SMART, SILLY, FUN ON THE MENU FOR OVATION BRANDS® RESTAURANTS’ SPRING FAMILY NIGHTS Plus a Giveaway- USA and Canada

There’s a lot to look forward to this Spring at Ovation Brands^’ portfolio of restaurants… with all-new Family Night festivities taking place every Thursday night between March 17^th through May 12^th. Featuring the ever-popular Amelia Bedelia from children’s literature, kids of all ages are invited to participate in educational yet lighthearted group activities that celebrate words, science, cooking, the seasons, and even this year’s upcoming presidential election.

ACTIVITIES FOR SPRING

All Family Night Kids’ Activities are free to all guests at participating Ryan’s^®, HomeTown^® Buffet, Old Country Buffet® and Country Buffet^® locations. Kids simply meet up in the designated activity area, where an adult staff member will be leading the night’s fun-filled experience. Parents are welcome to enjoy a quiet meal in the meantime, or join in with kids as desired. Along with each weekly event, children will also receive “fun sheets” that relate back to each night’s theme.

Upcoming events include:

-         March 17 “St. Patrick’s Day” brings kids along on a magical four-leaf clover hunt with prizes, candies, and free dinner coupons for those that collect the most clovers. Extra clovers will be given to kids who show up wearing green.

-         March 24 “Let’s Run for Office!” teaches kids the basics about election time and how to campaign by making slogans, buttons, and campaign promises before holding their own mini election.

-         March 31 “Spring Selfie” is a great social media photo-booth-style experience the whole family can take part in. Frames, decorations, and mini props will be provided at each location.

-         April 7 “Bake Off!” gets children into the wholesome fun of cooking by baking one of Amelia Bedelia’s favorites – classic Apple Pie.

-         April 14 “Recipes Done Right” helps kids see how important it is to follow instructions – especially when baking – with a fun ‘scramble’ game to see which team can re-create certain recipes.

-         April 21 “Fly a Kite” celebrates one of Springtime’s most popular activities by coloring and assembling a miniature kite for flying or decorating their rooms

-         April 28 “Dream Pie” invites children to explore their imaginations and their appetites with a colorful design-your-own pie creation to share with the group

-         May 5 “The Power of Words That Help Out” features Amelia Bedelia and her silly mix-ups of common phrases as kids discover the multiple meanings of words and phrases during a Simon-Says-style game.

-         May 12 “Magic Words” highlights Amelia Bedelia once again – but this time showing how words can make a difference through manners and also through magic – with multiple magical demonstrations kids can recreate at home.

Families can also save on Family Nights from 3:30PM – Close when kids under age 11 can eat for $1.99. This offer is valid for up to two kids per regular priced adult meal purchase. Families can also enter for a chance to win a 7-night Caribbean cruise for a family of four including air transportation, courtesy of MSC Cruises. For more information about the prize or how to enter, visit www.AmeliaBedeliaFamilyFunSweeps.com.

For more information about family-night activities, or to learn more about Ryan’s^®, HomeTown Buffet^®, Country Buffet^® Old Country Buffet^®, visit www.Ryans.com, www.HomeTownBuffet.com, and www.OldCountryBuffet.com.

Enter to win:

To celebrate the promotion as well as the sweepstakes, we want to offer our readers a special prize pack, with an Amelia Bedelia sticker pack, bonnet pack, poster, brochure, and 4 paperback books – Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie, Amelia Bedelia Makes a Friend, Amelia Bedelia, Amelia Bedelia Means Business. $100 Value

One winner will receive the prize pack above. Both Canada or the USA can enter and the draw will be made by Random.org on  March 31, 2016


To Enter:
Leave a comment with your contact info if your familiar with Amelia Bedelia books. Limit one entry per household.


Good Luck To All!

Today's Trip Into Mexico

Since my dentist wasn't going to be available back home when we got there, we decided to make a trip into Los Algodones, Mexico today.

Took us an hour and a half drive south to get there. Went in the RV. Parked in a huge parking lot for $12 for RV's and walked over. It was that simple.

It was an eye opener. So many people selling their wares, people with their kids in tow or sleeping anywhere while their parents peddled fruit, clothing, jewelry, purses, etc. Seems like a hard life, and that sun was so hot today too. It was 91 degrees there. 

