked with a great group of therapists!!

There are also many wonderful people who care for individuals with ASD. There are parents such as myself, grandparents, teachers, therapists, doctors, daycare providers, caregivers, and other family members. Though at times it may be strenuous the joy of seeing individuals with Autism progress is very rewarding. They make parents such as my husband and I extremely proud. My family and I wanted to do something special for those individuals. One lucky fan will with a prize pack which include a mug, t-shirt, necklace, and license plate holder. Please share with other you may know and enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lots of FREE Redbox Codes

February 12, 2013

We are big redbox fans at our house. We use them as a reward for jobs well done, the work week being over and everything in between. Plus I love that we can rent games out on them as well. But my favorite reason why we love redbox is because we get them for free!! There are so many codes out there that we never pay for our rentals!

You can check out the list below but I also recommend that you sign up for the text alerts. They send you free rental codes each month! You can sign up (for free) by texting SIGNUP to 727272. That’s it!

Here is a list of more codes!

FREE Redbox Codes:

Redbox Codes:
Free Rental Code: DVDONME (ongoing)
Free Redbox Code: BREAKROOM (ongoing)
Redbox promo code: REDBOX (new customers only)
Free Redbox Code: WALGREENS (ongoing) – only at Walgreen’s locations
Other Redbox Codes: (older codes but some people still have luck with some)
Redbox Codes: DWTFREE4
Free Rental Code: DVDONUS (ongoing)
Free Redbox Code: RENTONME (ongoing)
Free Rental Code: MOVIETIME (ongoing)
Free Rental Code: REDBOXHEB (expiration unknown) – only at HEB
Free Rental Code: DVDATWEG (expiration unknown) – only at Wegman’s
Free Rental Code: DVDKROG (expiration unknown) – only at Kroger locations
Free Rental Code: DVDATKROGER (expiration unknown) – only at Kroger locations
Free Redbox Code: DRIVEIN (expiration unknown) – only at Sonic locations
Free Rental Code: DVDATSONI (expiration unknown) – only at Sonic locations
Rental Coupon Code: DVDATWAG (expiration unknown) – only at Walgreen’s locations
Free Rental Codes: JINGLE

Thanks Coupon Dad!

Headbands of Hope

December 4, 2012

If you know of someone who loves wearing headbands I can’t encourage you enough to order through Headbands of Hope! I got to meet Jessica a few months ago and her organization is amazing! Not only does she have gorgeous headbands – but for every headband sold another one is donated to a girl with cancer, plus $1 to St. Baldrick’s Foundation to help find a cure.

Why headbands?

“Many girls fighting childhood cancer lose their hair during their rigorous chemotherapy treatments. Headbands are the perfect way for these girls to keep their feminine identity and have a constant reminder that they’re not alone.

For girls and women everywhere, their hair is a part of their feminine identity. Wigs can be uncomfortable and unappealing, especially to younger girls.

So why not wear a beautiful, fun, and comfortable headband instead?

Headbands of Hope provides a movement to spread hope in all girls and fight in the battle against childhood cancer, one headband at a time. ” – Headbands of Hope

I think these would make a wonderful gift – a beautiful headband with a little note tucked with it saying that a little girl also received this wonderful gift! Jessica’s story is so inspiring. The impact she has made on so many lives is amazing! She helps girls remember that they are beautiful and that cancer can’t take that away from them!

You find out more about Headbands of Hope – and purchase a headband – at their website here.

And make sure to like them on Facebook and share them on Pinterest to help everyone learn about Headbands of Hope!

Get Inspired: Birds of Hope

August 25, 2012

I love reading stories about awesome causes and people making a difference. I think it’s so inspirational of people following their dreams and changing the world. I heard about Emily and Allyson a few weeks ago and their organization is called Birds of Hope.

Birds of Hope sells adorable little birds for $5 each. Then the proceeds go to help provide clean water sources for those who need it the most.

I recently got to chat with Emily to ask her a few questions.

(Just because your young doesn’t mean you can’t change the world! Way to go ladies!!)

Can you give me any background information on the water problem? How much does it cost to get fresh water available?

“The water crisis is a serious problem in countries like Zambia, Haiti, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Swaziland, and many more places around the world. In these poverty-stricken areas, the people don’t have access to clean water and therefore must find it in ponds, lakes, ditches, and streams. This water is contaminated with life threatening diseases that cause sickness (stomach aches, dizziness, fatigue, and diarrhea). This forces parents to stay away from work and children to miss days of school. Eventually the sickness will lead to death. Waterborne diseases are the leading cause of death (even more than guns, cancer, and war!). The water crisis might just be the heart of poverty. However, with clean water devices like wells and filters, people can be healthy again! They are taught proper hygiene methods and how to maintain the well/filter. Records show that with clean water the people are healthier. Adults are able to go to work and support their families, while children can go to school to learn! Wells can range anywhere from $4,000 to $18,000 depending on the type and area that it is installed. Water filters (like bio-sand filters) only cost about $80 and fill supply a family with clean water for over 25 years! Both of these devices are amazing ways to bring clean water and hope for a better future to people in need.”

How many birds have you sold so far?

“I have raised $37,000 for clean water projects with the organizations, Active Water, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, and Doma International. Besides t-shirt sales and extra donations, I think I have made over 6,000 birds.”

What do you hope this year will bring?

“August 1st marked Birds of Hope second year anniversary, so we are now in our third year! Right now, I am just following God’s guidance. He has always provided for and encouraged us through this whole process. I trust Him to put me in the perfect situations to spread the awareness for the water crisis and to encourage others to be Kingdom Workers as well!”

Besides buying a bird is there anything else people can do to help?

“To raise funds, we sell the birds and t-shirts. When someone is willing to take the next step, we gladly appreciate it through! Many people have donated fabric, sold the birds in their stores, invited Birds of Hope to events/markets, etc. If someone is interested in doing something like that, just make sure to email me at [email protected] so we can discuss/explain the details.”

” I just recently went to Zambia, Africa this summer! Active Water (the organization we support) and Christ In Youth (the organization that organized the camp that inspired me to start Birds of Hope) took a team of teenagers to the town Ndola that the water projects are in. I went with my Dad and older sister, Olivia. We had an incredible time; I love Zambia! At first, it was a major culture-shock that almost left me in a daze! Haha But I soon adjusted and fell in love with the country. I enjoyed playing the sweet kids, getting to know the adults, learning the culture, and trying to speak the language, Bemba! Two of my favorite parts was the Sunday morning church service when I gave my testimony in the Zambian church and the bio-sand filter factory when we handmade the filters and delivered them to the people’s homes. I have so memories and stories of Zamiba. I cannot wait to return to Zambia some day!”

Check out Birds of Hope’s website and make sure to follow Emily on Facebook.

For information on how to buy a bird/shirt ( the birds would be adorable for adding to Christmas trees and packaging!) you can visit here.

Our Florida trip…

April 14, 2012

It’s such a dark and rainy day today so Josh and I have been hanging out – playing Scooby Doo Monopoly, doing laundry (well I’ve been doing laundry) and I’m going through my pictures. We took a trip to Florida in January and on a day like today I wish I could go back! Ahh the beach..