We were hounded by people as soon as we got there- especially one trying to sell us dental services, which we were looking for anyhow. We followed the guy as we had seen the same building on YouTube and another traveler had been there before. We were told that check ups and xrays were free.
We both got cleanings for $30 each. 

Gerry was told he could use 3 bridges and would cost $1800 US total.
I was told I actually had no cavities but sensitive teeth which they put a sealant on. And have an issue still with my wisdom tooth that is causing me grief and should come out. Which would mean cutting the gum. Ouch. One I have to think about and not sure I want to get that done by anyone but my family dentist..but let me think on that.

We bought a few things only close by in the area we were in. As we really felt hounded tremendously by street vendors.Even the dentists, drugstores, eye doctors, etc have people outside their stores calling you to their store.
Once we got into the border line to come back across, and it was a LONG line, there were Mexicans there singing for money, selling things, and begging for you to buy what they were selling.

I wish we could have given to everyone as wow it was so hot to be out there.Even seniors sitting on the sidewalk and holding up baskets for change.
I bought a basket of strawberries from an older man selling for $1. Out on the corner of the sidewalk in the hot sun. The strawberries looked just picked and smelled good, but I had to think of how little he really gets for all that he does.
I left Mexico feeling truly blessed . Blessed for the life I have. Blessed for the life we both have.

Review and Giveaway: SunFrog t-shirts (Canada/USA)

I wear alot of t-shirts. It's what I feel comfortable in. Gerry too.. with a looser fit as well, they even are great to wear to bed. I found a company on the internet called SunFrog. Sunfrog t-shirts is an online company, where you can order a huge variety of really great t-shirts. 

On the site, you can find t-shirts with some really fun sayings on them. You can search on the site for over 3 million designs. For example you can find many different animal t-shirts for dog or cat lovers, or you can get a camping t-shirt. There really are so  many great ones to pick from. The prices are very reasonable for the SunFrog t-shirts, and can range anywhere from $19 to $35. If you are interested in hoodies you can order those on the site too, and the price range for those is $29-$45. 

Gerry and I got some real great ones- see our pictures below....and these are great t-shirt quality.

Gerry's fit true to size but I had to get mine in a size bigger than normal. There is however a sizing chart on the site that is best to check before you place an order.

SunFrog would love to also give away a t-shirt to one of our lucky readers in Canada or the USA. You can pick the t-shirt of your size or style, men's or ladies. A random draw will be made by Random.org on March 30, 2016 from all entries received.

To Enter:

Tell me who you would like to win the t-shirt for and why? and dont forget to leave your contact info in case you win!

Good luck to all!

Update on The Bees

Update on this bee mass from the other day. Before and After- finding out they were only a mass all on the tree and not a hive at all!

Skylanders Power Blue Crew- for Autism Awareness Month

Have you heard?

Skylanders SuperChargers and Autism Speaks are supporting kids and families affected by autism with the release of a limited edition action figure line – the Skylanders Power Blue crew- for Autism Awareness Month. 

Available now, the Power Blue crew features blue-and-white-colored Skylanders SuperChargers characters including Splatter Splasher, Trigger Happy, Splat and Gold Rusher – all of which appear in-game as their special colors! These characters will retail at the suggested price of $12.99 (SuperChargers) and $14.99  (vehicles).

Skylanders is supporting Autism in several ways beyond the creation of Power Blue toys:

·        Supporting an employee-match donation program for Autism Speaks

·        Encouraging participation in the Autism Speaks Walk on April 2 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca in support of World Autism Awareness Day

·        Activision is also making donations to non-profits that are making a difference in the autism community

The toys are on store shelves now at participating retailers in the U.S. and Europe and will be available starting April 1 in Canada.

Skylanders Social Media Handles:

·        Instagram @SkylanderstheGame

·        Twitter @SkylandersGame

·        Facebook.com/SkylandersGame

·        #Skylanders

A Message From My Daughter, Erika

Hey everyone,

I enjoyed last year’s Rope For Hope so much that I’m hoping to participate again this year – and I’m dragging my boyfriend with me!! However, we can’t rappel without YOUR help so please consider donating in support of local, magical wish granting efforts!!

You can help support me/us by making a secure online donation using the links below:

 https://cause2give.unxvision.com/P2PWeb/PublicParticipantPage.aspx?EventId=832&LanguageId=1&ParticipantIdView=31885

https://cause2give.unxvision.com/P2PWeb/PublicParticipantPage.aspx?EventId=832&LanguageId=1&ParticipantIdView=31886

If you can’t donate, then I hope you’re at least cheering me/us on this summer!!

For more information on how YOU can participate in Make-A-Wish® Rope For Hope, please visit us at https://cause2give.unxvision.com/P2PWeb/Default.aspx?EventId=445&LanguageId=1.

For more information about Make-A-Wish visit www.makeawish.ca.

Thanks for your support! J

Erika Rowe

It Works- It Really Does!

SERIOUSLY OUR WRAPS MAKE ME SO HAPPY!!!!🙌🏻💚 they truly make people feel good by tightening toning and firming which in return makes people want to get healthy and maintain these results! ✨ it's a WIN WIN FOR EVERYONE!!! Why wouldn't you use them? 4 = a treatment 

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Today is National Cereal Day!

With help from Food Network’s Chef Justin Warner, General Mills Big G cereals is introducing several spoon-worthy customized recipes using favorite cereals.  From Trix Sunrise Chill Pie, to a traditional bowl of cereal, everyone has a reason to celebrate #NationalCerealDay!  Of course Justin’s recipe creations wouldn’t be complete without a tasty and festive Happy Hour concoction:  Fruity Cheerios Coladas (umbrella optional). 

Why celebrate? This year is especially exciting to celebrate #NationalCerealDay because General Mills Big G cereals are celebrating the many reasons why parents and kids can feel good about enjoying their favorite cereals. Moms and dads shopping today’s cereal aisles will find that:

  All General Mills Big G cereals have whole grains as the first ingredient

  Many childhood favorites have decreased sugar levels to be 10 grams or less per serving

  Cereal is a good or excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D and Calcium

  75% of General Mills cereals do not contain artificial flavors and colors from artificial sources

Now that your childhood favorites are better than ever, you can love cereal even more and enjoy it during #NationalCerealDay.

Sweet Treats- Easter's Indulgences

Easter is just around the corner, and with Easter comes the multitude of sweet treats, candy eggs, chocolate bunnies and tempting cakes!

Many families organize Easter egg hunts for their kids when all sorts of sweet goodies are hidden to later be found. In this sweet time of year, remember to indulge a little and celebrate Spring with our friends from:

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory-

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has been entertaining chocolate consumers in Canada since opening its very first location in Whistler Village in 1988. Twenty nine years later they now host over 65 locations coast-to-coast. Step into a Rocky Mountain and you’ll get that ‘kid in a candy store’ feeling again.  Their stores are bursting with Easter goodies with a wide selection of treats for every budget. 

From chocolate bunnies to eggs they are the Easter Bunny’s official supplier. Come in for a dip, they look forward to seeing you!



AquaBall-

AquaBall, the sugar-free, naturally flavored water is perfect for a parent looking for a healthier alternative to all of those sugary, Easter sweet treats. Loaded with essential B & C vitamins, natural fruit flavors and sweetened with Stevia, AquaBall is the easy solution to finding a beverage that both kids and parents will love. Available in four flavors, Fruit Punch, Orange, Berry Frost and Grape, AquaBall features fan favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen, Disney Princesses, Marvel Avengers, and Disney Classic Characters.

The Hershey Company-

The Hershey Company has new sweet treats and delicious classics to make sure everyone enjoys a “hoppy” Easter this March. Make this Easter, a #Hershey Easter.

Inspired By Happiness:

Easter celebrations almost always calls for candy and chocolate. This year, try a new chocolate indulgence and treat your family to an Inspired by Happiness gluten-free cake. The homemade taste and amazing, moist textures which Inspired by Happiness has created make the perfect Easter treat, and are safe for those who suffer from Celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant. The three cakes that Inspired by Happiness features are their Dreamin' of Chocolate Dark & White Chocolate Layer Cake, Dreamin' of Strawberries White Chocolate Shortcake, and Cravin' for Cookies & CreamLayered Cake – no matter your flavor preference, there’s a great tasting cake for the whole family!


**Watch this spot for more great Easter Sweet ideas..

More Pics From Out Here in the Desert- La Posa South, Quartzsite, Arizona

Been more blooming happening out here and on our walk today noticed possibly a wasp nest up in the tree. We've walked under this tree many a time and hadn't noticed before till today. Needless to say, we'll be walking on the road till we get past it.
** click on photos to enlarge